The challenge of bedtime touches on familiar obstacles and a mother's creative efforts to coax her reluctant toddler to sleep. Animal imagery abounds throughout as the child growls while climbing into bed with a toy bear, and then coils "beneath the quilt, silent as a snake." After an under-the-bed monster check, and a favorite book, the youngster hangs on like a koala to receive a final kiss. Despite all the evening rituals, including a glass of water and one last trip to the bathroom, the child (and a parade of animals) ends up in bed with both parents on the final pages. Realistic illustrations of a Black family contrast with stylized, patterned animals in fanciful hues. (Ages 2-5)