"Who knew a school needed some shut-eye, too? As the school
closes for the night, the class turtle leaves its aquarium to explore and the
tan-skinned Night Guard starts her rounds, turning off lights and checking that
all’s safe, clean, and tucked away neatly. Expressed in languid … verse, this
story gives readers a good idea of what the guard’s job entails: plenty. The
real highlights, though, are the slyly clever illustrations, which will be
particularly appreciated by those who enjoy finding hidden objects in artwork.
Virtually every page contains inanimate objects that resemble faces with smiles
or half-closed eyes. In a classroom, a round reading rug with pillows for eyes
smiles sleepily; a couch in the teachers’ lounge seems ready for slumber. Other
objects look like cozy beds, such as cafeteria lunch trays with napkins for
pillows. Musical instruments dream, cubbies snooze, and a water fountain
appears to be drooling in its sleep. Even the facade of the school building,
with its droopy window shades and door, looks comically as though it’s about to
doze off. Kids will relish discovering these and many more ingenious images
throughout, not to mention tracking that errant turtle, whose path may be
followed on every page. (It’s returned safely to bed, in case you’re
wondering.) The titular school may be sleepy, but kids will stay awake long
enough to pore over the inspired artwork. (Picture book. 5-8)"
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