Newbery medalist Patricia MacLachlan and Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor winner Tomie dePaola have joined forces to create a stunning and lyrical new bedtime picture book that’s sure to become an instant classic.

The moon’s almost here.
Robin sings in her nest.
Babies fly back to her,
ready to rest.

The moon’s almost here.
There’s no time to play.
Mama sheep hurries;
Sun’s going away.

Nighttime is approaching as each animal readies itself for bed in this lyrical picture book text by Patricia MacLachlan. In striking paintings with a calming palette, Tomie dePaola imagines the scene through the eyes of mime Pierrot and his child.

About The Author

Photograph by John MacLachlan

Patricia MacLachlan

Patricia MacLachlan (1938–2022) was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb’s Story; Edward’s Eyes; The True Gift; Waiting for the Magic; White Fur Flying; Fly Away; and Snow Horses. She lived in western Massachusetts.

About The Illustrator

Photograph © Laurent Linn

Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.

Product Details

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (June 7, 2016)
Length: 32 pages
ISBN13: 9781481420624
Ages: 4 - 8
Lexile ® AD450L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

"[T]he illustrations are undeniably lovely and the words flow smoothly and soothingly. . . ."

– Kirkus Reviews

*"It’s nearly time for the moon to rise, and all of nature knows what that means. “The moon’s almost here./ Mama duck drifts to shore,” writes Newbery Medalist MacLachlan in lullaby-like verse. “Ducklings swim after:/ One, two, three, and four.” . . . . Witnessing it all are two figures: a redheaded boy in an old-fashioned nightgown and an adult in a white clown outfit and white makeup. Adult readers may recognize the latter as the iconic pantomime character Pierrot, cast as a doting father . . . . dePaola’s openhearted, virtuosic artistry reveals a deep connection between the pair, with the boy often echoing his father’s theatrical miming gestures. Together, pictures and text establish their own reality—one that’s immensely reassuring."

– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

"This enchanting bedtime tale is sure to lead sleepyheads to dreamland. . . . MacLachlan and dePaola, who have a handful of major awards between them, are popular enough on their own; this collaboration will certainly draw a crowd."

– Booklist

"MacLachlan’s lyrical text combines with ethereal illustrations by dePaola in this simultaneously nostalgic and fresh bedtime book."

– Horn Book