A Lion in the Night

A nighttime romp, first published in Australia, from the author/illustrator of Who Sank the Boat? and Bertie and the Bear. The infant daughter of the King and Queen makes a wish and is whisked away by her toy-turned-real lion; her family pursues them over mountains, through fields, and across the sea. As morning nears, they grow tired, so the lion invites them all back to the castle for breakfast. Afterwards, "because it was morning, the lion just disappeared." Allen's funny drawings, full of lovable characters and amusing details - the pursuers, in striped pajamas, are deployed across the double spreads in a series of rhythmical dances to echo the wonderfully cadenced text. The dream-adventure makes the night exciting, but leaves baby safe and sound when the sun rises, in this fantasy that begs to be shared aloud. (Kirkus Reviews)