"This gentle title is wholly original and a homage to the classic bedtime story. Universalities, such as a loving family coaxing an adorably stalling child to bed, are also depicted. A charming, soothing bedtime tale that begs to be shared again and again." -- School Library Journal "Isadora revisits the rural African setting of some of her fairy tale retellings in a story spotlighting the age-old phenomenon of bedtime stalling. The repetition gives the story a predictable, lilting cadence that invites children to echo Lala's good night wishes. Dramatic oil-and-ink artwork offers tender portraits of Lala gently interacting with each animal against a darkening landscape as the sun descends, the moon rises, and shadows emerge." -- Publishers Weekly "The African setting is harmoniously rendered in oils and ink, and, as night falls, the scenes become even richer. Lila, her hair in twisty braids, dressed in a simple shift, is a sweet yet spunky heroine who captures the universal defiance of children at bedtime.

" -- Booklist "There are some behaviors that span the globe. Preschool-perfect conflict, and the text could not be simpler, giving to Isadora's illustrations, oil paint and ink, all the drama of sunset on the African plains. The ever-deepening blue of the sky is the backdrop to a rich display of plants and animals, all naturally but boldly hued and anchored by the human forms of Lala and her family and their fellow villagers. A twist at the end . is a good gentle joke in its own right but also serves to reinforce the universality of the situation." -- The Horn Book "Bright, expressive spreads. Gentle narrative. Parents and children may find their own protracted bedtime negotiations lovingly reflected in this worthy title.

" -- School Library Journal.