"I smell winter in the air." Bear knows it's time to crawl into a cave and fall asleep, but first Snail must be told. Snail feels compelled to inform Skunk. Following that pattern Turtle, Woodchuck, and Ladybug also find out that autumn is over. A gentle surprise ending precedes the quiet final page on which all settle into hibernation with a round of "good nights," welcome sounds for young listeners ready for sleep themselves, in any season. Fleming's trademark handmade paper created from colored cotton rag fiber is assembled in bold visual shapes and autumnal colors. (Ages 2-5) Highly Commended, Charlotte Zolotow Award

A warm, inviting bedtime book from a Caldecott winning illustrator.

"Bear sniffed once.
She sniffed twice.
'I smell winter in the air. . . .'"

A chill is in the air and Bear knows it is time for her winter nap. But first, she must tell Snail. And Snail must tell Skunk. And Skunk must tell Turtle. Each animal who tries to put off going to sleep just a little longer sees, smells, hears, or tastes the signs of the impending season. Finally, Ladybug rushes off to tell Bear--already asleep in her cave--the exciting news.

Denise Fleming presents a warm-hearted story about animals of the forest settling down for their winter nap. But, like children who must go to bed for the night, they each find a way to put it off just a little bit longer. Richly illustrated in fall colors, Denise Fleming's Time to Sleep world is right on target for preschoolers.