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After reading this adorable book, I have added a new favorite bedtime story to my list!

Animals Are Sleeping by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Gary Phillips is great for putting children down for naps or bedtime and perfect just for a simple story time as well. Not only a soothing, "sleepy time" book, but also a great educational tool, teaching kids about animals and their sleeping habits. Each page exhibits a new animal, sleeping of course, illustrated beautifully with soft colors in calming, flowing strokes. The reader can use a whisper voice in order to ready the child to sleep, getting quieter with each "shh, shh."

The last few pages of the book explain what each pictured animal is, as well as a fact fill-in to use as the children learn more about the animals of the story. You can start by reading this book to infants, as I certainly plan to do, and because of the educational factors, the story can grow with the child. This has definitely become a favorite in my house and I know I won't be able to keep it on the shelves at the library either.

Kaitlyn, Maggie and Liesel are best friends. They have lived in Marshfield Lake forever, and each are known for something special. Maggie is a super athlete, Liesel is a great artist, and Kaitlyn is a fantastic babysitter, who just happens to have a bit of a competitive streak.

One day at lunch, Maggie invites new girl Nola over to their lunch table. Nola's from L.A. and you can definitely tell. Her clothes are always perfect and there is something competitive about her that Kaitlyn doesn't like.

Kaitlyn definitely decides that Nola is not to be liked when she not only starts taking over Kaitlyn's babysitting gigs, but is also seen nose to nose with resident hottie Topher Walker.

How far will Kaitlyn go to one-up Nola? How long can her friends stand her blowing them off in the name of competition?

This is a super cutie patootie title that is a breeze to read. It's chock full of tween girl issues like crushes, being grounded, and friendship. Candy Apple seems to be Scholastic's latest tween series. And with a cover like this, how can it miss? Each title is written by a different author. This one is by Mimi McCoy, and there are others by Laura Dower, Francesco Sedita, Lisa Papdemetriou, and Lara Bergen. Perhaps you've heard of a couple of them?

I know come the fall, these will be in the hands for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at my school.

Yay.