A Family Favorite

It constantly amazes me that truly good books like this one are out of print. Written by the legendary Frank Asch this charming book has captured my kids' hearts. Okay, and mine too.

*Goodnight Horsey* is the story of a little girl who, in the process of going to bed one night, changes the usual order of things --water, story, kiss, lights out-- and asks her father to give her a "horsey ride".

Her father then, page by page, changes into a horse while she becomes an Indian Princess. First dad's hands and feet become hooves. Then his ears grow long and he grows a tail and mane eventually becoming a horse retaining only his good nature and glasses.

Giddyap, the princess says, they ride "as fast as the wind". It is lovely how various pieces of furniture are changed into elements in woods as they play.

When the little girl finally hears that it is time for bed everything begins to convert back. Her dad, still partially a horse, brings her the usual cup of water and begins to read her a goodnight story. But this time instead of her dad giving her a kiss, he falls asleep (worn out one assumes and the little girl gets the opportunity to take care of him. She pulls a blanket off her bed, covers her father with it and gives him a kiss. Goodnight, she says to her slumbering dad.

A charmingly sweet bedtime story. ( )