But If They Do — Bill Richardson

Nighty-night
Sleep tight
Don't let The bedbugs bite.

This familiar refrain sets the scene for the nightly imaginings of an inventive child. The very mention of bedbugs fires the child's imagination, and soon she is busy dispatching the bugs. Father's repeated "Nighty-nights" to settle the child only conjures up another creature in the restless child's mind.

As the ghoul, the monster, and finally the vampire each submit to the high-spirited child, Father quietly brings it to an end by reciting, "No buts. Sleepy, sleepy. Eyes shut."

This is a beguiling story filled with humor and rising anticipation following each "Nighty-night."

Marc Mongeau's fun-filled artwork embodies the comical spirit that makes the story such a pleasurable read.