Bedtime for Batman

PreS-K—In this Dark Knight tale for the youngest fans, a plucky boy prepares for bed by fantasizing about bounding in the footsteps of his hero. Donning Batman pajamas, he imagines each of his nightly rituals paralleling the adventures of the Caped Crusader. First he has to clean things up (in the bathroom) just as Batman does (in a dark sewer). He must lock things away (his toys) just as Batman does (the villains). There are those who depend on him (a hungry goldfish) just as there are those who depend on Batman (the citizens of Gotham). The dramatic, brightly saturated illustrations are satisfyingly reminiscent in style of the graphic novels for older Batman devotees. There's plenty of gentle humor, such as a scene of the boy wearing only a black cape and white underpants and facing the toilet with hands on hips and "business to take care of." While children may not buy bedtime as a "great adventure," they are likely to settle down to absorb this fun tale featuring their favorite character. Meanwhile, parents will appreciate the good-humored brevity that leads efficiently to lights out.