Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

There is nothing more soothing than a comforting lullaby. The gentle lyrics, often set to a simple tune, have lulled infants to sleep for centuries. Mothers everywhere make up their own little ditties. Some have survived through the generations and there are definitely some that are more recognizable than others. The purpose remains the same: to demonstrate love and comfort to a sleeping child. Author and poet J.R. Poulter demonstrates the continuing tradition of lyrical lullabies in her delightful little treasure, The Boat to Lullaby Bay. Accompanied by colorful and soothing illustrations by artist Niki Leonidou, this book makes an excellent bedtime story book to lull young children to sleep and to dream happy dreams.

The first lullaby, “On the Rock-a-Bye Boat”, bears the illusion of another well known lullaby, “Rock-a-Bye Baby”. However, this is quite different and the repetitive motion of the rhyming words allows the listener to imagine the gentle rocking motion of a boat on water, without concern for the baby falling out of the cradle of the age-old lullaby. Every word is carefully and appropriately chosen to suggest comfort, care and love. “In your little rocking ship,/ Adrift on a billowing wave,/ You sail where night winds heave a sigh,/ Shushing your dreams to rock-a-bye/ Away in Cuddle Cave Bay.” I love the suggestion of Cuddle Cave Bay.

Another lullaby, “Rain Song Lullaby”, introduces sound words as the baby is unknowingly, perhaps, taught to listen closely to the gentle rhythm the rain makes. And, “One Little Baby” is a clever counting rhyme lullaby that will entertain as well as teach young minds. There are also a couple of lullabies about the moon, which are beautifully illustrated. A beautiful book in both words and illustrations. Well done!