Just In Case You Want to Fly, written by julie fogliano and illustrated by christian robinson. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2019. $24.99 ages 2 and up

"and if you get itchy
here's a scratch on your back

here's a rock to skip
and a coin to wish
and a fork
and a spoon
and a cup
and a dish ... "

Take two amazing artists who adeptly capture the spirit of little ones, put them together to create a book full of appeal and charm, and you have this adventurous romp that will have listeners smiling from start to finish.

It is an invitation to readers to take flight, offering every imaginable support for embarking on the  challenge. It proposes dreams filled with magic, and encourages those dreams and many others. It has no boundaries ... from forks and spoons to rocks and wishes to ringing bells and needed toothbrushes. It encourages singing, telling jokes, and a warm and loving end to a busy day.

"here's a blanket
and here's a dream
and some kisses
on your head

here's a pillow
and here's a song
for when you go to bed"

Perfect picture books are made when two brilliant people work to make what Peter Reynolds calls "wisdom dipped in words and art!" The great book needs both. That happens here. Ms. Fogliano's playful words are strengthened by Mr. Robinson's lively paint and collage illustrations. It's their second book together (When's My Birthday?, 2017). In the spirit of this one, we can hopefully wish for more.

What fun awaits when you choose this for your next bedtime read!