Booklist Reviews Bertie At Bedtime:

Bertie and his father may be hippos, but this story of getting a child fed and ready for bed is universal and
familiar. At first, young Bertie doesn't want to eat supper because he is busy playing. Dad says he will
play with Bertie after supper and toothbrushing, and he keeps his promise—chasing Bertie, giving him a
fun bath, and playing hide-and-seek. After three books (including classics such as Good Night, Hippo) and
a quick succession of bedtime dances, at least one hippo is ready for bed: Dad. Pfister's hippos are an
irresistible pair, full of sweetness and life. Although Pfister uses a single floral pattern for wallpaper,
flooring, furniture, and clothes, he keeps the art from becoming boring by running the pattern through
vivid and appealing shades of purple, blue, green, pink, and orange. The book's last spread is a charmer: as
Dad lies curled up on a bundle of blankets and pillows, Bertie cuddles up close. "Good night, Daddy," he
says. "Tomorrow we can play some more."