There really aren't enough words to describe the beauty of this book. In the text, jungle babies are frightened by the changes night brings, but Mama Elephant explains each one and repeats her mantra, "You're safe with me." It's a simple, reassuring message of love and security.

But, oh -- the artwork. Poonam Mistry's intricate illustrations, rife with swirling movement and singing colors, lift this short, simple picture book into the realm of art, and Lantana Publishing has acknowledged this in the production values with luxurious, heavyweight, glossy paper and border-to-border color.

The style is exotic, the colors are rich enough to eat, and though some of the animals may be unfamiliar to children (or rendered in ways that make them difficult to identify), it doesn't really matter.

This is not a 3-minutes-and-off-you-go-to-bed experience. Each page continues to reveal more detail, more surprises, the longer it is studied. Plants, insects, raindrops -- all have something to say are transposed by Mistry's artistry. ( )

Stunningly beautiful, breath-taking illustrations both the author and illustrator are of Indian heritage, and the illustrations and rich folktale blends India and its culture, natural beauty.

In this tale, night is fast approaching, and the baby animals of the jungle are getting nervous because of the natural elemental happenings. The moon arose and the stars accompanied it. Darkness and night time noises made the babies exceedingly nervous. It is mama elephant who soothes the babies by telling them "hush" and rocking them saying "You're Safe With Me."

The trees are making sounds as a result of the wind. And, as the book notes, the babies awake and are afraid. Beautifully, the mama reminds the babies that the wind is not an enemy, rather it is a friend that helps scatter seeds from other countries. In particular, the monkey is very scared. Reminded again that "You're Safe With Me," which then allows the babies to lose their fear.

When the thunder claps loudly while clapping and echoing throughout, again there is fear. And again, the mama elephant reminds the babies they are safe and there is necessity in the thunder and the ensuing rain which enables the forest to grow those seeds that the wind scattered. All is natural; all is a necessary part of life.

And with the thunder, the rain pours down and the lightening is bright as it rends the sky. Now, mama reminds the babies that the thunder will help the stars shine. And, the same mantra reminds the babies they are safe.

Throughout the book when each natural element makes noise, the babies learn that nature is natural and exceedingly necessary. Always giving the reason why there is a reason, and they should feel safe.

I read and let the beauty of the images take over, creating a sense of peace. Like the baby animals, I was mesmerized by the images and the repeating soft message allowing the necessary sleep to overtake them.

I've read many illustrated books, thus far those illustrated by Poonam Mistry are by far the most beautiful, soul inspiring peaceful art!!! ( )

Mama Elephant comforts restless baby animals at bedtime, explaining that the wind is an old friend of the forest, thunder brings needed rain, and lightning sparkles brightly and "turns into little shiny stars when thunder returns to the sea." Mama Elephant explains all the scary noises - their sources and their purposes - so the little ones aren't afraid anymore.

See also: Sleep Like A Tiger by Mary Logue and Pamela Zagarenski ( )

When the animals of the jungle can't get to sleep, it is gentle Mama Elephant who soothes them in this lovely bedtime book from author Chitra Soundar and illustrator Poonam Mistry. As they grow frightened at various natural phenomena, from thunder to rain, she continually assures them that they are safe in her care...

One of three such picture-book collaborations between Soundar and Poonam - others include You're Snug With Me and You're Strong With Me - You're Safe With Me is an absolutely beautiful book, featuring breathtakingly gorgeous folk-style illustrations from Mistry, and a gently reassuring narrative from Soundar. Little human children who have the same fears as the animals here will no doubt find Mama Elephant's calm presence soothing. I have read other books from this author - notably, some of her Farmer Falgu stories, as well as her Shubh Diwali! - but this is my first encounter with the artwork of Poonam Mistry. I certainly hope it will not be the last, as I found the illustrations here stunning! Recommended to anyone looking for soothing and beautifully-illustrated bedtime books for younger children. ( )