When Mama Comes Home Tonight/When Papa Comes Home Tonight

Eileen Spinelli's two tender nighttime stories, written more than 10 years apart (Mama in 1998, illustrated by Jane Dyer; and Papa in 2009, illustrated by David McPhail) are compiled in this soothing, iconographic-animated DVD, narrated by the author. The illustrations in both employ a soft color palette, beautifully rounded shapes, and delicate details to capture the mellow mood, while the rhymes are gentle and soothing. In the opener, Mama comes home to give her child a bath, pick up toys, and mend a pair of favorite jammies. In the second offering, Papa comes home, tries a new recipe, and fixes a broken wagon. And both parents, of course, share bedtime stories. Sound effects—a squeaky rocking chair, a whistling tea kettle—are minimal but nicely placed. DVD extras include a brief conversation with Spinelli in which she talks about her own parents. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (G.A. DeCandido)