If you're expecting a straightforward book of rhymes to murmur at bedtime, think again. Eugene Field's Selected Lullabies is more like a series of short, whimsical plays set in the nursery after dark.

The Story

There isn't one continuous plot, but a collection of scenes from the world of sleep. Each poem is a tiny story. You'll meet Wynken, Blynken, and Nod fishing for stars in a wooden shoe boat. You'll witness the quiet rebellion of a little doll who doesn't want to go to bed. You'll follow the journey of The Sugar-Plum Tree and The Dinkey-Bird in its branches. The 'characters' are often the child's own possessions—toys, pillows, moonlight—brought to life with humor and tenderness. The through-line is the gentle transition from the day's last wakeful moments into the peaceful, sometimes silly, realm of dreams.

Why You Should Read It

This book surprised me. I picked it up for the nostalgia but stayed for the wit. Field doesn't talk down to children; he invites them into a secret club where the rules of the daytime don't apply. The language is musical and cozy, but it's also clever. He understands the child's mind—the stubbornness, the wonder, the bargaining at bedtime. As an adult reader, it’s a powerful time machine. A line about a worn-out rocking horse or a sleepy kitten can instantly transport you back to the feeling of your own childhood bed. It captures that specific, safe melancholy of being lovingly tucked in.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for parents looking for something richer than a standard bedtime story to share. It's also for anyone who loves classic, melodic poetry that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you enjoy the gentle whimsy of A.A. Milne or the nostalgic charm of Peter Pan, you'll find a friend in Eugene Field. Just be warned: you might start seeing personalities in your own old teddy bears after reading it.