Hey Little Rockabye: A Lullaby for Pet Adoption

Hey Little Rockabye: A Lullaby for Pet Adoption follows a young girl in her quest to adopt a pet. During a walk with her parents, she notices a vehicle from the local animal shelter, and this event later inspires her art and appears in her dreams. Upon visiting the shelter with her parents the following day, the girl chooses a bumbling little puppy to adopt. The family bursts with love for their new addition.

Told in sparse by catchy verse, this moving song will surely inspire many young children to ask necessary questions about animal shelters and adoption. Since this is a topic not often found in Canadian children’s literature, Hey Little Rockabye: A Lullaby for Pet Adoption certainly fills a niche. The music is provided in the final pages; the text lends itself to singing rather than speaking. Although the tune, itself, is simple and melodic, the 6/8 time may not be the easiest for a novice singer. A note from the author, Buffie Sainte-Marie, along with photos of her beloved animals, expresses the “special joy” she feels while in their presence.

Hodson’s illustrations beautifully complement the text, showing a range of expressions on characters’ faces, within simple yet enlightening scenes, never cluttering the page. Of note is his depiction of multicultural characters, reflecting our diverse Canadian society. Hey Little Rockabye: A Lullaby for Pet Adoption should be strongly considered for all Canadian children’s collections.