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Bedtime is a fun time around our house full of snuggles on the couch, snacks, and reading books. I’ve put together several book lists on lots of topics, but this time I thought I’d share with you some great children’s books on bedtime that we’ve read.
by Kate BanksEver wonder what the moon thinks about all that happens at bedtime? This sweet book gives its take on nighttime happenings.
Russell the Sheep
Going to sleep doesn’t come as easily to Russell as it does the rest of the flock. A cute book to read that got some giggles out of my troop.
No Jumping on the Bed!
If you’re a fan of the Fly Guy books, them this one is for you! It’s a fun book about what happens to an uber wild boy at bedtime. The rhymes are fun for our toddler while the hilarious pictures entertain our 7 year old.
by Sarah EllisBen loves going over to his friend’s house to play. One night, he gets asked to stay overnight. But Ben feels he might be too afraid to sleep somewhere unfamiliar. This book is a great one to help children prepare for their first nights away from mom and dad.
Tuck Me In!
This book is fun because of the flaps that let little hands tuck in a variety of baby animals. I will say, the toddler loved it more than the 7 year old.
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
This is book is one that we read every few nights, the kids love it so. With a “House That Jack Built” vibe, we see a sleeping child, his dozing granny, and the family pets plus on uninvited guest that shakes things up. Love the illustrations in it, too!
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
This book has been one of our favorites for some time now; first with Bear, now with Sunny. Through cute rhymes, the reader says goodnight to all the different trucks at the construction site. Great for kids who love rhyming and/or trucks.
How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight?
This is a fairly simple counting book. Would be a sweet little nighttime tradition to start.
Day Is Done
This book is based off of a song I’ve not heard, but the words are lovely just the same. As all the animal parents tuck their babies in, they reassure them that they are there with them and will keep them safe. I got a bit teary while reading this book!
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
There’s something about the How Do Dinosaur book series. Who would have ever thought to imagine what life would be like with dinosaurs as your children? This is a cute book that shows what NOT to do at bedtime.
Cuddle Up, Goodnight
This is a simple book, but darling nonetheless. A great book to cover routines.
There’s a Train Out for Dreamland
With illustrations that have a very classic feel, we get to tour a dreamland all based on the song with the same title by Nat King Cole.
by Petr HoracekThis is super fun book to read with emerging counters because you can involve them in the counting of the stars. Definitely best for preschoolers!
Stars
I’m not sure which is my favorite about this book… The darling illustrations or the evocative text. Either way, this book is both gentle and exhilarating in its exploration of the world’s nightlights.
It’s Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman
This book goes on to my “have to read” list. Tillman’s books are staples for me. (I give On the Night You Were Born to every new baby I know.) I love her books because her rhyming verses read like a mother’s whisper.
No Go Sleep!
Oh yeah… Who else has heard those words, “No go sleep!” This book has a very sweet, simple message for kiddos who struggle to go to bed.
Llama Llama Red Pajama
The Llama Llama books are another series that we can’t live without. Llama Llama wakes up and calls for his mom, but she doesn’t come right away… This book was instrumental in helping us get through all those late night wakeups.
by Myra WolfeCharlotte Jane is a strong girl who loves adventure and knows what she wants. And what she wants is to avoid bedtime. A cute book if you’ve got little ones who struggle to slow down for sleep. The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra
This is another one of our favorites. Through rhyming text, we get to see the bedtime antics that correspond to each letter. A definite must-have!
Goodnight Moon
If you’ve not yet read this book to your children, get up and RUN to your nearest bookstore and purchase it. It’s a classic with simple verse and pictures.
The Mouse That Snored by Bernard Waber
On a dark, stormy night, the tiniest mouse awakens a quiet family with his monstrous snores. The fallout from his snoring always cracks Bear up. And how the family handles this disruption is equally pleasing.
When You Wish Upon a Star
Based on the classic song with the same name, this book contains those lyrics coupled with breathtaking illustrations.
Good Night, Gorilla
For a book with few words, a hilarious story is told of a gorilla who follows a zookeeper around as he checks on the animals one last time before heading home. Little does he know, the gorilla has stole his keys and is letting all the animals loose!
Creak! Said the Bed
This is one of our favorite books from when Bear was younger. The house is quiet. Mom and dad are sound asleep until the bedroom door opens and in tiptoes a child, then another, then another, then… A funny surprise ends the book. Perfect if you’ve ever dealt with little monkeys climbing in your bed in the middle of the night.
The Squeaky, Creaky Bed
A little boy visits his grandparents only to be scared by the creaking of his guest room bed. His grandparents get a menagerie of animals to help him, but none do the trick. My kids love helping me make all the sounds when we read this book.
What are your favorite books about going to sleep? I’d love to add some new ones to our rotation.
