Bedtime stories are an important routine in our home. Sometimes we read just two (so that each child can pick one out) and sometimes we read a whole stack. Some of our favorite bedtime stories to read are books centered around going to bed. It makes sense really. From my perspective, other than being enjoyable, I think they are a great way to mentally prepare my children for the rest of the bedtime routine to follow after stories such as brushing teeth. From my toddler’s perspectives I think they love the silly, as well as the relatable, stories these books portrays. Below are some fabulous picture books all about this special time of night.
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“There’s a Walrus in My Bed” by Ciara Flood- In this story a little boy heads to bed to sleep in his “big boy bed” for the first time only to find it is already inhabited by a walrus! He then commences to try and help the walrus fall asleep so he can as well. This one is humorous as well as charming.
“My Tail’s Not Tired!” by Jana Novotny Hunter- Little monster does NOT want to go to bed, he simply isn’t tired. However, Big Monster is clever and has a strategy to help him sleep: having little monster wiggle and then rest his body bit by bit. This one is so sweet and the strategy introduced is easily one that you can use with your kiddos.
“Don’t Wake the Yeti!” by Claire Freedman and Cluadia Ranucci-In this story a little girl looks under her bed and finds a yeti there! However, she isn’t scared. She knows just how to care for one, such as giving it an ice cube filled bath. Kids will love imagining what it would be like to have their own fictional yeti while reading this one!
“Boris and the Worrisome Wakies” by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger-This one is especially darling for kids who have a hard time falling asleep. You know, the ones who need endless glasses of water, find their ears itch and need their blankets constantly readjusted. In this story Boris is kept up at night with such “worrisome wakes” only to discover it makes him to tired at school and he misses out on all the fun. After learning this he finds it much more important and easier to get to sleep.
“Just Go To Bed!” by Mercer Meyer- We love Little Critter! In this book he does not want to go to bed and puts it off as long as possible. Eventually his caring and persistent parents get him in bed and he decides that perhaps going to sleep isn’t such a bad idea after all.
“If Your Monster Won’t go to Bed” by Denise Vega and Zachariah O’hara- This one is written in the format of a little girl giving you advice on how to help hour monster go to bed. Her bedtime routine with him involves a monster smoothie, flossing, quirky lullabies and lots of other fun. Kiddos will get a big kick out of hearing how monster bedtime routines are similar to, and different from their own. Plus, she throws in a fair amount of hilarious advice on what not to do that will definitely bring on a chuckle or two. (Click HERE for some “beyond the book” fun with this title!)
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