Daddy Hug

Daddy Hug by Tim Warnes, illustrated by Jane Chapman 2008

Daddy animals loving on their little ones is the theme of this wonderful book. The rhyming text describes the feel, size, moods, and love of a Daddy. Your child will relate to the descriptions, whether their Daddy is sneaky like a raccoon or strong like a gorilla. The warm images of fatherly love will likely make children feel secure and thankful for all their Daddy has to offer.

The artwork by Chapman is warm, and full of joyful activity. Snuggle up and enjoy.

Appropriate for ages 2-5

Tim Warnes on Amazon

Jane Chapman on Amazon

All Aboard for Dreamland!

All Aboard for Dreamland! By Melanie Harby, illustrated by Geraldo Valerio 2008

Riding a train through each phase of bedtime readiness makes for a playful read. The train and the children onboard zig zag and cavort through “Wiggletown”, “Giggletown”, “Groggy Grove”, and “Snuggle Cove.”

“The sky’s a cozy blanket when the fog comes rolling down, wrapping ‘round us rocking through another sleepy town.”

The wiggling and giggling coming from your little passenger will soon be replaced with yawns and cuddles when destination Dreamland is reached.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Geraldo Valerio on Amazon

Song of Night

Song of Night by Katherine Riley Nakamura, illustrated by Linnea Riley 2002

This story warmly introduces animal families getting ready for bed. The illustrations by Riley (Mouse Mess) are beautifully soft, as if you could reach out and rub the rabbit’s fur. The rituals of sleep-time readiness, from teeth brushing to a bedtime story, are full of humor and love. The connection between each family is shown as they all gaze up at a mellow moon.

“The moon is big and round and low. Cloud boats sail, with stars in tow.”

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Long Night Moon

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Mark Siegel 2004

A poem introduces us to the name of the full moon during each month of the year. The seasonal change and the animals present in each beautiful picture are highlighted by the moons glow. From the Snow Moon glowing in February, to the Strawberry Moon shimmering in June, you will be drawn into the mystery of the night. Siegel’s poignant, and exquisite artwork captures the magic in each phase of the moon.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Cynthia Rylant on Amazon

Where Does Thursday Go?

Where Does Thursday Go? By Janeen Brian, illustrated by Stephen Michael King 2001

Bruno the bear is sad to see his birthday end, and wishes he could say goodbye. He wonders what happens to the day when night comes, so he and his penguin friend Bert venture out into the night. They wander through watercolors drenched in blue, trying to bid the day farewell. Bruno describes what he thinks Thursday looks like, and once they see it, they fall into a peaceful sleep.

King’s cozy vision of nighttime paired with the gentle tone of Brian’s text makes this a sweet bedtime read. It also helps children to better understand the passage of time.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Stephen Michael King on Amazon

What! Cried Granny

What! Cried Granny by Kate Lum, illustrated by Adrian Johnson 1999

Granny discovers that she is slightly unprepared for Patrick’s first sleepover at her house. Her efforts to provide everything Patrick needs for bed are valiant, and laugh inducing. She is armed with her toolbox, and determined to give her grandson everything he needs. She doesn’t break a sweat as she hones her woodworking skills and sewing prowess.

Obviously all this work takes some time, and when she finally equips Patrick to go to sleep, morning has arrived.

The illustrations are dramatically exaggerated, similar to the graphics of the 1950’s and 60’s.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Goodnight, Sweet Pig

Goodnight, Sweet Pig by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Josee Masse 2007

Sleep is just a dream for pig number one as her room fills up with rollicking friends. Each pig has their own idea of what should be done at bedtime, and none of them includes sleeping. Finally pig number one speaks up, and the rambunctious crowd falls silent. They proceed to help her drift off to slumber land, and quietly make their exit.

Bailey combines counting and bedtime in a creative way. The illustrations by Masse are bright, and full of humor, as the previous chaos comes to a peaceful conclusion.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

I Need My Monster

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam 2009

"Gone fishing. Back in a week. -Gabe"

Gabe is the name of Ethan's monster, and he is distraught that he will be without Gabe under his bed all week long. The absence of the pile of drool from under the bed, the silence in his room without Gabe's scratching claws; how can there be a substitute for Ethan's monster? He tentatively knocks on his floor to begin an interview process of the ghoulish kind. Try as they might, these monsters are no match for Gabe. Their claws aren't long enough. They make him giggle instead of shiver.

Ethan's monster finally makes his appearance saying, "Sorry I'm late, kid." In a creepy, yet comforting way, Gabe expresses that Ethan keeps him on his toes. After a little scaring, Ethan falls asleep with a contented smile on his face.

The sly humor of Noll partnered with McWilliam's dark, digitally colored art, helps defuse nighttime concerns and replace them with the realization that a child can overcome their fears.

Appropriate for ages 5-8

Good Night Sam

Good Night Sam by Marie-Louise Gay 2003

Sam shares a room with his sister Stella, and is having a hard time falling asleep. He seems to have misplaced his dog Fred, and declares he can't sleep without him. Stella sleepily, but patiently, tries to help Sam discover Fred's whereabouts. They trail through the dark house together, quietly searching. Sam voices his own fears, and the fears of many young children, about the unknown noises and shadows of the dark.

Keep a look out for Fred the dog, lurking in each watercolor illustration. Gay sheds a fresh light on a child's fear of the dark, and their need for reassurance and support, whether through a person or a special pet.

Appropriate for Baby-Preschool

Marie-Louise Gay on Amazon

Pajama Time!

Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton 2000

Making it to bed in a happy mood can be somewhat of a challenge, but reading Boynton's story can make it a celebration. The tone is comfortable and silly, all while mentioning familiar bedtime tasks such as getting jammies on, reading a bedtime story, and brushing those pearly whites. Dancing may not be a common theme during bedtime, but your family will change their mind quickly after enjoying this irresistible read. The endearing creatures in the story will encourage your child to 'pajammy' in whatever they've got.

Appropriate for Baby-Preschool

Sandra Boynton on Amazon

Space Boy

Space Boy by Leo Landry 2007

The world around Nicholas is too noisy, and so he decides to leave the earth behind, and take a trip. After exchanging his pajamas for a space suit, and packing a healthy snack, he boards the rocket conveniently parked in his backyard.

The distant moon and it's quiet craters become the ideal setting for a picnic. Although the moon is peaceful, Nicholas starts to feel lonely. He returns to a silent house, and nonchalantly tells his parents goodnight.

Landry's illustrations are simple and spare. This is a great bedtime read that will induce dreams about outer space, and stretch your child's imagination.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Leo Landry on Amazon