Many of us are running on limited time and energy, with packed work and social calendars. By the end of the day, we may just want to speed through our night routines and fall into bed as soon as possible before another day starts. Despite the craze of the every day life, it’s important to take the time to slow down at night and spend quality time with our children.
According to The School Run, reading at bedtime is a beneficial way to bond, improves children’s reading skills, sparks imagination, creates conversation and a stable routine, expand your child’s vocabulary, improves emotional intelligence, encourages independent reading, and improves both yours and their’s mental wellbeing.
Let’s take a look at this list of great bedtime books to start this new tradition.
Bear Can’t Sleep | By: Karma Wilson
It’s that time of the year! Bear needs to hibernate for the season, but he is struggling to fall asleep. Thankfully, all his friends gather together to help him get some shut-eye.
The Sleepy Little Alphabet | By: Judy Sierra
These letters are so sleepy! Are you sleepy too? Let’s sing the letters of the alphabet to get ready for bed.
Sleep, Little Dozer | By: Diana Murray
A bedtime book of construction trucks! Mama Dozer has to work late and Little Dozer is worried that he won’t be able to fall asleep without her. But don’t worry! Papa Dozer knows his important bedtime routine, even Mama’s special song.
Forty Winks | By: Kelly DiPucchio
A delightful and adventurous story about a large mice family who need to get to sleep! The Wink parents gather up their 38 mice children, ready to start their lengthy bedtime routine. All the Wink children have bedtime snacks and baths, brush their teeth, and even read stories!
Maisy’s Bedtime | By: Lucy Cousins
This classic character is one some adults may recognize! In this story, Maisy is a tired mouse who gets herself and her toy panda ready for bed.
A Bedtime for Bear | By: Bonny Becker
A grumpy old bear loves his sleep. He needs absolute peace and quiet to fall asleep, but he keeps getting distracted by his overnight guest.
Bedtime for Bad Kitty | By: Nick Bruel
It’s bedtime for Kitty, but she’s NOT a fan of bedtime! She tries to avoids going to sleep, but soon runs out of ideas and energy to keep her awake. When she’s promised a bedtime story, Kitty is ready for slumber.
When Sheep Sleep | By: Laura Joffe Numeroff
A sleepy little someone wants to count sheep to fall asleep, but all the sheep are already snoozing! This rhyming text offers some other suggestions to help out.
Will You Help Me Fall Asleep? | By: Anna Kang
Monty has a big annual boat race coming up the next morning and he needs all the rest he can get. However, he is struggling to catch some Z’s, even after closing his eyes, counting sheep, and reading a book! Monty needs YOUR help. Can you help him fall asleep?
Bunny Should Be Sleeping | By: Amy Hest
Bunny should be sleeping, but when Dad doesn’t get up to check on her as he usually does, Bunny decides to check on him.
*This book list was curated by Downingtown Library. Check out their book selections, event calendar, and more here.
Love animals too? Downingtown Library is hosting a fundraiser for Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue. Learn more here.
