Having a bedtime routine for a child is crucial to get your little one to bed. Even though the bedtime routine may not always work it does make a big difference! One of the most common and relaxing things to do before bed is reading your child a bedtime story. Although not all stories have the desired effect. Some books may make your child hyper while others have a very relaxing effect. I have listed the best picture books about bedtime. These books are a must have for your child’s library of bedtime books.
Topsy-Turvy Bedtime
Author: Joan Levine, Illustrator: Tony Auth
The book is about a little girl that just hates bedtime, she makes a huge fuss every night. Then she had a great idea to ask her parents if she can put them to bed instead. This book takes a very unique turn when the parents begin to fuss and argue about everything from what story they are going to read to wanting more kisses. At the end of the story the little girl realizes what a hard job it is to put someone to bed when they are throwing a tantrum. The illustrations are cute, funny, and bring the whole book together.
Bedtime for Little Bears
Author: David Bedford, Illustrator: Caroline Pedler
Like so many of our little ones who just are not tired or ready for bed, the little bear in the story is the same way. So the mommy bear decides to take him on a beautiful walk to look at all of the other animals getting ready for bed, with the hopes of tiring him out as well. On their walk the story takes you on an amazing and well written journey. The illustrations in this book are mesmerizing and beautiful to look at all on their own.
Bedtime Bear
Author/Illustrator: Paul Stickland
This is a very unique book all kids will love! There is a teddy bear securely attached to the last page that sticks out over the book. Not only is it a book but it is also a stuffed teddy, two of the things children just adore. Paul Stickland has mastered the art of writing books for young children and this one is a perfect bedtime story. It is a short story that will keep a young child’s attention for the entire book but is fun and interesting. The illustrations are incredible and very comforting to look at before bed.
Goodnight Moon
Author Margaret Wise Moon, Illustrator: Clement Hurd
This book is a beautifully written bedtime poem. The story is about a little rabbit trying to go to sleep. Instead of drifting off into dream land he is trying to delay bedtime by telling just about everything in sight goodnight. This book is exciting because you can involve your child in trying to find certain items mentioned by the rabbit. The illustrations just draw you in as the night gets darker and darker, page by page.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Author: Laura Numeroff, Illustrator: Felicia Bond
A classic story that can be read every night and it is funny every time. The author takes you on an exciting adventure with a little mouse. Not only is this book great to read it is also educational, teaching cause and effect. Young children will be mesmerized by the astonishing pictures and older children will laugh throughout this funny story.
