For book-loving families, bedtime is story time. Sometimes any book will do, but sometimes you need that special, peaceful story to lull little ones to sleep. Here are five great books for putting kids to bed:
At Night
Written and illustrated by Helga Bansch
At night, all the animals return to their homes to sleep. Birds dream in their nests, polar bears snore inside their ice caves, and children snuggle under the covers of their beds. Everything is in order. Unless, of course, it isn’t. Sometimes the world — or the book — gets turned upside down. And then things aren’t quite as simple.
With its sweet, winsome illustrations, this book is perfect for sharing with children as they drift off into their own imaginative dreams.
Learn more about author Helga Bansch in our featured author post on Eerdlings.
The Big Book of Slumber
Written by Giovanna Zoboli
Illustrated by Simona Mulazzani
All creatures of the world find time to rest. And in this charming lullaby book, countless cozy animals settle down in their beds. Bears lie under their blankets, the fox snuggles beneath a tree in the light of the moon, and the monkey tucks his banana close beside him.
This brilliant pairing of author and illustrator brings us a vibrant yet elegant bedtime book that is sure to enchant young readers as they drift sweetly into their own dreams.
See illustrated excerpts from the book on Eerdlings, and for more from the author-illustrator team of Zoboli-Mulazzani, read I Wish I Had . . . and Animal Supermarket.
Thank You, God
Written by J. Bradley Wigger
Illustrated by Jago
This bright, lyrical book offers readers of all ages and backgrounds the perfect chance to reflect on all the things that they have to be grateful for. Thank You, God is a celebration of family and friends, of homes and food to share, and of the wonder of creation from the first light of day to the calm, peaceful night.
This inspiring book, with its elegant yet accessible text and vibrant illustrations, is sure to have a powerful impact on readers as it encourages them to view the world around them with fresh eyes.
Read more from author J. Bardley Wigger on Eerdlings.
Good Night, Chickie
Written and illustrated by Émile Jadoul
Mother Hen has put Chickie to bed. But Chickie’s stuffed friend Bunny isn’t ready to sleep yet — he can’t hear Mother Hen; he needs to go to the bathroom; he’s scared of the dark and the noises he hears. But Mother Hen is always there to reassure them, until at last both Bunny and Chickie are satisfied. This endearing bedtime story will resonate with any parent who has ever struggled to convince a child to go to sleep, and will comfort any child who has needed just one more thing before falling asleep.
Read a review of the book by our own Rachel Bomberger on Eerdlings.
Sleepy Time Blessings
Written by Sally Anne Conan
Illustrated by Nicole Rutten
Sleepy baby
Time for bed
Angels gather round your head
Blessing tummy
Blessing toes
Blessing eyes and ears and nose
Simple text and an adorable bunny baby — watched over by sweet guardian bunny angels! — make this board book a favorite bedtime story for very young children.
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Fore more great bedtime books, see our entire featured collection.
