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The Children’s Book Review | November 19, 2019
There can never be enough bedtime books! There is always, I repeat, always room on the shelves for more of them. Bedtime is likely the most consistent part of a child’s daily routine and, for many, it can be the most challenging aspect of the day for parents and children alike. Snuggling up under covers with a young reader, sharing a calm moment together with a sweet book with a just-right tone for preparing for a dreamy slumber, is one of the absolute best ways to wind down.
Each with their own set of fitting bedtime story qualities, here are five fantastic picture books for sweet dreamers and curious explorers.
What Wonders Do You See … When You Dream?
Written by Justine Avery
Illustrated by Liuba Syrotiuk
What Wonders Do You See … When You Dream? is a sweet picture book that aims to help young readers discover the alluring promise of what sleep can bring. The narrative encourages kids to take time to transition from their busy days with a familiar routine of packing up toys, donning PJs, and brushing teeth. The rhyming text then has readers notice the wonders in their lives and how their imaginations can soar once they settle in with a relaxed mind. The soft lines of the watercolor images work so well to convey a dreamy experience. This picture book shows readers that sleeping is indeed something to look forward to!
Read our complete review here »
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Ages 4 and up | Publisher: Suteki Creative | October 17, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1948124225
Pippa’s Night Parade
Written by Lisa Robinson
Illustrated by
Do you have a kiddo with an active imagination? If so, Pippa is the character for you. She uses her creativity, keen fashion sense, and wild imagination to take the scare out of some unruly monsters. It will inspire parents and children to think outside of the box when it comes to overcoming anxieties like bedtime fears.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Two Lions | October 8, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1542093002
Good Night, Little Blue Truck
Written by Alice Schertle
Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Beep! Beep! Good Night, Little Blue Truck is the newest title in the bestselling and popular Little Blue Truck series. Snuggling up with a book featuring a favorite character can be just the thing for capturing the attention of a preschooler as you transition from play to rest. Readers will get to say goodnight to the beloved truck and all of the familiar farm animal friends.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers | October 15, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1328852137
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave
Written and Illustrated by Jessica Hische
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave is constructed as a series of inspirational sentiments, “Tomorrow I’ll be adventurous, I’ll play and I’ll explore,” “Tomorrow I’ll be strong, I’ll climb and jump and run,” “Tomorrow I’ll be creative, I’ll color and draw for hours, I’ll play a game of make-believe and use my magical powers!” spoken by a bunny who is ready for bed. This makes for lyrical, intimate reading at bedtime, and it’s quite unique to have a bedtime book turn so poetically toward the day to come, building up confidence and expectation even as the present day is drawing to a close.
Read our complete review here »
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Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Penguin Workshop | October 16, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1524787011
Just Because
Written by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
Have you ever noticed that right when you give the final kiss goodnight, your young one suddenly has 101 questions? Yes? Then you will recognize the young girl in Just Because. There are some questions she needs answering before she is ready to drift off to sleep. Why is the ocean blue? What is the rain? What happened to the dinosaurs? You’ll love the fun answers and delightful illustrations.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Candlewick | September 10, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0763696801
Beyond the Book
Do you want to take the reading experience beyond the book? Here’s something for yourself or any teens in your life.
Dream Decoder: 60 Cards to Unlock Your Unconscious
This beautiful little box is perfect as a little gift for teens and adults. It’s for anyone that has ever woken up from a dream and wondered, what was that all about? Yep, pretty much everyone everywhere. If you even slightly believe that dreams hold hidden messages, then the 60 dream interpretation cards will undoubtedly speak to you (and your deepest self)!
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Laurence King Publishing | August 13, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1786274939
The article 5 Bedtime Picture Books for Sweet Dreamers and Explorers was curated by The Children’s Book Review and sponsored* by Justine Avery. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Bedtime Stories and Sleeping Books.
