Time for Sleep

“Children who are read to learn two things: First, that reading is worthwhile, and second, that they are worthwhile.” Laura Bush

Routines to support children as they transition to naps or bedtime are unique for each child, caregiver, and family.  Reading aloud with young children can be a treasured activity to prepare for sleep. Any favorite book is a good choice as children settle into sleep. The topics in the following books include special routines, cuddling, music, laughter, listening, snoring, and avoiding going to bed!

The Featured Favorites include suggested questions to consider as children respond to the book.   Keep in mind often, the best questions come from the children's curiosity as they listen. 

Featured Favorites

Goodnight Tractor! A Bedtime Baby Sleep Book by Michelle Robinson Illustrated by Nick East (2022)

Goodnight Tractor! A Bedtime Baby Sleep Book by Michelle Robinson Illustrated by Nick East (2022)

The rhyming, repetitive text, a starry night sky, and a little magic softly prepare a young child for sleep.  As he says goodnight to farm toys in his room, he is transported soon, saying goodnight to the combine and trucks outside.  Finally, he is tucked into bed, cuddling up to his toy tractor and ready for sleep.  This delightful bedtime routine reads like a lullaby.  Reminiscent of Goodnight Moon, this is a perfect addition to a basket of books prepared for bedtime or naptime story.

After the Story

What toys or favorite things do children want to wish a good night?  Invite children to identify favorite people, objects, or toys before settling down.  Is there something they would like to have with them while they sleep?

Bedtime 123 by Eric Walters Illustrated by Josee Bisaillon (2017)

Bedtime 123 by Eric Walters Illustrated by Josee Bisaillon (2017)

Saying goodnight with this sweet, soothing counting book begins as the sun is setting.  As the numbers go from one to ten, fox cubs, puppies, kittens, and chicks are cuddling in and going to sleep.  This perfect countdown ends with a baby peacefully sleeping.  While this beautifully written book could easily be a concept book supporting number identification and counting, it also belongs in the bedtime/naptime basket of books.  The illustrations beautifully depict the colors from the setting sun to the dark of night.  

Ages 1-3

After the Story

Count!  Encourage little ones to point to the moon, the stars, and each animal as you count. 

Talk about where the animals sleep. What kind of animals might be sleeping or napping nearby?

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney Illustrated by Anita Jeram (1994)

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney Illustrated by Anita Jeram (1994)

How often have you said, "I love you right up to the moon and back."? This book started it all when Big Nutbrown Hare was getting Little Nutbrown Hare ready to sleep. As they stretched and reached and bounced, they measured their love for each other.

Ages 1-and up

After the Story

Play your own "Guess How Much I Love You" game as children get ready to go to sleep.  

Hush! By Minfong Ho, Illustrated by Holly Meade (1996).

Hush! By Minfong Ho, Illustrated by Holly Meade (1996)

As a baby settles into a nearby hammock, a mother diligently tries to keep creatures and noises at bay to ensure her child sleeps.  The repetitive, rhyming text makes for an engaging, sleepy story.  Cleverly woven into the illustrations, another story unfolds.  As the mother is shooing away mosquitos, lizards, and anything that might wake the baby, the baby escapes the hammock to play! Finally, every creature is asleep except the baby!

Ages 2-6

After the Story

What sounds do you hear when you "hush" and get ready to sleep?

What was the baby doing when the mother tried to keep everything quiet?

I Just Want to Say Good Night by Rachel Isadora (2017)

I Just Want to Say Good Night by Rachel Isadora (2017)

In this Caldecott Honor-winning book, a young girl is not eager to go to bed. Lala makes the rounds saying good night to all the creatures in her African village in an attempt to delay bedtime.  Her final goodnight wish goes to her book, Goodnight Moon.  This storyline is undoubtedly a familiar one with families of young children.

Ages 3-5 years

After the Story

When reading this book with children, have them say "goodnight" to their favorite people, animals, or belongings. 

Making a book of bedtime routines is another way to make this a special time. 

Puzzle piece in box icon

More Time for Sleep Favorites

  • A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton (2006)

    Ages 2-6 years

  • Jungle Night by Sandra Boynton (2020)

    Download and listen to the soundtrack featuring Yo-Yo-Ma on the cello, narrated by Keith Boynton. Listen together in the classroom before naptime or at home.

    Ages baby-2 years

  • Knight Owl by Christopher Denise (2022)

    Ages 3-6 years

  • My Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep Around the World by Rebecca Bond Illustrated by Salley Mavor (2020)

    Ages 3-8 years

  • Owl Babies by Martin Waddell Illustrated by Patrick Benson (1992)

    Ages 2-7

  • So Much by Trish Cooke Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury 1994.

    Ages 2 and up

  • Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis (2014)

    Ages baby-5years

  • The Napping House by Audrey Wood, Illustrated by Don Wood (1984)

    Ages 3-8

  • The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle (1997)

    Ages 1 and up

  • Time for Bed by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Jane Dyer (1993)

    Ages Baby to 3

  • No More Naps! By Chris Grabenstein Illustrated by Leo Espinosa (2020)

    Ages 3-8

Three talking bubbles icon

Ideas for Sharing Books with Children

Building Blocks Icons

Library Connections

Check Out the local library in your Wyoming community.  Librarians are an excellent resource and can help you find the perfect books for your classroom, program, or home.  If you can’t get to your local library, try the Libby App!

Use your local library card and access the Libby App for children’s books on your phone, tablet, or computer. 

https://library.wyo.gov/find-thousands-of-e-books-and-audiobooks-in-gowyld-with-libby