1
Routine Reinforcement
Following the animals through their bedtime routine helps children understand and accept their own bedtime sequence.
Why It's On Our Shelf
Sandra Boynton manages to make bedtime routines funny, which is not easy to do. The animals going through their routine on a boat is absurd enough to be entertaining but structured enough to actually support real bedtime habits. Kids like the silly details - the exercising, the singing - but they also absorb the sequence of getting ready for bed. The rhythm makes it easy to read when you're tired, and it's short enough that kids won't try to negotiate for 'just one more.' It works because it doesn't take bedtime too seriously while still reinforcing that bedtime is happening.
Why It Works
2
Humor Eases Transitions
The silly elements make bedtime feel fun rather than like a punishment, reducing resistance.
3
Group Participation
Seeing all the animals doing bedtime together normalizes the idea that everyone goes to bed, not just the child.
Bedtime & Comfort
Time for Bed
Mem Fox
Animal mothers gently encourage their babies to sleep in this soothing bedtime book.
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Bedtime & Comfort
The Kissing Hand
Audrey Penn
Chester Raccoon's mother shares a secret to help him feel loved when they're apart.
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Bedtime & Comfort
Good Night, Gorilla
Peggy Rathmann
A mischievous gorilla follows the zookeeper home in this nearly wordless bedtime favorite.
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