It's getting late, and bedtime is approaching. How do you put your little one to sleep? If you're one of the many parents who feel like you have to fight for your life to get your child to bed, know that you are not alone. Parents across the world struggle with bedtime routines. I know the struggle all too well. To be honest, I think about my child's bedtime routine randomly throughout the day. You could say I'm a little traumatized.

First, it starts off with a little whining and begging. Maybe she'll ask for water, milk, or even a tiny snack. No matter what we do during the day, it's never easy to get her into bed and under the covers.

Take yesterday, for example. We went swimming for an hour and a half, walked for over an hour, and did over 10,000 steps. We went to the park, blew some bubbles, and I even took my grown-up self to fight gravity on the monkey bars. When we came home, we played an alphabet game to tire her mind since her body must have been exhausted. Guess what happened as we approached the infamous bedtime routine? My precious little buttercup was still bouncing off the walls.

I reached deep inside, crossed my fingers and toes, and said, "All right, it's time for bed." I hoped for the best and thought maybe, for the first time in years, I would hear, "That's a good idea, Mommy. I am so tired." Instead, I heard a scream as she frantically looked around for something to do to get her five more minutes. I still had one more trick up my sleeve: a warm bath with a couple of drops of lavender oil. Yep, I still had the ball in my court. After bath time, it was time for a warm cup of milk, and she got to choose two books: one book while she drank her milk and the other to help soothe her to sleep.

In our house, we always read at least two books before bed. It's a moment to unwind, get comfortable, and cuddle with a cute little book or two. That's 4,014 books that we have read together since her birth! That's a lot of reading! So yes, we are pretty stuck with our two books a night and warm milk routine.

When it comes to bedtime books, I like to think they are different from books you would read during the day. They typically have a calmer storytelling style. Often, these books talk about sleeping. It really is that simple. They could be about a restless sleeper who can't go to sleep or a mischievous one who does everything they can to avoid sleep. Bedtime stories can be funny or serious, but most of the time, we love funny stories before bed. Depending on our day, we might even choose a book that helps us understand our emotions. If my daughter had a rough day at daycare, we might pick a book about being brave.

Here is a short list of bedtime stories that will help your little one settle down for a long rest:

 SnoozeFEST by Samantha Berger, Kristyna Litten (Ilt)

Let me tell you about my favourite book—it stars a sloth named Snuggleford Cuddlebun, and she’s the ultimate champion of sleep. Snuggleford decides to attend Snoozefest, an arena festival entirely dedicated to celebrating sleep. Yes, you read that right—a festival for sleep! It’s such a wonderfully ridiculous concept that it works perfectly. And who better to attend a sleep festival than a sloth?

Snuggleford is the ideal protagonist for this story because sloths are famously slow and sleepy. I’m always ready to read about odd animals, and this book delivers. At Snoozefest, Snuggleford lounges in her hammock while bands like the Nocturnal Nesters and the Quiet Quartet serenade the audience with lullabies.

Snoozefest has all the excitement of a wild concert but with a sleepy twist. There’s a merch section where you can pick up cozy items, and concert attendees bring their own comfort gear, like blankets and pillows. Each blanket even has a special name, like “Woobie.” Plus, there’s a fashion show where animals show off the latest in pyjamas—how fun is that?

One of the main reasons I absolutely love this book is its multidimensional appeal. You can enjoy it at face value, or you can dive deeper and have fun with the details. The author, Berger, invites readers into the world of Snoozefest, listing the different bands and their instruments, each with a unique purpose.

If you’re looking for a delightful read that’s both whimsical and engaging, this book is a must! It’s perfect for anyone who loves odd animals and enjoys a story with layers of fun.

You can find your copy here>>>  Snoozefest by Kristyna Litten

 The Night the Moon Went Missing by Brendan Kearney 

Every evening Moon likes to watch the people down on Earth. Space can be a lonely place! Yet, there’s one problem: when Sun is out, everybody on Earth is happy to see him. When Moon is out, everyone goes to sleep. This makes Moon very sad. But, what he doesn’t know is that little Lucy loves to look up at him, and one night she notices that Moon is gone. 

This beautiful book tells the story of Moon, who struggles to see his own importance and decides to run away. His absence creates panic because everyone knows just how vital he is. My favorite character is Lucy, a little girl who admires Moon every night and talks to him, even though he can't hear her.

The book delicately explores the impact of inner confidence and how children, like Moon, might feel alone and unloved. Often, they don’t realize just how much they are truly loved. As the story unfolds, Moon's absence is keenly felt by everyone, throwing the world into chaos.

In the end, it's Lucy's kind words and friendship that bring Moon back, highlighting the power of kindness and connection in reminding us of our worth. This touching story is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the importance of self-worth and the impact of friendship.

  I Just Want to Say Good Night by Rachel Isadora

The sun has set and the moon is rising, and that means it’s bedtime. But not if Lala has a say—because she’s not ready to go to sleep! First she needs to say good night to the cat. And the goat. And the chickens. And, and, and . . . Lala’s adorable stalling strategy will ring true for all parents whose little ones aren’t ready to say goodbye to the day—and all will appreciate the wonderful culmination to the bedtime ritual.

When my daughter was a baby, we had a special bedtime ritual. Just before I put her down to sleep, we would look out the window and say goodnight to all the little critters, the moon, the sky, and our neighbors. It was a cute and fun bonding moment we shared. *I Just Want to Say Good Night* reminds me of those cherished times.

In this delightful book, a little girl isn't ready to sleep until she says goodnight to everything she can see—a typical response from a little one. The author beautifully takes readers to a village in Africa, guiding us around the yard through the eyes of Lala, a clever girl. Her goodnight routine with her friends cleverly buys her a bit more awake time.

This heartwarming story captures the essence of childhood and the universal desire to prolong those last precious moments before sleep.

Find your copy here >>> I Just want to Say Goodnight by Rachel Isadora

 Bedtime For Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes 

Mommy needs to wrangle her sweet creature in bed so that the whole family can sleep. From tigers to squirrels to snakes, the little boy dodges around his bedtime, until he is tired enough to finally sleep. His imaginative animal friends weave their way through the illustrations, eventually joining him in curling up for the night.

This is another sweet book about putting a little one to bed. In this charming story, a little boy's mother connects his actions to the animal kingdom. With every behavior, he reminds her of a different animal—whether it’s the roaring lion or that his "eyes (are) swollen wide like owls." His mother gently reminds him that he must get to bed.

With every step, the reader is reminded how to make bedtime fun for everyone. After tucking all the animals into bed, they all decide to join Mommy and Daddy for the night, making for a cozy and delightful ending.

The images in this bedtime story will captivate you and your little one, making it a perfect addition to your nightly routine.

You can find your copy here >>> Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
 

 Underwear by Jenn Harney

Bare bear! Stop right there! Underwear!

Under where?

So begins the dialogue between a tired bear dad and a rambunctious bear cub who would rather play with his tighty whities than get into bed. Underwear makes great hair. It can even turn one into a superbear, or a goggle-wearing swimming bear. But beware of a big scare! Rhymes, homonyms, and conjunctions abound in this book that could be used to teach reading, but its primary purpose is to make bedtime fun.

The funny rhyming words make this story so much fun to read out loud. As a parent, I can totally relate. It should be simple: put on your clothes and let's get ready for bed. But no, there's always some kind of pushback. Actually, while reading this, I picture myself as that parent trying hard not to laugh, keeping a straight face when my child says, "under where?" because, let's admit it, that's comedy genius. I've had to silently appreciate my daughter's sassiness while still giving a "I mean business" face. "Underwear" is so much fun, and I cannot wait to read it again.

Sidenote: Let's face it, at this point, I read these books for my own personal enjoyment.

You can find your copy here >>>  Underwear by Jenn Harney

 You Be Mommy by Karla Clark

In this clever, rhyming picture book, a mother tells her child that she's simply too tired to be Mommy tonight and asks her daughter to take over for her. An utterly relatable theme told with humour and heart provides a story parents and children will delight in reading together at bedtime.

Another one of my favourite bed time stories!

When children enter the picture, moms (and dads) suddenly have a whole new routine to follow. There's soccer practice, dance lessons, grocery shopping, school drop-offs, and pick-ups. Remember when you would come home, turn on the TV, and zone out with a bag of chips and some juicy gossip? Just me? Cool beans!

Now, everything has changed, and you're exhausted. As a mom, I know that feeling all too well. Sometimes, I wish my daughter could tuck me in and read me bedtime stories. Imagine this: soothing music lulling you to sleep, someone reading two chapters from your favorite book, and gently rubbing your back until you drift off into dreamland. That would be the best sleep ever!

This story beautifully illustrates the daily routines and tireless efforts of moms. It's a heartfelt tribute to moms everywhere who still find time to make sure their little ones feel loved. 

You can find your copy here >>> You Be Mommy by Karla Clark

You can find your copy here >>> If Your Monster Won't Go To Bed by Denise Vega

 Bedtime for Yeti by Vin Vogel

Yetis are busy creatures and, like us, they get tired. When it's bedtime, this Yeti needs his best friend, a stuffed toy named Chunk. Unfortunately, Chunk goes missing, and Yeti can't sleep without him. What should he do? Should he face his fears and go look for Chunk?

Many children need a special soft friend to help them fall asleep and keep nightmares away. This is perfectly normal, though some parents worry their child might become too dependent on their plushy companion. According to Tinytransitions.com, parents often fear that their child will develop unhealthy attachments. However, the opposite is true! Having a soft toy as a companion actually helps children develop healthier attachment and coping skills.

Your child will definitely relate to this little Yeti as he enjoys fun and amazing activities throughout the day. When the Yeti loses his best friend, he has to gather all his strength and become the ultimate superhero! This story is not only entertaining but also reassuring, teaching valuable lessons about bravery and resilience.

You can find your copy here >>> Bedtime For Yeti

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hardworking trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they'll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play!

Looking for a bedtime story that will captivate your little one's imagination and teach them about hard work? Look no further! This delightful book takes your child on a journey through a bustling construction site, where hardworking machines dig, roll, and move dirt all day long. These amazing builders work even harder than their human counterparts, and when night falls, they’re just too tired to continue.

Each machine finds a cozy spot to rest right there on the construction site. With every turn of the page, your child will meet a different truck and learn about its important job and why it’s so tired.

"Dump truck loves to work and haul. She carries loads both big and small."

This engaging story not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about effort and rest. It’s the perfect bedtime read to wind down after a busy day, with charming rhymes and adorable illustrations that will become a nightly favorite.

The Bunnies Are Not in Their Beds by Marisabina Russo

Here's the perfect bedtime read-aloud for the very youngest child. Filled with fun noises--click clack, click clack--and a repeating refrain--good night, good night, sleep tight--this story is sure to have kids chiming in as they follow the antics of these bunnies who won't stay in bed. Kids will identify with these mischievous bunnies and their desire to play--while parents will empathize with Mama and Daddy's struggle to get them to SLEEP.

Do your kids love onomatopoeia and rhyming fun? Then you’re in for a treat! This delightful book is a charming blend of Robert Munsch's playful spirit and Dr. Seuss's whimsical rhymes. Meet three energetic little bunnies who are definitely not ready for bed!

These clever bunnies will do anything to stay up later. From becoming train conductors to joining a lively band, they come up with the most imaginative ways to avoid bedtime. We parents know exactly how this will end—tired little bunnies eventually passing out wherever they play.

With its playful language and engaging storyline, this book is perfect for a giggly bedtime read. It’s sure to resonate with both kids and parents, turning the nightly struggle into a fun and relatable adventure. Get ready for a story that’s as entertaining as it is endearing!

You can find your copy here >>> The Bunnies Are Not in Their Beds by Marisabina Russo

In the world of children's books, there’s no shortage of delightful stories and captivating characters to explore. Whether your little one is facing fears like the dark, learning about the hardworking machines on a construction site, or giggling along with mischievous bunnies trying to stay up past bedtime, there's a perfect book out there to make bedtime magical.

Remember, each story not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about courage, hard work, and the importance of rest. As parents, we get to share these special moments with our children, turning each page into a memory and every bedtime into an adventure.

So grab your favorite blanket, snuggle up with your little ones, and dive into a world of stories that will enchant, educate, and inspire. Happy reading!