It's been a long, busy day. You've eaten your supper, the sun is setting, and it's time to get your little ones ready for be—NO! NO! NO! For some families, the mere mention of bedtime is enough to ignite a second wind in even the most drowsy-eyed child.
If you're a parent trying to quell a bedtime rebellion, perhaps the promise of a special storytime will convince your kids to slip into a cozy set of pajamas and cuddle up with you. Sharing a pile of bedtime stories is a wonderful way for families to wind down together. But save a special sleepy story for last. A "sleep story" is a very special kind of picture book that is written and designed to soothe the reader and listener. Here are few wonderful picture books that will help your little dreamers drift off to sleep.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Margaret Wise Brown's bedtime classic is the ultimate sleepy story. A little bunny bids goodnight to everything he can think of: light, his bears, his chairs, his red balloon, a bowl of mush, and even an "old lady whispering hush." As you turn the pages, the colors begin to dim. It's almost impossible to resist the urge to lower your voice to a whisper as you bid the final goodnights to the stars, the air, and "noises everywhere."
Asleep, Asleep by Mirra Ginsburg
A mother and child look out their window, checking to make sure all the animals are sleeping soundly. Each living thing from the wolves, to the fish, and even the bees seem cozy and snug in under the pale moonlight. The text demonstrates a peaceful bedtime ritual between a loving parent and child. The mellow, conversational tone of this story is engaging, yet soothing.
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson
Inspired by the author's favorite nursery rhyme, this cyclical story begins by showing a child holding a key, "Here is the key to the house./ In the house burns a light./ In that light rests a bed./ On that bed waits a book." The storybook takes this child into the sky on the wing of a bird, and returns her safely to her bedroom when the story is done. Finally, as her mother tucks her into bed, we see "the key to the house" hanging on a hook. The story follows the cycle of life, showing how one day ends as another begins. The minimal, yet elegant tale is paired perfectly with black and white etchings highlighted with hints of golden yellow.
How Do You Say Goodnight? by Raina Moore
Need to find a new bedtime ritual? In this sweet, repetitive story, you'll ask a pup, piglet, lamb, cat, duckling, and a child, "How do you say good night?" One-by-one the adorable tykes will explain their own particular routine. Their yawns, stretches, and droopy eyelids will quickly have you and yours sinking deeper under the covers as the final refrain, "That's how I say goodnight, my love. That's how I say good night," rolls off your tongue.
The Youth Services department at Niles Public Library has an extensive a list of Sleepy Stories.
And now if you'll excuse me, all these bedtime stories have me ready for a nap. Sweet Dreams!
