Between the Lines - Bedtime Stories
One of my fondest memories of being a mom to small children was gathering all the little ones in our bed or piling up on the couch and snuggling up to read a bedtime story or three! Over the years, I have amassed an absolutely beautiful collection of picture books. We have moved countless times since then, and I have packed and unpacked those books waiting for the day that I might read them to our grandchildren. I am delighted to say that that day has arrived, and I am excited to share these stories with our grandson as he is just now old enough for a bedtime story.
With maybe 2 exceptions, the following books are suitable for babies through preschoolers. The exceptions are longer stories that might be better for ages 4-10. I would add that in my experience, even grade school children enjoy picture books (especially ones with which they are familiar) for the lovely illustrations, the sing-song prose and the fond memories they evoke.
Time for Bed, by Mem Fox, illustrated by Jane Dyer. Perfect bedtime story to cuddle up with as the sweet prose is soothing and the illustrations of each animal and baby are precious. “It’s time for bed, little sheep, little sheep, The whole wide world is going to sleep.” Find it here.
You Are My I Love You, by Maryann K. Cusimano, illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa. “I am your water wings; you are my deep. I am your open arms; you are my running leap.” This delightful story chronicles a day of play between a parent and child. The book is fun and filled with love and ends with “I am your lullaby: you are my peekaboo. I am your good-night kiss; you are my I love you.” Find it here.
Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram . I think every parent will relate to the “I love you.. I love you more” storyline between parent and child. Find it here.
I Love You As Much…, by Laura Krauss Melmed, illustrated by Henri Sorenson. Similar to Time for Bed, this bedtime lullaby features mother animals’ expressions of love for their offspring in melodic repetitive rhyme, “Said the mother goat to her child, ‘ I love you as much as the mountain is steep.’ Said the mother whale to her child ‘I love you as much as the ocean is deep.’" Find it here.
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep, by Joyce Dunbar, illustrated by Debi Gliori. This heartwarming story is about a big brother who allays his little sister’s nighttime fears. His kindness and patience with her are heartwarming. “‘And when the morning comes and wakes me up, will you still be here?’ asked Willa. ‘I’ll still be here,’ said Willoughby. ‘Good,’ said Willa. ‘ That’s the happiest thing of all!’” Find it here.
Goodnight Me, Goodnight You, by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Mandy Sutcliffe. This is another book about two small children at bedtime. The sweet story has the pair saying goodnight to the outside world, then goodnight to the world within their room, and finally goodnight to each other. “Goodnight kiss…one cheek, then two. Goodnight me… and goodnight you.” Find it here.
The Napping House, Audrey wood, illustrated by Don Wood. Structured like the cumulative rhyme “This is the House that Jack Built”, The Napping House is a fun and fantastical story with humorous, cool blue and dreamy illustrations. “There is a house, a napping house, where everyone is sleeping.” but not for long; this book is definitely a kid favorite. Find it here.
I Love You the Purplest, by Barbara M. Joosse, illustrated by Mary Whyte. I love, love this book. With its gorgeous illustrations and tender message of a mother’s love, I was moved every time I read it to my children. It handles the delicate question of “Who do you love most mom?” in a touching and thoughtful way. It’s the perfect choice for the family with more than one child. Find it here.
Sweet Dream Pie, Audrey Wood, illustrated by Mark Teague. This selection is a longer story which may appeal more to older kids. This is a fun bedtime read that tells the story of a crazy night on Willobee Street filled with wild dreams brought on by too much of Ma Brindle’s Sweet Dream Pie. The illustrations are as entertaining as the story. Find it here.
Any of these books would make a fantastic baby shower gift, a welcome home baby gift, or an “anytime“ gift. There are many more books that I could have included: Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, Love you Forever, Where the Wild Things Are, just to name a few more classics, but I chose these to get you started. Hope you enjoy the selections.
Happy Reading,
Kathryn