Getting your little ones to bed on a consistent basis is a battle that has been fought by so many families across the generations. Between the stalling, "Just one my glass of water" to a whole multitude of issues and excuses that come up on a nightly basis, it seems like the negotiations are never ending. Bedtime problems typically occur in little ones between the ages of three to six years old, but they can also occur at any age. You can help improve your little one's bedtime behavior AND get them to sleep more quickly, but this can possibly take some time and a lot of patience.
But don't lose hope, as taking the time to develop a steady bedtime routine is the key that will remove the chaos and ease the stress for both you and your little ones. According to the Sleep Foundation, research over the years has shown that, "children who follow bedtime routines are more likely to go to sleep earlier; take less time falling asleep, sleep longer and wake up less at night." Additionally, the foundation goes on to state that not only do established bedtime routines improve a child's sleep, but they also lay the groundwork to teach them about self-care, learning memory and cognitive skills. Most importantly, a regular bedtime routine strengthens the ties that bind. A cozy tale, cuddles, connection and the trust that builds a sense of security are beautiful memories that will be cherished for years to come. Here are a few sleepy time stories that I believe will be a perfect addition to your family's bedtime routine favorites!
I Forgot How to Sleep
As our tale begins, a little girl sits up under the warmth of the covers of her bed in the middle of the night. Her trusted stuffed bear nestled next to her as she looks around with sleepy-eyed confusion. "I must have forgotten to sleep. No matter how hard I try, I'm still awake", she exclaims. Thinking that perhaps that maybe the reason for her forgetfulness is due to her missing a part of her normal bedtime routine, she sets out to repeat each step in the hopes that she will remember how to sleep. From trying to asking both her Dad, who is out like a light. She goes downstairs and encounters Milkshake, the family dog, who is snoozing away on the living room couch. She tries to sleep above Milkshake, but to no avail.
Desperate to remember, the little girl goes outside for a walk where she encounters a big bear, who, to her great surprise, also cannot sleep. Suddenly, a light goes on in her brain when she thinks that she knows exactly how to help the big bear gain his slumber. She runs back home and comes back clutching a book in here arms. Almost immediate once she starts to read to her new friend, Voila! he falls fast asleep. Will this same method be the very thing that she can't remember that will help bring an end to her bedtime blues!
Originally published in Italian in 2025 by Bruno Zocca and translated into English in 2026 by Debbie Bibo, Zocca ensures that his readers of all ages will enjoy this amusing tale.
I Forgot How to Sleep
Written by Bruno Zocca (Translated from Italian by Debbie Bibo)
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (2025). First English language edition published in 2026.
For Ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)
How to Put Your Parents to Bed
As our tale begins, we can see from the wide eyes of a little girl that getting ready for bed is very tough! It's most especially frustrating when everyone around you is trying to tell you that your tired and that's just not so! But when you look up into the eyes of your parents while they are trying to tuck you in, you notice something very peculiar....THEY look tired! THEY and not you, need to go to bed! The tables are turned in this very humorous tale that is a delightfully spot on twist on the familiar family struggle. The little girl in this tale works very hard to get her exhausted parents to bed-- dealing with excuses of sending just one more email or getting that extra load of laundry into the washing machine, to not wanting to brush their teeth while begging to watch one last show on television.
Your little ones will laugh at the hilarious illustrations by Babette Cole, while reading along at the struggles of a little kid who's just like them, has in getting their Mom and Dad to settle down for sleep!
How to Put Your Parents to Bed
Written by Mylisa Larsen & Illustrated by Babette Cole
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2016)
For Ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)
Stop That Yawn!
As our tale begins, little Gabby Wild has clearly had it up-to-here with her bedtime. Everyone around her just can't stop yawning, and she can't understand why they won't stay awake like her! "I'm tired of all these Zs!,", Gabby begs to her Granny. "Let's go somewhere, a-wake!" So, she decides to take her Granny along with her on a wild adventure through the Never Sleeping City! Jetting across the rooftops in her plane-bed, Granny and Gabby fly high in the sky into they reach the place where, "beds are for bouncing, hushes are shushed, and it's never too late for ice cream." But once they arrive in the city, Granny let's out a yawn, and it's up to Gabby to prevent it from spreading across the town. Will our determined little girl stop the yawn from making the citizens of Never Sleeping City fall under the sleepy spell?
This delightfully humorous tale by author Caron Levis, (who wrote the lovingly poignant, Ida Always that I spotlighted back in June of this year) is an adventurous trip into a little girl's energetic imagination. The artwork by illustrator LeUyen Pham is bold, bright and uniquely fitting, especially seeing exactly how the 'yawn' effect sweeps through all of the people that Gabby and Granny encounter on their trip to the Never Sleeping City.
Stop That Yawn!
Written by Caron Levis & Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2018)
For Ages 4 thru 8
Retails for $17.99 (Hardcover)
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