Complementing my last post on Toddler Bedtime Books, this time we took a look at 5 bedtime books for preschoolers that were each recommended by at least one top 100 list. We had only read one of the books before – I wouldn’t add any of the ‘new to us’ books to our top 100 list, but there were a couple pretty cute ones.
Anna Dewdney 2005 – This book didn’t work for me at all. I found it really frustrating to read because when I say Llama, Mama, and Pajama – they do not all rhyme. Which is sort of essential to reading it properly. I could force it if I put on an affected accent, but I kind of wanted to chuck the book at the wall instead. We didn’t manage to get all the way through this book because Gordie and I both lost interest.
Audrey Wood 1984 – This book on the other hand I did enjoy reading. It’s done in the style of song and stories like “There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” where more and more things get added to the pattern until it falls apart at the end. Gordie on the other hand was less impressed. Although he listened happily the first time I read it to him, I haven’t been able to convince him to let me read it to him again.
3. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
Sherri Duskey Rinker 2011 – This book is one of our favorites. It’s easy to centre bedtime books around cute and cuddly characters but that doesn’t always hold the interest of kids who prefer car and diggers to puppies and kittens. In this book, different construction equipment finishes up work for the day and goes to sleep. My husband picked this book out for Gordie and he loves how realistic the terminology and shutting down routines are. The escavator lowers it’s boom, the cement mixer is washed out at the end of the day. Gordie has asked for this book again and again. I highly recommend this book for vehicle loving preschoolers.
Rob Scotton 2005 – This cutely illustrated book features a sheep named Russell that is having trouble falling asleep. I liked it, but didn’t love it. Gordie thought it was okay to read through a couple times and kind of liked the counting parts.
5. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
Jane Yolen and Mark Teague 2000 – This is another bedtime book that does not feature the typical cuddly characters. The book goes through different bedtime stalling techniques that kids might use asking whether dinosaurs would do that and concludes that dinosaurs would go to sleep easily instead. It’s a silly book but will definitely interest kids that love dinosaurs and may even inspire better bedtime behavior in order to be more like the dinosaurs in the book (maybe?). Gordie liked this book, but I’m glad at this point that we got it out of the library because it didn’t have a lot of staying power for him – he asked for it a few times and then moved on.
Has your family read any of these books? What did you think? Or maybe you have a suggestion for a great preschool bedtime book that wasn’t on the list?
Our Favorite Tried and Tested Books Preschool Bedtime Books :
1. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
Book List
Children’s Book Guide top 100 Children’s Books:
Llama, Llama Red Pajama, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, The Napping House, How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, Russell The Sheep
Babble’s top 100 kids books:
Llama, Llama Red Pajama, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, The Napping House, How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight
Teachers First 100 Best Books:
The Napping House
Kern Country Library 100 Picture Books Every Child Should Know:
None!
New York Public Library 100 Picture Books Every Child Should Know:
The Napping House, How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight
Goodreads Best Children’s Books (top 300):
Llama, Llama, Red Pajama, The Napping House, How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight,
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