Tired of the same old goodnight stories? Well, you might just have to suffer as I recently read that toddlers love the predictability of repetition. However, if your bub (or you) are up for trying something new (at least new to you), maybe one of the following titles will entice:
(I know people hate gendered lists, but I have boys. So this is a lists of books for boys, but if they sound like topics your girls would like, then it’s also a list for girls)
1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Pictures by Clement Hurd.
The quintessential goodnight book. I love the cozy imagery and quiet language, though I did read a hysterical analysis of its illustrations and words by The Ugly Volvo http://www.theuglyvolvo.com/issues-goodnight-moon-bedroom/. I read this book to Fox every night for about a year and even when I had it memorized, it was still a hug in words.
Snooziest line: “And goodnight to the old lady whispering ‘hush.'”
2. Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lightenheld.
A fanciful description of a train that carries the stuff of dreams. The vivid illustrations are dusky and dreamy, offering a visual buffet for young peepers while delivering its description in perfect train-like rhythm.
Snooziest line: “Sleep train, dream train… Chhhhh…goodnight.”
3. Go to Sleep, Little Farm by Mary Lyn Ray.
This book pits a little girl’s (see, not so boyish of a list, right?) bed time rituals against their natural counterparts. Beautifully illustrated by one of my favorite children’s artists, Christopher Silas Neal, it’s a rural lullaby.
Snooziest line: “Now is the dark time. Now night has come.”
4. I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt. Illustrated by Cyd Moore.
Originally a Valentine’s Day gift for Fox, this story is a Q and A between a boy and his mother about the depth of her love (spoiler alert: she’d love her son even if he were a stinky, swamp monster).
Snooziest line: “I would sing to you until your one droopy eyelid finally closed and you fell fast asleep.”
Bonus: An excellent illustration of the subjunctive verb mood for English teachers and geeks alike.
5. Where do Diggers Sleep at Night? By Brianna Caplan Sayres. Illustrated by Christian Slade.
A burning question, to be sure. This tale also explores the sleep zones of snow plows, tow trucks and tractors, amongst other favorites.
Snooziest line: “Where do your trucks sleep at night when it’s time to go to bed? They’ll be waiting in your toy box when you wake, my sleepyhead.”
What am I missing? Share your snooziest stories with me.
The story unfolded like a nightmare: kids, babies really, had been shot at Sandy Hook Elementary. As a teacher, this news story encapsulated my worst fears as a professional.