It is my personal opinion that books at bedtime need to literally be short and sweet. Long days call for short books, with sweet messages, to get your children off to dream land. Here are five beautiful book suggestions to add to your rotation.

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick

If you add one book to your child’s library this year, add this one. The story is true; it is about the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh. It is magical. The story is told through the voice of a mother tucking her child in at night. It won the Caldecott Award for the illustrations, and they are unbelievable. My students loved this book.

To Purchase from Amazon, click here: Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear

Are you awake? By Sophie Blackall

This book is child approved; my class of Kindergarteners requested it be read twice. I love Sophie Blackall, her illustrations are incredible. This is the true story of her jet lagged sun keeping her awake all night…parents will relate as much as kids who cannot sleep.

To Purchase from Amazon, click here: Are You Awake?

Once Upon a Memory by Nina Laden

Nina Laden is genius in composing magical picture books for children. She wrote this while walking on the beach and finding a feather. The simple poem teaches cause and effect. It offers the invitation to share happy memories before a child goes to sleep.

To Purchase from Amazon, click here: Once Upon a Memory

Shh! Bears Sleeping by David Martin

This lyrical book shows the seasons through bears waking and hibernation. This is a good choice for a child that loves wild animals or non-fiction.  It has simple rhyme and lovely illustrations.

To Purchase on Amazon, click here: Shh! Bears Sleeping

Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin

The illustrations are rich and vibrant with imagination. The simple text proposes there are sweet animals that take you off to dream land for big adventures. Short, sweet, and filled with eye catching creativity.

To Purchase on Amazon, click here: Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey