Back to routine: 11 picture books about bedtime

Snuggling down and reading a story together at bedtime is one of the best parts of the day! 2020 meant kids had to adjust to school via Zoom and classes from home. With school fast-approaching (seriously, where did these five weeks go?) there’s no better time to kick off 2021 with some order and routine – especially if it’s their first year of primary school.

Here are eleven books to get kids back into the reading habit and to prompt them to hit the hay a little earlier than their holiday bedtimes.

Baby Bedtime by Mem Fox and Emma Quay

This book is a lullaby to babies everywhere. Baby bedtime is a lyrical tribute to the love inspired by the people in our lives. This enchanting read-aloud story combines the talents of Australia’s premier picture-book writer, Mem Fox, and acclaimed illustrator Emma Quay. Ages 1+

Time for Bed, Daddy by Dave Hackett 

In every household with children, from the moment that bedtime is announced until the light is finally switched off, bedtime is full of fun and frustrations, puns and procrastination. From getting in the bath and putting on pyjamas to brushing teeth and reading a story. Time for Bed, Daddy flips the fun on bedtime, celebrating the special relationship that fathers share with their children. Ages 2+

Noni the Pony by Alison Lester 

Would you like to meet Noni? She’s the nicest, friendliest pony a child could ever hope to meet. She lives on a farm overlooking the sea and loves to play with her best friends Dave Dog and Coco the cat. A satisfying and delightful rhyming pony story for young children by the much-loved Alison Lester whose books are beloved by adults and children alike. Ages 1+

This & That by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek 

An utterly delightful bedtime tale is a rollicking, colourful journey and adventure. There’s lots to look at on every page. The two main characters travel from the cavernous caves to their home in the castle walls. Can you imagine Where is the Green Sheep? meets Where’s Wally? Well, this imagination is brought to life through Judy Horacek’s stunning illustrations. Ages 2+

A Lullaby for Little One by Charles Fuge

At the end of a lovely, fun-filled day, there’s time for just one last game for Little Bunny and Big Daddy Rabbit and their woodland friends. But when Little Bunny gets tired and it becomes too much of a hullabaloo, Big Daddy Rabbit knows that a special lullabaloo lullaby is exactly what’s needed. Ages 2+

Ten Sleepy Sheep by Renee Treml

Ten sleep sheep walk back to the shed. Nine sleepy pups settle into bed. Night-time has fallen and the farm is asleep, time for you to count your sheep. Count along with our baby animals as a farm in the Australian bush goes to sleep. A perfect bedtime book by author-illustrator Renee Treml for small children, introducing the concept of counting down from ten. Ages 1+

The Very Sleepy Bear by Nick Bland 

On a Jingle Jangle Mountain, as the snow fell on the rocks. A sleepy bear was being followed by a very sneaky fox. But Bear was in a hurry, he was running very late. Winter had arrived and it was time to hibernate! Nick Bland’s popular The Very Cranky Bear is back and he has a mischievous fox to contend with. Ages 3+

Time for Bed by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer

The day is done, darkness is falling and little ones are getting sleepy. The rhyming text accompanied by soft watercolour illustrations by Jane Dyer shows animal mothers sharing precious moments with their babies before they go to sleep. Ages 2+

I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go To Bed by Lauren Child

It’s bedtime for Charlie and Lola. Night owl Lola likes to stay up colouring, scribbling, wriggling, bouncing and chattering/ Lola never gets tired. How can big brother Charlie convince her it’s time for bed? Author-illustrator Lauren Child splashes her offbeat sense of humour and unique artwork all over this bedtime story. Laugh out loud at Lola’s imaginative antics, but save a cheer for kind, patient Charlie – the big brother we’d all love to have. Ages 3+

Goodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton 

The sun is setting, and everyone in the forest is getting sleepy. The mice, rabbits, and deer all give great big yawns as they snuggle up with their families for the night. But Little Bear isn’t sleepy and thinks he can stay awake a bit longer. Can he do it? Chris Haughton’s bold and vibrant illustrations will captivate little ones eager to stay up longer, with sweet depictions of animals cozying up in their beds will have kids yawning off to a dreamland of their own. Ages 2+

Pea Pod Lullaby by Glenda Millard  

A mother and a baby, a boy and a dog run for their lives. A little boat carries them across the sea. A polar bear, too, has come adrift. Will they find land, find friends, and be welcomed? This book is an inspiring and timely story of courage, endurance. and hope. Words sing over the pictures in this evocative story: a beautiful lullaby about what we can be for each other. Ages 4+