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Sleepytime Books

Reading at bedtime entertains and relaxes your child, helps to build his or her imagination, makes bedtime something to look forward to, and builds a lifelong enjoyment of reading. But most of all, it’s an opportunity for quiet cuddle time with your son or daughter. In honor of this important tradition, bedtime classics both old and new are featured in these recommended books for children ages 0-9. Sweet dreams!

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Aesop's Fables
Aesop's Fables
By: Jerry Pinkney
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Almost 100 fables attributed to Aesop have been selected and illustrated in this oversized collection. Familiar and less familiar tales are included, and most are distinguished by illustrations that give these old fables a fresh face. This large collection is an introduction to these classic stories.

And If the Moon Could Talk
And If the Moon Could Talk
By: Kate Banks
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Evocative text and soothing pictures illuminate interior and exterior nighttime scenes in this beautiful book, which shows readers what the moon might share with them — if it could talk.

Good Night, Good Knight
Good Night, Good Knight
By: Shelley Thomas
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Three little dragons in a far-off cave are having a hard time falling asleep. It's the Good Knight to the rescue, with glasses of water, bedtime stories and songs, and goodnight kisses to lull the beasts to sleep.

Good Night, Harry
Good Night, Harry
By: Kim Lewis
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Harry, a soft plush elephant, is ready for bed, but he just can't sleep! He reads and wiggles and worries, but sleep won't come. But once Harry is reassured by his friends, Lulu and Ted, the plush toys are all able to cozily snuggle down for a good night's sleep.

Goodnight Moon
Goodnight Moon
By: Margaret Wise Brown
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

The youngster prepares for sleep, bidding goodnight to the room and all objects in it, including the moon and the old lady who whispers "hush." Sleep comes softly in this cozy classic.

Kitten's First Full Moon
Kitten's First Full Moon
By: Kevin Henkes
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

When Kitten sees her first full moon, she thinks there's a little bowl of milk in the sky. But try as she might, she just can't seem to reach it. Disappointed, she returns home, only to find a bowl of milk waiting for her. "Lucky Kitten!" Expressive illustrations in shades of black, white, and gray are carefully placed to show movement and motion during Kitten's nighttime adventure.

My Parents Think I'm Sleeping
My Parents Think I'm Sleeping
By: Jack Prelutsky
Illustrated by: Yossi Abolafia
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

I'm awake! I'm awake! / I cannot shut my eyes. / I'm unable to sleep, / though I've made many tries… The insomniac in all of us will find plenty of company in this rollicking series of rhymes by the prolific and popular poet, Jack Prelutsky.

Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me
By: Eric Carle
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When Monica asks her father for the moon, he literally sets out to get it for her. But because the moon is too big, he must wait until it wanes. As the pages unfold, the journey expands with textured, richly colored paintings that are complemented by a straightforward text. Lunar cycles are introduced in this loving story.

Sleeping Cutie
Sleeping Cutie
By: Andrea Pinkney
Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Cutie LaRue is normally a very agreeable child. But at bedtime she becomes downright defiant. As hard as her parents try to make Cutie sleepy, well, nothing works. But a talking doll named Night Owl may just hold the key to the Dreamland Nightclub where Cutie can dance, play music, and dream happily all night long! The talented husband/wife team of Andrea and Brian Pinkney have collaborated again to present this jaunty, imaginative nighttime tale.

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