Books that help lull little ones to sleep

Studies show that reading bedtime stories to children of all ages helps them calm down and fall asleep more easily. In addition, it provides valuable bonding time with parents and stimulates kids’ imaginations and creative thinking.

It can be tough for adults to carve out time for bedtime routines, but the impact on kids is invaluable.

Here are a few quiet picture books to help youngsters relax at bedtime.

I’m Not Sleepy!

By Jonathan Allen

Hyperion Book CH, 2010

For ages 1 and older

Baby Owl is definitely not ready for sleep. He has lots of thinking to do and decides he should stay awake all day to do it. Despite being disturbed by all the daytime animals around him, he keeps asserting that he is NOT sleepy. When Papa Owl finally comes along, Baby Owl can resist no longer.

This sweet — and sometimes grumpy — overtired youngster will be familiar to any parent.

I Am Yoga

By Susan Verde

Harry N. Abrams, 2015

For ages 3 and older

Sometimes children feel very small in our very big world. The main character uses yoga to ground herself and still her thoughts. Each of the gorgeous illustrations shows the character in a yoga pose and includes a related line such as, “I can see far and wide. I am focused.” This is a great way to help little ones quiet their minds and bodies at bedtime.

A kid-friendly guide to yoga poses is included.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

By Anna Dewdney

Viking, 2008

For ages 3 and older

It’s Llama Llama’s bedtime and he’s ready to be tucked in, but after Mama goes back downstairs, he starts to get lonely. He hollers for her, and when she doesn’t immediately reappear, he fears something has happened and has a meltdown.

She runs upstairs and reassures him that everything is OK and that “Mama Llama’s always near, even when she isn’t right HERE.”

This sweet story will soothe skittish kids and give them tools to feel calm and safer in the night.

Shh! We Have a Plan

By Chris Haughton

Candlewick, 2014

For ages 3 and older

Four friends are trying to sneak up on a bird to catch it with a net. They constantly remind their youngest friend to hush so the bird doesn’t fly away. They have a plan, but it never seems to work. Maybe the youngest has an even better plan?

This book is made to be read in a soft voice, and youngsters will delight in the satisfying story backed by beautiful, vibrantly colored illustrations that tell as much of the story as the words.

Sleepsong

By George Ella Lyon

Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2008

For ages 1 and older

Told in soothing, lyrical text, this story helps kids understand that all living things sleep. The watercolor illustrations show the child and parents on one side and sleeping animals on the other. This book emphasizes a strong family bond and both parents’ roles in a bedtime routine.

As the child drifts off to sleep, little ones listening along will be lulled into quiet time, too.

This Is Our Baby, Born Today

By Varsha Bajaj

Nancy Paulsen Books, 2016

For ages 3 and older

This enchanting story tells of the arrival of a new baby elephant to the jungle. He is greeted by the world around him, including the firm and fertile earth, the gorgeous peacocks that do a welcome dance, and the sparkling stars who offer their blessings, among many others. This one small baby warms the heart of the world around him.

Celebrating the importance of family and community, this book will help children to feel cared for and loved. It is a simple story full of abundant joy.

The author also includes a footnote asking readers to protect endangered elephants.

The Quiet Book

By Deborah Underwood

HMH Books for Young Readers, 2010

For ages 3 and older

Illustrations show animals experiencing all the quiet activities in a variety of settings — school, home, the doctor, story time and an amusement park.

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 2:29 PM.