Bedtime

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.

A boat full of critters get ready for bed in this oversized board book from Sandra Boynton! With zippy yet serene artwork that’s sure to make any Boynton fan feel comforted for sleep time, this before-bed read follows an elephant, dog, pig, and other animals as they “take a bath in one big tub with soap all over — SCRUB SCRUB SCRUB,” put on their pj’s, and crowd around the sink brushing their teeth. Of course, they can’t forget a little exercise as part of their routine, and afterwards, when “The moon is high. The sea is deep. They rock and rock and rock to sleep.” Boynton’s relaxing words and bedtime palette — which includes dark pastels and other nighttime colors — combine to make a winning book that should make those eyelids a little bit heavier. Perfect for reading to your child and a fun complement to other Boynton books like Snoozers and Pajama Time!

This endearing bedtime book is perfect for winding down with little ones at the end of a busy day. After reading it, you’ll feel good too! Each large two-page illustration radiates genuine affection and celebrates the love between moms of all kinds and their young, as they ready them for bed. Mommy mouse embraces her baby. A sheep and her lamb rub muzzles. Mother cow and her calf exchange loving glances. Mommy horse and her foal nuzzle each other. And on and on, concluding with a human mommy tucking her young child in bed with this thought: “The stars on high are shining bright-Sweet dreams, my darling, sleep well… good night!” This book will melt your heart.

Yes, even little animals have to go to sleep. When night falls, little fawns and little bears close their eyes under the watchful care of their mothers and fathers. Sally Lloyd-Jones’s rhythmic text paired with Jane Chapman’s depiction of a nighttime world settling down for slumber will make any reluctant sleepyhead want to curl into bed.

Little ones play a dressed-up version of peek-a-boo in Marion Dane Bauer’s board book Toes, Ears, & Nose!, illus. by Karen Katz. “Inside my mittens I’ve got,” Bauer begins. Readers lift decorative pink mittens to find “fingers.” Snow boots, earmuffs and a scarf hide other body parts; vibrant colors and patterns add pizzazz.