Kid Konnection: Bedtime Stories

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a few picture books that are perfect for bedtime.

Summary: Babies sleep in cribs. Do big kids? No! Big kids sleep in a big bed.

Every child's life is filled with milestones. Some happen easily; others need a little extra support. Artist and mom Maria van Lieshout has been there. Drawing upon her own experiences, she has created an engaging series of books that are just right for children on the brink of major changes and the caregivers who encourage them. -- Chronicle

I SLEEP IN A BIG BED (BIG KID POWER) by Maria van Lieshout is an adorable book that helps with the adjustment to a big kid bed! I remember that my kids were excited when it was time to leave their cribs, but I also remember that they were a little scared. This very sweet book does a terrific job with building excitement about this major transition (both for kids and parents!), while also explaining that it might be a little scary.

I SLEEP IN A BIG BED is part of the BIG KID POWER series, and even though it's the first book I've ever read from this series, I totally love the idea of having books to help with the changes taking place from baby to toddler. The text is simple and the illustrations are super cute.

All in all -- a fun book to help kids transition from their cribs to big beds.

Summary: An unabridged board book version of the bestselling hardcover, perfect for small hands! The dream train pulls into the station, and one by one the train cars are loaded: polar bears pack the reefer car with ice cream, elephants fill the tanker cars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, and kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls (while zebras referee). Dreamy illustrations and gentle rhyming text make this a beloved bedtime favorite for budding train enthusiasts everywhere. -- Chronicle

Many of you are familiar with the book STEAM TRAIN, DREAM TRAIN by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld, but it's now available as a board book. This popular story follows the dream train as it pulls into the station and has its cars loaded. The book's sturdy pages are perfect for the littlest train enthusiasts, and the rhyming text is certain to keep them entertained until the very last page.

STEAM TRAIN, DREAM TRAIN is a must-read bedtime book!

Summary: It’s time to go to bed . . . but Monkey is NOT ready. Acclaimed author and illustrator Marc Brown (Arthur) offers a fun and reassuring story about bedtime. 

Every night at bedtime, it’s the same problem. . . . Monkey puts on his pajamas. He brushes his teeth. He makes sure his favorite stuffed toy is safely tucked in. He says “good night!” to Mom and Dad. But no matter what, Monkey is NOT ready to go to sleep. Finally, though, with the help of his big brother, a little imagination, and a few friendly dinosaurs, Monkey might just get ready for bed. -- Knopf

And last but certainly not least is MONKEY NOT READY FOR BEDTIME by Marc Brown. I am a huge fan of Mr. Brown (of Arthur fame), and I think his Monkey series is adorable. In the latest installment, Monkey doesn't want to go to bed. He does his normal bedtime routine but can't fall asleep. Mom and Dad try everything, but every night, Monkey is just not ready for bed.

Of course, Monkey is tired the next day at school and home. Thankfully, Monkey's brother has an idea. Monkey can try to count things really slowly to fall asleep. Monkey begins counting and thinking about dinosaurs (one of his favorite things!); and his vivid imagination takes him on a wild ride... which ends up making Monkey finally ready for bedtime.

The story is very cute and the illustrations are even cuter. Marc Brown is a terrific children's author and Monkey is a fun character. I absolutely love the text in the book -- it's looks like a kid writing in crayon, and Monkey's dilemma is one many kids will relate to.

MONKEY NOT READY FOR BEDTIME is a great book for kids who are having problems falling asleep!

Thanks to the publishers for providing review copies of these picture books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!