Now that school has started, my own children are certainly more tired. However, their brains are wide awake processing new timetables, teachers and assignments. We try to read a bit before bed to calm their minds and slow their heart rates.
In sorting through some new books, a pattern developed and I decided to group these 5 books as they are ideal for bedtimes and will suit all ages!
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers, Written and Illustrated by several collaborators. Published by Rebel Girls
The Good Night Stories series needs no introduction from me. It has produced several brilliant volumes of real life stories about ordinary people who have made great strides in their fields, who have overcome barriers and now who are young and taking on the world. This arrived in time for my daughter to begin high school and I am introducing her to new names, careers and ways to bring about change. She is not interested in older people, she wants to learn from those just older than her and to be encouraged to follow in their footsteps. From well known sports, music and activist roles to those creating inventions and trying new things, we are both learning so much from these incredible women. The short one page biographies mean we can delve into a few names each night and think about who they are and what we can learn from them. Always with colourful and bold illustrations highlighting the person, the details on those pages is so engaging. This is a must have for schools and home!
All the Animals were Sleeping by Clare Helen Welsh and Jenny Løvlie, Published by Nosy Crow
A little mongoose is travelling home in the dusk, home to his burrow and family. As he travels across the Serengeti, he can see herds and groups of animals gathered together, sleeping. There is a true sense of awe as you read and travel across this land with a small mongoose, imagining him looking way up into the trees, the sky and the giraffes. The poetic use of language and apt, beautiful descriptions of the land, colours and creatures brings a sense of calm to the story. Little mongoose may be heading home but he is also appreciating the beauty of his world. Animal loving readers will love learning how the animals sleep and where, as well as the extra pages of facts at the back of the book. I love that the story features a mongoose as this creature doesn’t appear often in stories and I think readers will want to learn more about this small mammal.
South Asian Folktales, Myths and Legends by Sarah Shaffi and Abeeha Tariq, Published by Scholastic
Myths, legends, traditional tales, folk and fairy tales all have their place in bedtime routines. This perfectly sized volume of stories is ideal for reading before bed. Hailing from South Asia, there are stories from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, as well as others in that region. On top of the geography lesson that comes from these books, there is much to learn as there seem to be morals and lessons to be taken away. I loved that some of the tales were familiar to me while others were completely new, introducing me to cultural perspectives and ideals. Readers can pick and choose the type of story they want each evening, choosing from ones featuring animals, ordinary humans or royalty. I immediately turned to royalty as the cultures represented had wonderful stories featuring princesses, kings and queens. The colourful cover will entice the reader in while the stories hook them properly.
Good Night Toucan by Joanne Partis, Published by Little Tiger
Toucan is planning an epic sleepover party and has invited several friends. They are even more excited than he could imagine and while that is great, it makes Toucan doubt his special sleepover. He is no longer sure it is the best it can be. He flies off in a bit of a panic , hunting for decorations, soft bedding and twinkling lights. Wanting a little bit of everything, it is a bit of a squeeze for him to carry. During the last minute hunt for twinkling lights (fireflies), he drops everything else and lands in the water. Meanwhile, his friends have arrived and are looking for the most important element of the sleepover! Toucan! Heartwarming and funny, this tale will have children giggling while planning their own epic sleepovers. Gloriously colourful illustrations fill the pages and bring this adventure to life. An adorable bedtime tale!
The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre, Written by 17 authors, Published by Faber
This giant volume arrived this week to huge fanfare (mine!). I had hoped a copy would arrive and I have been reading stories here, there and everywhere from this book. Picking and choosing based on the title or author is a fun game to play each night and so far, I have been overwhelmed with the brilliance of each tale and of the illustrations by Sarah McIntyre. Short stories at bedtime are ideal as they limit the, “one more chapter” chant! These are perfect and have joyful, positive beginnings, middles and ends! This is a book to be treasured and delved into regularly, re-reading favourites and sharing with friends. My favourite stories have been happy, funny and heartwarming. With stories featuring animals, fairy tale characters and magical creatures, there is definitely something for all ages and tastes.
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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