55 books like Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

By Sherri Duskey Rinke, Tom Lichtenheld (illustrator),

Here are 55 books that Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site fans have personally recommended if you like Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day?

Megan Preston Meyer Author Of Supply Jane & Fifo Fix the Flow: A Supply Chain and Logistics Adventure for Kids

From my list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent 10+ years in supply chain and analytics, but now I tell the stories that data doesn’t. I love exposing the hidden logic that makes the world work. Correction: I love discovering the hidden logic that makes the world work, and what I figure out, I love to share. Whether it’s getting kids interested in supply chain (e.g., how the things in the Amazon package actually get to their mailbox) or shedding light on corporate absurdity in funny novels (e.g., Firebrand), I figure that the more we can pull back the curtain and look behind the scenes, the more we can understandand appreciatethe world around us.

Megan's book list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works

Megan Preston Meyer Why did Megan love this book?

Richard Scarry books are nostalgic gold. There’s so much going on on every page, and I remember it all like it was yesterday (which it probably was, because half of the illustrations are on Twitter as memes).

The little vignettes cover all the traditional kids’ book themes—firemen, policemen, ship voyages, road construction—but then go further. Everyone is a Worker talks about how money flows through the economy, and Wood & How We Use It discusses a supply chain, from raw materials to production and manufacturing to transportation (albeit in grossly unrealistic trucks). 

By Richard Scarry,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.


Book cover of There's No Such Thing as a Dragon

Megan Preston Meyer Author Of Supply Jane & Fifo Fix the Flow: A Supply Chain and Logistics Adventure for Kids

From my list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent 10+ years in supply chain and analytics, but now I tell the stories that data doesn’t. I love exposing the hidden logic that makes the world work. Correction: I love discovering the hidden logic that makes the world work, and what I figure out, I love to share. Whether it’s getting kids interested in supply chain (e.g., how the things in the Amazon package actually get to their mailbox) or shedding light on corporate absurdity in funny novels (e.g., Firebrand), I figure that the more we can pull back the curtain and look behind the scenes, the more we can understandand appreciatethe world around us.

Megan's book list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works

Megan Preston Meyer Why did Megan love this book?

This book is not about supply chain, but it is about dragons, and it definitely talks about a behind-the-scenes phenomenon that we see in the world. This is one of those lessons-wrapped-in-a-story books that I think are so effective… you don’t know you’re learning a universal truth about human nature until it jumps up cutely and breathes fire in your face.

In this case, the truth is that refusing to recognize the reality of an unpleasant situation will only make it worse. It’s better to name the dragon in the room and discuss it courageously instead of making blanket statements about why it doesn’t and can’t exist. At the end of the day, acknowledging our shared reality and talking about our struggles is something we can all get better at... because we, like dragons, just want to be seen.

By Jack Kent,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked There's No Such Thing as a Dragon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

A story for every kid who wants a pet dragon!

When Billy Bixbee finds a tiny dragon in his bedroom, his mom tells him, “There’s no such thing as a dragon!” This only makes the dragon get bigger. He grows, and grows, and grows, until he’s bigger than Billy’s house—and that’s just the beginning!

A funny, madcap story and playful illustrations by beloved author-illustrator Jack Kent pair in a book that will have children wondering if maybe friendly pet dragons do exist after all!


Book cover of The Little Yellow Digger and the Big Ship

Megan Preston Meyer Author Of Supply Jane & Fifo Fix the Flow: A Supply Chain and Logistics Adventure for Kids

From my list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent 10+ years in supply chain and analytics, but now I tell the stories that data doesn’t. I love exposing the hidden logic that makes the world work. Correction: I love discovering the hidden logic that makes the world work, and what I figure out, I love to share. Whether it’s getting kids interested in supply chain (e.g., how the things in the Amazon package actually get to their mailbox) or shedding light on corporate absurdity in funny novels (e.g., Firebrand), I figure that the more we can pull back the curtain and look behind the scenes, the more we can understandand appreciatethe world around us.

Megan's book list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works

Megan Preston Meyer Why did Megan love this book?

Besides being a really cute book in its own right (any time there are cat cameos in the illustrations, I’m excited), I just really like the fact that this book exists.

Peter Gilderdale already had a whole series on the Little Yellow Digger, so when the Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal a few years ago, he, like the eponymous digger, was perfectly positioned. And he nailed it!

This book leaves kids with some great messages: when you find yourself in the right place at the right time, don’t hesitate; and even if you’re small, you can still make a big difference.

By Peter Gilderdale, Fifi Colston (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Little Yellow Digger and the Big Ship as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

While the people puzzled how to shift a boat this BIG, a little yellow digger came and just began to dig. Inspired by the TRUE STORY of a giant container ship wedged in a tight spot and blocking one of the busiest waterways in the world, this playful addition to the classic series sees the world's favourite LITTLE YELLOW DIGGER come to the rescue-again!


Book cover of The Berenstain Bears and the Summer Job

Megan Preston Meyer Author Of Supply Jane & Fifo Fix the Flow: A Supply Chain and Logistics Adventure for Kids

From my list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent 10+ years in supply chain and analytics, but now I tell the stories that data doesn’t. I love exposing the hidden logic that makes the world work. Correction: I love discovering the hidden logic that makes the world work, and what I figure out, I love to share. Whether it’s getting kids interested in supply chain (e.g., how the things in the Amazon package actually get to their mailbox) or shedding light on corporate absurdity in funny novels (e.g., Firebrand), I figure that the more we can pull back the curtain and look behind the scenes, the more we can understandand appreciatethe world around us.

Megan's book list on Kids’ books about supply chain management and other ways the world works

Megan Preston Meyer Why did Megan love this book?

The Berenstain Bears are nostalgic silver (they get 2nd place because there aren’t as many memes). I especially like ...and the Summer Job because the lessons are so timeless: cause and effect can sometimes be muddy; one must be patient and able to deal with uncertainty; and the joy of a job well done can be a reward in itself.

Even if your kids are too young to be thinking about summer jobs yet (although check those child-labor laws, because they vary by state…), it’s never too early to plant the seeds of a solid work ethic.

Book cover of Goodnight Moon

Elyssa Dorf Author Of Being Your Mama

From my list on books for babies with rhyming stories.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author and illustrator of the baby book listed below. As a mom of a 1-year-old, I am no stranger to kids’ books. After 1 year of going through my baby’s bookshelf and finding my own personal favorites, I realized that the common theme amongst all of my favorites is that all my selects happen to rhyme. Therefore, when I set out to write my own book, it was a given that this would be a rhyming story. Since then, I have been reading and researching all of the rhyming books to create my own. After all this research, these top five books are my top picks.

Elyssa's book list on books for babies with rhyming stories

Elyssa Dorf Why did Elyssa love this book?

Another classic full of nostalgia, I recently found the book's hidden message—there is a clock on each page, and you can watch the time progress as the story goes on. Please note that in the story, bedtime takes a full hour, which makes me feel better about my bedtime process.

By Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Goodnight Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A beautiful anniversary edition of the classic bedtime story with shiny gold cover flourishes - the perfect gift for christenings and birthdays.

Featuring a look at the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the most famous children's books in the world, beloved by Michelle Obama and Neil Gaiman alike, as well as tips on how to get your child to sleep.

In a great green room a little bunny is tucked up snugly and safely in bed and is getting ready to say goodnight to all the familiar things in his room, one by one.

Margaret Wise Brown's…


Book cover of The Going to Bed Book

Kim Howard Author Of Do Mommies Ever Sleep?

From my list on picture books to make bedtime fun.

Why am I passionate about this?

With three kids, bedtime at my house is usually nuts. When we strike gold with a great bedtime read that’s funny or cozy, or better yet, BOTH, it becomes part of our permanent rotation. I love finding books that make my kids excited about story time (and just maybe encourage them to get through their bedtime routines a little faster). As a children’s picture book author, my own books are inspired by my kids’ everyday lives, and sleep, or lack thereof, is a topic that I always find so very relatable!

Kim's book list on picture books to make bedtime fun

Kim Howard Why did Kim love this book?

This book is my all-time favorite bedtime story for toddlers. Just thinking about this book has me yawning already.

It’s silly AND sleepy, with illustrations my kids always giggle at (I'm looking at you, animals wearing PJs that are too small.) It’s also rhythmic and rhyming and ends with a dreamy illustration of a boat rocking gently on the waves. This is a classic in my house!

By Sandra Boynton,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Going to Bed Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Getting ready for sleep is tons of fun in this Sandra Boynton classic.

The sun has set not long ago.
Now everybody goes below
to take a bath in one big tub
with soap all over-SCRUB SCRUB SCRUB!

This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush and brush and brush their teeth, and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep.


Book cover of Who Loves Me?

Maia Haag Author Of My Very Own Name

From my list on personalized bedtime storybooks.

Why am I passionate about this?

Maia Haag is the president and co-founder of I See Me! Personalized Books & Gifts. She had the idea to write her own personalized children’s book while on maternity leave. She and her husband, who is a graphic designer, published My Very Own Name, which launched their company. Maia has written over ten engaging, uniquely personalized stories that make each child feel special. She’s even written a personalized book for dog lovers If My Dog Could Talk—based on her own family pet!

Maia's book list on personalized bedtime storybooks

Maia Haag Why did Maia love this book?

This personalized storybook is soothing to young children because it shares the names of everyone who loves the child. When you order the book, you’ll provide the names of family members, relatives, and even the family pet, and the book will feature rhymes about how much those people adore your child. 

By Jennifer Dewing, Maria Carluccio (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Who Loves Me? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Rudie Nudie

Alys Mendus Author Of Searching for the Ideal School Around the World: School Tourism and Performative Autoethnographic-We

From my list on picture books for a 2.5 year old.

Why am I passionate about this?

With our 2.5-year-old we read all the time. She is a great critic, letting us know if the book is to be read ‘again’ or to be put ‘away!’ As well as a PhD in Education, I am also a trained teacher, having worked with preschoolers running Steiner Waldorf inspired parent and child groups and playgroups, so I am fascinated by the power of story. I try and choose books that are inclusive and age-appropriate, keeping the child in a magical space, as well as allowing for lots of laughs! I also love to share books that I am happy to read three times in a row!

Alys' book list on picture books for a 2.5 year old

Alys Mendus Why did Alys love this book?

Two young children jump out of the bath and run around their home naked until they get dried and dressed in their pyjamas and go off to sleep. We love being ‘nudie nudie’ in our house and the fun rhyming words in this book are regularly recited as we play! We also love the Rudie Nudie Christmas edition that came out in 2020. As someone from the UK living in Australia I love the details in this book that let me know it is set in Australia such as the house having a screen door to keep all those pesky mosquitoes out!

By Emma Quay,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rudie Nudie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A delightful Rudie Nudie celebration of the joy of Christmas from award-winning creator Emma Quay.



Yoo-hoo, Rudie Nudie.

Rudie Nudie, where are you?

It is very nearly Christmas Day

for Rudie one and two.

It's Christmas Eve and two little rudie nudies are on the run again!

From bestselling author-illustrator Emma Quay comes the perfect book to share this holiday season.

AWARDS

Shortlisted - Speech Pathology Book of the Year 2021


Book cover of Looking for a Jumbie

Jane Yolen Author Of Giant Island

From my list on kids and mythical creatures.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hello! I am Jane Yolen, author of almost 450 books. I write picture books and novels, poetry, and graphic novels–mostly for children. I have published books about just about every subject imaginable. But I’ve always loved fantasy books especially. I grew up on the Alice in Wonderland books and the Arthurian legends. I, of course, carried that love into my writing life–having written about monsters, mermaids, and unicorns. I’m fascinated by fairies; they show up in a lot of what I write. Give me a real kid and a mythical creature of some sort, sprinkle in a bit of magicI’m in! 

Jane's book list on kids and mythical creatures

Jane Yolen Why did Jane love this book?

The book's great front matter invites the child reader to experience a journey through the night to search for jumbies, which are, it explains, not friendly. But then, within the pages, the jumbies, though lying gently to the child, are, in fact, quite friendly. The darkness is, sort of, implied for later.

I love this ambiguity–gentle enough to allow this book to exist but mysterious enough to open up possibilities. This book will definitely serve as an introduction to the author’s middle-grade series. It is dark, luminous, and wonderful.

By Tracey Baptiste, Amber Ren (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Looking for a Jumbie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste and acclaimed illustrator Amber Ren take readers on a fun, creepy, storytime-ready romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore.

I'm looking for a jumbie, I'm going to find a scary one.

But Mama says jumbies exist only in stories. So Naya sets out on a nighttime adventure to find out for herself.

No such thing, say the friends she makes along the way.

But Naya is sure that jumbies are real. Some have big mouths. Or thick fur. Or glowing skin. Or sharp teeth. Kind of like her new friends....…


Book cover of Tuck Me In!

Abi Cushman Author Of Animals Go Vroom!

From my list on interactive stories for toddlers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author-illustrator of funny picture books for kids, including the interactive book, Animals Go Vroom!. As an illustrator, I revel in creating jokes and storylines in the pictures that kids can follow along with by themselves. And as a mother of two small children myself, I know first-hand the magical experience of reading books with toddlers that keep them guessing and giggling along the way.

Abi's book list on interactive stories for toddlers

Abi Cushman Why did Abi love this book?

In this interactive picture book, every other page is cut to look like a blanket. My kids love tucking in each animal by turning the page. This simple, gentle bedtime book also features repeated lines, so kids can join in the reading. “Who else needs to be tucked in?” / “I do!” It’s a wonderful way to get toddlers engaged in the story (but not in a rambunctious way) before settling into bed. 

By Dean Hacohen, Sherry Scharschmidt (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tuck Me In! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Time for bed everyone! Turn the page and tuck all of the baby animals into their cosy beds.

The stars are out. The moon is rising. All the baby animals, from peacocks to pigs to zebras, are ready for bed. Will you tuck them in and say goodnight? Turn the pages and the big blanket flaps will cover each little creature up to its chin. This simple but endlessly satisfying novelty, with its array of baby animals, bold patterns, and brilliant colours, is sure to be the book of choice for little ones everywhere, night after night.


Book cover of Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day?
Book cover of There's No Such Thing as a Dragon
Book cover of The Little Yellow Digger and the Big Ship

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