100 books like How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

By Jane Yolen, Mark Teague (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? fans have personally recommended if you like How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Book cover of Where the Wild Things Are

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?

There is no doubt that this book is the classic example of a real kid with fantasy creatures. Not the first, but the one I return to over and over again. The first time I read it, I thought, “drat! Why didn’t I write this book?”

Not only is the story multi-layered, it is a story that reads like a poem and it has an unforgettable last line. 

By Maurice Sendak,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked Where the Wild Things Are 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?

Read-along with the story in this book and CD edition!

One night Max puts on his wolf suit and makes mischief of one kind and another, so his mother calls him 'Wild Thing' and sends him to bed without his supper.

That night a forest begins to grow in Max's room and an ocean rushes by with a boat to take Max to the place where the wild things are. Max tames the wild things and crowns himself as their king, and then the wild rumpus begins.

But when Max has sent the monsters to bed, and everything is quiet,…


Book cover of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

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?

This book is a great way to teach your baby about animals and color identification. It also reminds you and your baby to stop and look around at the world around you. The illustrations are simple but striking for babies. The ending of this book comes together really nicely!

By Bill Martin Jr., Eric Carle (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

OVER 175 MILLION ERIC CARLE BOOKS SOLD WORLDWIDE

A much-loved classic, illustrated by the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Vibrant artwork and favourite animals make this rhythmic story the perfect introduction to learning about colours. Each spread leads seamlessly into the next and young children will delight in Eric's colourful collage animals and simple repetitive language.

Discover more books by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle:

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?


Book cover of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Sylvia A. Rouss Author Of In My Preschool, There is a Time for Everything

From my list on illustrated stories for early childhood educators.

Why am I passionate about this?

I began my career as an assistant nursery school teacher when I graduated from college. My head teacher was my mentor. She knew how to engage children with her storytelling. She also managed to inspire children with an enthusiasm for learning. She challenged each child to develop his/her own individual skills. I loved the way she was able to connect with children, and for me, she was the ideal role model. Throughout my teaching career, I tried to connect with the children I taught. My goal was to reach every child, to stimulate their desire for learning, and to help them develop positive self-esteem in a nurturing environment.

Sylvia's book list on illustrated stories for early childhood educators

Sylvia A. Rouss Why did Sylvia love this book?

Can a Pigeon drive a bus? The bus driver asks the “readers” to say “No”. But the Pigeon keeps trying.

It’s a fun easy read, and the whimsical illustrations make the book memorable for children and help cue the listener's part. I especially like the book because the responsive “No” fully engages children in the story.

By Mo Willems,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! 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?

When the bus driver decides to take a break from driving, a wild and wacky pigeon pleads and begs to take his place, in a hilarious picture book that perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum.


Book cover of Good Night with The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Sylvia A. Rouss Author Of In My Preschool, There is a Time for Everything

From my list on illustrated stories for early childhood educators.

Why am I passionate about this?

I began my career as an assistant nursery school teacher when I graduated from college. My head teacher was my mentor. She knew how to engage children with her storytelling. She also managed to inspire children with an enthusiasm for learning. She challenged each child to develop his/her own individual skills. I loved the way she was able to connect with children, and for me, she was the ideal role model. Throughout my teaching career, I tried to connect with the children I taught. My goal was to reach every child, to stimulate their desire for learning, and to help them develop positive self-esteem in a nurturing environment.

Sylvia's book list on illustrated stories for early childhood educators

Sylvia A. Rouss Why did Sylvia love this book?

The story, a favorite of both children and parents, focuses on the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.

Both at home and in the classroom, the book lends itself to so many arts and crafts activities that the story continues to grow and evolve. 

By Eric Carle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Good Night with The Very Hungry Caterpillar as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Christmas is. . . sharing with others . . . giving gifts with love . . . enjoying the magic of the season

Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a celebration of Christmas and all the ways to wish the ones you love a Very Merry Christmas.

This delightful board book features Eric Carle's bright and distinctive artwork from sparkling stars and snowy scenes - and you can spot The Very Hungry Caterpillar on every page.

With it's festive artwork and gentle rhyming text, this is the perfect gift for Christmas!


Book cover of Dinosaur vs. Bedtime

Claire Freedman Author Of Aliens Love Underpants!

From my list on laugh out loud pictures for 3-5 yr olds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've written over 100 picture books for children, and am best known for the Aliens Love Underpants series of books, some of which have been turned into touring theatre shows worldwide, and TV animations. My books are all fiction picture books, aimed at children aged from babyhood to seven years. I write gentle bedtime stories to lull your little ones to sleep, fun and zany laugh-out-loud stories, rhyming books, and encouraging and inspiring tales to make children smile and reach for the sky. I enjoy visiting schools and libraries via Zoom, and love to share my passion for reading and writing, to hopefully encourage the next generation of budding young authors.

Claire's book list on laugh out loud pictures for 3-5 yr olds

Claire Freedman Why did Claire love this book?

Dinosaur has a roaring time winning everything he does (and you must join in the roaring!)

He wins Dinosaur V a bowl of spaghetti, he wins dinosaur V A Pile of Leaves, and many others. But his biggest challenge to win is bedtime. Dinosaur roars and roars and roars in his fight to win over bedtime… but does he win? A simple but fun bedtime story that both child and adults will find very amusing.

By Bob Shea,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dinosaur vs. Bedtime as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Fans of No, David! will love this not-quite-ready-for-bedtime book that launched a top-selling series—by favorite funny man Bob Shea!

Roaaaar! Roaaaar! This little dinosaur usually wins everything, and nothing can stop him—not talking grownups, spaghetti, or even bath time. But what happens when he faces the biggest challenge of all—bedtime? With a dramatic, giggle-inducing storytime text including irresistible ROAARS, little dinosaurs will be begging for this book to be read again and again!

"Prepare your dinosaur voices and exaggerated roars, because this is a read-aloud that children will ask for over and over. When it comes to Dinosaur vs. the…


Book cover of I Love You More Than Ice Cream

Brandi Dougherty Author Of The Littlest Valentine

From my list on spreading love on Valentine’s Day.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a New York Times Bestselling author of more than twenty children’s picture books and chapter books as well as a mom to two young kids. Nothing fills me with more joy than reading to children and witnessing how a story can open up their hearts and minds. And Valentine’s Day is a holiday that brings me extra joy because it’s all about spreading love and friendship. I love Valentine’s Day so much that I’ve written two picture books about it!

Brandi's book list on spreading love on Valentine’s Day

Brandi Dougherty Why did Brandi love this book?

For me, this book works wonders as a sweet Valentine to my kids and a bedtime book we reach for over and over again. The bold and bright illustrations are super fun, and the rhyming text is silly and unexpected. In this story, a young girl details her bedtime routine with all the members of her familyincluding her dogas they say how much they love each other. This fun story always prompts my kids and I to come up with our own “I love you more than” comparisons, too. 

By Becky Davies, Lala Watkins (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Love You More Than Ice Cream 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?

In this funny bedtime book, celebrate the love between a child and her family as she is tucked in each night with smiles, hugs—and plenty of humorous comparisons to unicorns, chocolate, doughnuts, and dinosaurs!

It’s time for bed, but this lucky young girl has a very special and different way to do it every night! Mommy tucks her in and says she loves her more than unicorns, chocolate fountains, doughnuts, and Ferris wheels shaped like pizzas. Grandpa loves her more than friendly aliens, and the little girl loves her grandpa more than dinosaurs in ballroom gowns on Mars. And Daddy…


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 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 Guess How Much I Love You

Eugenia Yoh & Vivienne Chang Author Of This Is Not My Home

From my list on making you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Why am I passionate about this?

We’re picture book lovers and best friends that met in college at Washington University in St. Louis. Our friendship started out with long telephone conversations during the pandemic, and have now blossomed into a picture book partnership where we hope to write books that make people feel warm and fuzzy through the universality of the human experience. Vivienne is still currently a student at WashU, but will move to New York post-graduation. Eugenia has since graduated and is currently a designer in the children’s department at Chronicle Books in the Bay Area.

Vivienne's book list on making you feel warm and fuzzy inside

Eugenia Yoh & Vivienne Chang Why did Vivienne love this book?

There is so much we love about this book. Every page stretches the imagination on how much one can love in physical distance form and it makes you realize that love, in a sense, has not bounds. You can’t guess how much Little Nutbrown Hare is loved, but he are loved endlessly. Not only is this book warm and fuzzy vibes, it makes you want to cry with this father and child relationship. Vivienne’s dad is a big inspiration in my life and it makes her realize how much she love him and hope to be just like him one day.

By Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Guess How Much I Love You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Celebrate twenty-five years of love right up to the moon and back! A new board-book edition is perfect for little hands.

How much does Little Nutbrown Hare love his daddy? And how much does Big Nutbrown Hare love him back? The cherished tale of boundless affection is ready for boundless sharing in a durable board-book edition for the younger set.


Book cover of This Book Will Get You to Sleep!

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?

I love this book because it’s not your typical sleepy-time bedtime story. It’s silly and loud, with mentions of monster trucks and guitar solos. It might not have my kids yawning, but it will have them excited to read before bed.

If I’m ever struggling to get my kids to bed (so, most nights), reading a fun book like this always helps to get them zipping through their bedtime routines a little faster.

By Jory John, Olivier Tallec (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked This Book Will Get You to Sleep! 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?

Attention, readers-this book is going to help you fall right asleep! No, seriously. It's going to make you so tired. Monsters crash through the pages! Electric guitars jam out all night! Counting sheep that are being chased by DRAGONS! Are you asleep yet? No? Hmm . . . let's try something else . . .

This hilarious story from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Jory John and acclaimed illustrator Olivier Tallec will show energetic little ones so many different methods of falling asleep that they just might get tired after all!


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in bedtime, dinosaurs, and behavior?

Bedtime 40 books
Dinosaurs 98 books
Behavior 56 books