93 books like In the Night Garden

By Carin Berger,

Here are 93 books that In the Night Garden fans have personally recommended if you like In the Night Garden. 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 Moonlight Prance

Brooke Hartman Author Of Dream Flights on Arctic Nights

From my list on quick rhyming picture books with animals.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a mom of young kids who love animals, I know firsthand the benefit of finding fun books that are also easy to read, fun to look at, and short enough not to make you flinch when your kids pull them off the shelves during those later bedtime nights.

Brooke's book list on quick rhyming picture books with animals

Brooke Hartman Why did Brooke love this book?

A companion book to Sunrise Dance, this interactive lift-the-flap book will entertain young readers as they read along during a midnight dance in a meadow, and all the animals that come and join the fun. Kids will love making the animals dance along by moving the flaps, plus it’s short enough for when you need that super quick read before a late bedtime.

By Serena Gingold Allen, Teagan White (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

In this sweet and interactive bedtime read-aloud-with the rollicking rhyme of Sandra Boynton's Barnyard Dance! and the bedtime themes of Sleep Like A Tiger by Mary Logue-young readers can make skunks scamper and possums prance with each push of a durable novelty element.

When you rest your head at night, nocturnal animals awake to dance and play! Push and pull the sturdy tabs to make foxes frolic and hedgehogs hustle in this sweet, interactive tale of nighttime fun.

A charming and interactive bedtime read-aloud, young children will delight in moving the durable novelty elements, making the illustrations transform through their…


Book cover of The Going to Bed Book

Jane Riordan Author Of Winnie-the-Pooh: Once There Was a Bear

From my list on no tears at bedtime.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve spent my whole life working with children’s books. Firstly, as a listener–I was lucky enough to be read to frequently as a child. Then, as a reader. Later, I shared books as a teacher, editor, and publisher. But perhaps my favorite moments with books have been as a mother and now as an author. That’s a lot of books read, written, edited, shared, and loved! And for me, bedtime is the best time of day to share a book with a child. So, snuggle up and enjoy a favorite book with a favorite little person–they won’t be little for long!

Jane's book list on no tears at bedtime

Jane Riordan Why did Jane love this book?

Most bedtime books are reassuring and calming, but who says that going to bed can’t be fun and silly too? This book makes me giggle every time–the rhyme is infectious, and the facial expressions of the animals are just brilliant. Here’s to having fun with books right until the end of the day!

By Sandra Boynton,

Why should I read it?

3 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 A Good Night Walk

Kenneth Kraegel Author Of Mushroom Lullaby

From my list on bedtime books for young children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write and illustrate picture books. Before I was a father I just thought of the picture book as my chosen art form. When I became a dad, I saw first-hand how important picture books are in the lives of young children and the people who read to them. They become family friends. For the youngest kids, bedtime and nap-time are rituals performed many times a day, which means those books get read over and over. In doing so, I found some favorites that I still enjoy reading today, even if I am reading to myself!   

Kenneth's book list on bedtime books for young children

Kenneth Kraegel Why did Kenneth love this book?

A good goodnight book slows things down, quiets down the room and the people in it. This book does just that. When nap-time and bedtime were frequent and important in our home we really loved this book. You go for a walk and when you are back home you are ready for bed. Decrescendo. 

By Elisha Cooper,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Good Night Walk 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?

Acclaimed author-illustrator Elisha Cooper paints the quiet magic of a good-night walk as the neighborhood settles into itself at the end of the day.

As a child and parent walk down the block to the bay and turn to walk back home, evening falls upon the neighborhood. As the walk begins, the squirrels are in the yards, the boys are mowing lawns, a neighbor is baking a pie, and someone is mailing a letter. When the child and parent turn to walk back home, the apple pie is down from the windowsill, the leaves are raked up, and the postman…


Book cover of Goodnight Ganesha

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Author Of Andy and the Mask of the Dead

From my list on open your child's eyes to cultures around the world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I moved to New York City for school when I was 18 years old and found myself surrounded by people from all over the world. Every fourth person in New York City is an expat. It was fascinating to me and since then I have lived in three countries and done months-long artist residences in Morocco and Ireland. I also read books and stories about cultures from around the world and am particularly enchanted by Africa. Currently, I live on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the city of Mazatlán and have written two children’s books about Mexico. 

Carolyn's book list on open your child's eyes to cultures around the world

Carolyn Watson Dubisch Why did Carolyn love this book?

This book has truly beautiful art by Poonam Mistry. I find Indian and Hindu culture fascinating and this book brings it to you through the eyes of a child (or two children I should say as it’s about siblings). There is a glossary of Hindu terms in the back which I do appreciate. It is written almost as an Indian tribute to Goodnight Moon which is of course a classic.

By Nadia Salomon, Poonam Mistry (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Goodnight Ganesha 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 gorgeously illustrated goodnight story that celebrates the nighttime rituals of two young children visiting their grandparents in India.

As nighttime falls over the city, two children visiting their grandparents in India find there's so much fun to be had! Whether it's listening to epic stories or observing rituals in the puja room, there are many moments that make this time together special.

In this beautiful, rhyming ode to bedtime, the only thing more universal than getting ready for bed and saying goodnight is the love between children and their grandparents.

"Nadia Salomon’s Goodnight Ganesha reminds readers that saying goodnight…


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 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 You Nest Here with Me

Maria Gianferrari Author Of Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story

From my list on read aloud bird books for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I may not be an expert ornithologist, but I am an avid “birdologist” to borrow a term from Sy Montgomery—one who is awed and fascinated by all things bird. Bird-watching is meditative—it helps me to be present and to feel joyful. I love reading, learning, and writing about birds too! I am the author of these bird books: Hawk Rising, illustrated by Brian Floca, Whoo-Ku Haiku, illustrated by Jonathan Voss, and the forthcoming You and the Bowerbird, illustrated by Maris Wicks. I love writing about the natural world and its inhabitants as well as dogs—another love of mine!

Maria's book list on read aloud bird books for kids

Maria Gianferrari Why did Maria love this book?

Yolen and Stemple are a mother-daughter dream team duo and creators of many bird books including Yolen’s classic, Owl Moon. This birdy-lullaby has a soothing read-aloud rhythm as a mother tucks her tired nestling-child in bed. She recounts the places where various birds nest, from pigeons on ledges and catbirds in hedges, to owls in oak tree boles and hawks on telephone poles bound by the reassuring refrain, "You nest here with me.” Sweet’s blue-green color palette offers a calming and soporific counterpart and a nod to night-time. Learn more about the featured birds, their diet and nesting habits, and this birding family in the book’s back pages.

By Jane Yolen, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Melissa Sweet (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You Nest Here with Me 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?

Now available in a board book edition, this lyrical bedtime book is an ode to baby birds everywhere and to sleepy children, safe in their beds. As a mother describes how different species of birds nest, secure and cozy with their mama birds, she tucks her own child into bed with the soothing refrain -- "you nest here with me" -- easing her little one and readers alike to slumber. Accompanied by beautiful artwork by award-winning illustrator Melissa Sweet, mother and daughter Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple have combined their poetry writing and love of birding in this board book…


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 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!


Book cover of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

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?

Sometimes, things that are mainstream-popular are mainstream-popular for a reason. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site may be the Starbucks of big-truck-oriented kidlit, but every once in a while, you just want a nice, reliable $7 latte instead of a matcha-oat-single-origin-barista-art-cortado out of a chipped vintage teacup.

And, sometimes, your kids want the same book they read at daycare with their friends instead of one of Mom or Dad’s gold or silver nostalgia trips. Luckily, GGCS lives up to its best-selling reputation: it rhymes, the illustrations are pretty, and the dump truck is a girl. It just goes to show that, sometimes, a book doesn’t have to be old to be a classic.

By Sherri Duskey Rinke, Tom Lichtenheld (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestselling children's book now available in board book!

An unabridged board book for kids version of the bestselling, best-beloved hardcover, perfect for small hands! Even the roughest, toughest readers will want to turn off their engines, rest their wheels, and drift to sleep with this sweet and soothing story. Vibrant illustrations and gentle rhyming text make this construction book for kids a surefire bedtime favorite for truck-crazy kids everywhere.

Can't get enough of these tough trucks? The long-awaited sequel to this bestselling book series, Mighty, Mighty, Construction Site, is now available for preorder!


Book cover of Moonlight Prance
Book cover of The Going to Bed Book
Book cover of A Good Night Walk

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