100 books like Pajama Time!

By Sandra Boynton,

Here are 100 books that Pajama Time! fans have personally recommended if you like Pajama Time!. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Beetle Bop

Dandi Daley Mackall Author Of Christmas In The Barnyard

From my list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in rural Missouri, where my best friends were horses, dogs, cats, ducks, and an occasional squirrel or injured bird. I developed rhyming and rhythm at an early age, and I got my first newspaper byline with a rhyming opinion piece. When I grew up, I became a writer. Then, when I had kids, I discovered the joy of writing children’s books, starting with rhyming board books and animals. To date, I’ve had over 500 books published, with at least one rhyming book annually for the past 40 years. The joy comes from writing my heart—my love for animals, rhyme, children, and God (not in that order).

Dandi's book list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids

Dandi Daley Mackall Why did Dandi love this book?

Denise Fleming has a wonderful way with words—unexpected rhymes, internal rhymes, repetition. I love animals, and beetles will do, especially these beetles—striped, spotted, all-over dotted. These beetles are super interesting, too. They creep and crawl, hide in cracks, and even crash. They are noisy, gnawing beetles, and you will love them. I’m no fan of bugs, but I love these guys. They bop and bring joy...especially if they stay inside of the pages of this book.

By Denise Fleming,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Beetle Bop as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

They crawl up walls, they hide in cracks, they flip, they fly, and sometimes...Crrrash. Beetles some in all shapes and sizes, and they are everywhere in this thoroughly buggy, beautifully designed book. There are striped beetles, spotted beetles, all-over-dotted beetles - and don't forget the noisily gnawing beetles! Whether you love bugs or whether the sight of them makes you itch, you will adore this infested offering from the beloved Denise Fleming.


Book cover of Who Knew? Under the Apple Tree

Dandi Daley Mackall Author Of Christmas In The Barnyard

From my list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in rural Missouri, where my best friends were horses, dogs, cats, ducks, and an occasional squirrel or injured bird. I developed rhyming and rhythm at an early age, and I got my first newspaper byline with a rhyming opinion piece. When I grew up, I became a writer. Then, when I had kids, I discovered the joy of writing children’s books, starting with rhyming board books and animals. To date, I’ve had over 500 books published, with at least one rhyming book annually for the past 40 years. The joy comes from writing my heart—my love for animals, rhyme, children, and God (not in that order).

Dandi's book list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids

Dandi Daley Mackall Why did Dandi love this book?

All kinds of God’s creatures sense the coming of fall as poetic language teaches young readers multiple animal and people truths. Kids will discover the joy of sensing the clues of nature and the signs that forecast changing seasons. It’s fun to guess which animal will be first to figure out the “mystery.”

The author uses ordinal numbers in a natural way, teaching first, second, third, etc., and teaching counting skills as well. I love the simple illustrations of animals acting the way each animal really acts. It’s a power-packed little book, weaving together a fall joy. And the more a parent reads the book, the more the child learns.

By Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, Steph Marshall (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Who Knew? Under the Apple Tree 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?

The apples are ripe! Which animal will be first to know? Or second? Or third? Inspire young readers to notice the arrival of fall with ordinal numbers in this beautifully illustrated picture book.

Nature gives us many signs of the changing seasons, if we pay attention and use our senses like animals do. Author Laurie Nazzaro Knowlton's poetic language seamlessly weaves together the arrival of fall, animal communication, and counting with ordinal numbers. Steph Marshall's bright, bold illustrations capture the animals' actions as they enjoy a fall feast.

Perfect as a read-aloud for fall story times and preschool and kindergarten…


Book cover of If I Ran the Zoo

Dandi Daley Mackall Author Of Christmas In The Barnyard

From my list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in rural Missouri, where my best friends were horses, dogs, cats, ducks, and an occasional squirrel or injured bird. I developed rhyming and rhythm at an early age, and I got my first newspaper byline with a rhyming opinion piece. When I grew up, I became a writer. Then, when I had kids, I discovered the joy of writing children’s books, starting with rhyming board books and animals. To date, I’ve had over 500 books published, with at least one rhyming book annually for the past 40 years. The joy comes from writing my heart—my love for animals, rhyme, children, and God (not in that order).

Dandi's book list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids

Dandi Daley Mackall Why did Dandi love this book?

I think I was born rhyming, and it was all my dad’s fault. He could turn anything into a rhyme, which is probably why I’ve always championed Dr. Seuss. Add in animals, like this book, and you’ve got one of my favorite children’s books.

Parents and teachers who have read the book out loud can’t help but be caught up in the joyful rhythm and inventive rhyme. I love the flights of imagination and wild, crazy animals in this delightful zoo. Little listeners smile all the way through, and when the book ends, their imaginations will continue to soar.

By Dr. Seuss,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked If I Ran the Zoo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

.


Book cover of The Animal Boogie

Dandi Daley Mackall Author Of Christmas In The Barnyard

From my list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in rural Missouri, where my best friends were horses, dogs, cats, ducks, and an occasional squirrel or injured bird. I developed rhyming and rhythm at an early age, and I got my first newspaper byline with a rhyming opinion piece. When I grew up, I became a writer. Then, when I had kids, I discovered the joy of writing children’s books, starting with rhyming board books and animals. To date, I’ve had over 500 books published, with at least one rhyming book annually for the past 40 years. The joy comes from writing my heart—my love for animals, rhyme, children, and God (not in that order).

Dandi's book list on rhyming books for animal-loving kids

Dandi Daley Mackall Why did Dandi love this book?

I love to boogie, especially with kids and grandkids. We are a family of animal lovers, believers in Jesus, and crazy (in-house) dancers. This book has it all! The rhythm of each line is a song and dance as each animal boogie woogie oogies. Kids pick up animal movements: elephants stomp, stomp boogie woogie oogie; monkeys swing; birds fly. Child listeners get to guess which animal swings in trees or flies in the sky.

There is much joy to be found as the animals, readers, and listeners do the Animal Boogie.

By Debbie Harter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Animal Boogie 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?

Dance on down to the jungles of India, where 6 colorful creatures are jumping and jiving beneath the canopy. In our bestselling singalong ever, inclusive illustrations invite all children to join in the fun. Kids beg to hear it again and again!


Book cover of Bedtime Daddy!

Janet Sumner Johnson Author Of Help Wanted, Must Love Books

From my list on children and their fathers.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a picture book author and mom, I am constantly inspired by the world around me. I love watching my children, and I love how they adore their dad and he adores them in return. So many of my stories have been inspired by their interactions. While I am no expert on fatherhood, I have been fortunate to have had a loving dad who played “Monster in the Middle,” who took us for rides on his motorcycle, and reminded us that we could accomplish anything we put our mind to. I love books that remind us of the power of a loving father-child relationship and hope you, too, will be lifted by these joyful stories.

Janet's book list on children and their fathers

Janet Sumner Johnson Why did Janet love this book?

Bedtime, Daddy! is a role reversal book where baby bear puts daddy bear to bed. This book had me giggling the whole way through because I was there for it all. Daddy needing to use the bathroom one last time. Needing a drink of water. Asking ALL the silly questions. Kids and parents alike can relate. But what shines through is the love between daddy and kid. Just adorable all around!

By Sharon Giltrow, Katrin Dreiling (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Putting Daddy to bed can be hard work. Especially when he starts crying! This story will show you how to wrestle your daddy into his pajamas and read just one more bedtime story. "I'm thirrrrrrrrssssssty," says Daddy. "I need to poop ... I'm hungry ... But I'll miss you," he says, while he looks at you with cutie eyes. You'll have to battle the bedtime excuses and use go-away monster spray until Daddy finally goes to sleep. Bedtime can be a mission for many, but with these gorgeous illustrations of a little bear and his dad, this is the perfect…


Book cover of Love, Z

Linda Zajac Author Of Robo-Motion: Robots That Move Like Animals

From my list on robots for little kids with big-tech taste.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m fascinated by robots. As a former computer programmer, systems analyst, and consultant, I’ve had an interest in technology since my first programming class in high school. I’ve been to robotics labs in Boston, Massachusetts, and Lausanne, Switzerland. My husband is a mechanical/software engineer, so STEM is a big part of our lives. In addition to Robo-Motion, I’m the author of a number of Minecraft books with STEM and coding sidebars. I’ve also published many magazine articles, one of which was the inspiration for this book. I wrote about the CRAM cockroach robot for the March 2017 issue of MUSE.

Linda's book list on robots for little kids with big-tech taste

Linda Zajac Why did Linda love this book?

I was immediately drawn to this title because my last name starts with a “Z,” which means I’m always last. Z is an adorable young robot, who wears pajamas and a sailor’s hat. I love all the subtle, but meaningful touches in the illustrations: the partial glimpse of what Z has packed, letters on the robots, the cat that makes itself at home, and the hats that change heads. This is the kind of book I would have loved reading to my kids. With its peachy cover, this sweet story is as warm as a hug.

By Jessie Sima,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Love, Z 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?

From the creator of Not Quite Narwhal comes the story of a young robot trying to find the meaning of "love."

When a small robot named Z discovers a message in a bottle signed "Love, Beatrice," they decide to find out what "love" means. Unable to get an answer from the other robots, they leave to embark on an adventure that will lead them to Beatrice-and back home again, where love was hiding all along.


Book cover of How To Be Married

Nancy Barone Author Of Storm in a D Cup

From my list on iffy marriages and other adventures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I can’t remember how many times I thought someone was The One, but I know I’ve had to kiss a lot of frogs before I found my own Prince Charming. The path was riddled with self-doubt, interfering wicked witches, and wondering whether it was all worth the heartache. As it turns out, none of them were until I finally did find my HEA. I’d become an expert on navigating all the Single Lady tropes: moving to another country in search of the elusive happy ending, getting a better job, enduring the gossip about why I was single. I’d recommend all of these if you are having relationship trouble or doubts about yourself. You're not alone!

Nancy's book list on iffy marriages and other adventures

Nancy Barone Why did Nancy love this book?

In this novel Florist Sadie Drew thinks her marriage depends on how good an impression she can make on the other corporate wives. Too bad she’s anything but a housewife.

She has her own career, her own personality, and her own friends. She doesn’t need to wear Mary Archer dresses. And yet, her husband Tom seems very disappointed at her inability to blend in with the other wives. Why can’t she be a good wife like all the others? Good question. Especially when we find out that Sadie and Tom had lost a baby. Now she wants to try again, but Tom is not having any of it.

Does he not love her anymore? Is he having an affair?  What she doesn’t know is how much Tom has suffered for their loss, and how afraid he was to see Sadie shutting down after the miscarriage.

By Polly Williams,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How To Be Married as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sadie Drew thinks she must be the world's worst wife. She only needs to walk into a room to make it untidy. She wears flannel pyjamas in bed. Furry things breed in her fridge. But she's a busy working mother not a wifebot and husband Tom loves her as she is. Until he gets a hot new job and things change. There are alpha-wives to entertain. Nuclear rows. Unsettling secrets. And the smell of another woman's perfume on his suit. Sadie risks losing everything if she can't transform herself into the perfect wife...

But what is a perfect wife anyway?


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 Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey

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?

This gentle rhyming book is the perfect book for your child and their best stuffy friend to read just before they drift off to sleep. The imaginative watercolor pictures will stick with you, and children will love finding how each child’s BFFs find their way into dreamland. Bonus? The book is short enough for a quick bedtime story, but has enough of a story for you to read it over and over without making you feel tired, too!

By Emily Winfield Martin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Take a bedtime journey with the New York Times bestselling author of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and discover the adventures that await while you dream!

You only have to close your eyes
And when you snuggle in….
You’ll be carried to your dream tonight
On wing or paw or fin
 
Snuggle into bed and discover what your dream animal might be and where it could take you! Could it be a bear who brings you to bake pastries? A fox who ushers you into a magical forest? Mermaids with whom you can sip tea?
 
With a perfect nighttime…


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…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in bedtime, animals, and jazz?

Bedtime 40 books
Animals 232 books
Jazz 137 books