56 books like This Book Will Get You to Sleep!

By Jory John, Olivier Tallec (illustrator),

Here are 56 books that This Book Will Get You to Sleep! fans have personally recommended if you like This Book Will Get You to Sleep!. 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 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 Bear Snores On

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?

To me, this book has a great combination of sleepy and silly elements. The illustrations are warm and cozy, and throughout the book, Bear snores happily in the background.

My kids and I love that while Bear sleeps, a party starts forming in his cave. We love seeing the party grow until Bear wakes up to discover what’s going on.

By Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Bear Snores On 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?

It seems like Bear can sleep through anything. As a succession of animals enter his cave to escape the fierce storm, he continues to snore. Mouse makes a nice warm fire, Hare cooks popcorn and Badger brings treats... They are having a great time. But when Bear wakes up and realises he's missed out on the fun, his visitors fear the worst.Can Bear be persuaded to join the party? This read-aloud rhyming story has fun, suspense and a happy ending - with Jane Chapman's beautiful, captivating illustrations and Karma Wilson's absorbing, lyrical words perfectly depicting the companionship of the warm,…


Book cover of Goodnight, Butterfly

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 is another funny pick that gets my kids giggling.

The main character is a butterfly with an endless amount of questions and plenty of excuses about why they can’t sleep (hmm…reminds me VERY MUCH of some children I know…). Butterfly’s friend Porcupine has good suggestions for Butterfly (and anyone else who needs to get to sleep already!) to try.

By Ross Burach,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Goodnight, Butterfly 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?

“Everyone’s favorite frantic insect is back . . . this time trying to sleep.” — Kirkus Reviews This laugh-out-loud companion to The Very Impatient Caterpillar and The Little Butterfly That Could is perfect for bedtime—or any time! A delightful complement to the classic, Goodnight, Moon!

"Who needs to sleep at night, anyway? There’s so much I’d miss! I’ll just be nocturnal too. What do you think?" "I think we need to get you back to sleep." Readers will laugh themselves silly as they learn to find their inner calm and settle for sleep—even when they wake in the night—as they…


Book cover of Here We Come!

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?

My kids and I both love this book, which is a huge plus when reading at bedtime!

The story follows a procession of characters in their PJs on a whimsical nighttime stroll. It could be read as a chant or a song, and we all find ourselves pleasantly humming the rhythm long after we’ve finished storytime.

By Janna Matthies, Christine Davenier (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Join a cast of friends, human and animal alike, as they embark on a musical read-aloud adventure in this upbeat, joyful picture book.

A boy sets off with his flute and his stuffed bear and a rum-pum-pum. As they make their way through the town and the woods, they ask, “Wanna come?” Soon, kids and creatures join in the fun one by one, playing instruments, singing, and dancing to the catchy tune.

But will a storm bring their fun-filled musical parade to an end?


Book cover of Everyone's Sleepy but the Baby

Nancy Raines Day Author Of Applesauce Is Fun to Wear

From my list on sharing laughs with toddlers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe laughing together is a big part of the glue that bonds people together. Humor has gotten me through my toughest times—and given me much joy in the good times. Laughing over my books with one or both of my toddler grandsons will always be cherished memories for me. Likewise, I love hearing about moments of connection for other readers bonding over Applesauce Is Fun to Wear, Baby’s Opposites, Baby’s Firsts, and Pirate Jack Gets Dressed. Picture books should appeal to the ear as well as the eye. Coming from a family of musicians, I’m partial to rhyme, as you might guess from most of my picks here.

Nancy's book list on sharing laughs with toddlers

Nancy Raines Day Why did Nancy love this book?

Parents and older siblings will join me in identifying with the sleepy-eyed family members shown here, while toddlers will cheer on the wide-eyed baby.

The text is a litany of everyone and everything that is sleepy, with the title repeated throughout the day’s wind-down. “Sleepy moon,/ sleepy stars,/ sleepy night sky./Everyone’s sleepy/ but the baby,/ why, why, why?” In the final spread, the baby joins both dozing parents in dreamland. Parent readers can only hope their little one isn’t giggling too hard to follow suit.

By Tracy C. Gold, Adele Dafflon (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Everyone's Sleepy but the Baby as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sleepy Mommy, Sleepy Daddy, Sleepy little dog. Everyone's sleepy But the baby, Yawn, yawn, yawn. After a long day, the whole family is ready to hit the hay . . . except for the baby. Why is it so hard to get the baby to sleep? With hilarious illustrations that might hit a little too close to home for new parents, Everyone's Sleepy but the Baby is the perfect, true-to-life bedtime story that will help even the most reluctant sleeper wind down for bed.


Book cover of Tiger vs. Nightmare

Bob McMahon Author Of Cookie & Broccoli: Ready for School!: A Graphic Novel

From my list on novels for kids 5 to 8 to be silly, kind, honest.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a children's book illustrator for years before my agent prompted me to start writing. I didn’t know the first thing about writing for children, but I really wanted to try, and with help from the SCBWI and after a lot of failed attempts, I found that early reader graphic novels most fit in with my Mad Magazine and New Yorker style of gag humor. There are so many great early reader graphic novels out there these days, and I truly feel we are in a golden age for this genre. I hope you like my choices and find many more on your own!

Bob's book list on novels for kids 5 to 8 to be silly, kind, honest

Bob McMahon Why did Bob love this book?

When I first read this book, I fell instantly in love with the story, the characters, and the wonderful pencil and watercolor artwork, and I knew that this graphic novel was something different, something new, and totally amazing!

This story of a little tiger girl and her nighttime monster friend, who keeps her nightmares away, is told with such humor, heart, and imagination that all I could say was, "Wow," as I went from page to page.

I ended up thinking that this is how you do an early reader graphic novel. A perfect book that will appeal to all ages. 

By Emily Tetri,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Tiger vs. Nightmare as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

Tiger is a lucky kid: She has a monster living under her bed.

This monster arrived when Tiger was just a baby. It was supposed to scare her - after all, that's what monsters do. But Tiger was just too cute! Now, Tiger and Monster are best friends.

But Monster is a monster, and it needs to scare something. So every night, Monster stands guard and scares all of Tiger's nightmares away. This arrangement works out perfectly, until a nightmare arrives that's too big and scary for even Monster. Only teamwork and a lot of bravery can chase this nightmare…


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 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 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 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, sleep, and animals?

Bedtime 40 books
Sleep 23 books
Animals 233 books