Good books, good night, good dreams.

During the day, everyone is off doing their own thing. Mom is busy writing and Dad is at work. Kids are in school then playground dates or after-school activities. So one of the best parts of our 24-hour cycle is spending some quality time with my toddler and preschooler, curled up in bed for their night time stories. It’s a great ritual for bonding, learning and winding down for the day. The ritual would not be complete without a few good books.

Yesterday, I shared books that my toddler especially loves. Today, we feature my preschooler’s favorites.

My Preschooler’s Bedtime Classics

Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak. The movie is out and I think Spike Jonze did a great job, but it’s probably better for the older kids. However, the book that inspired the hit movie shoult be in the hit list of every preschooler. That is, if your little one isn’t bothered by the beautifully compelling monsters drawn by author Maurice Sendak. Otherwise it’s a classic tale that many 3 to 5 year olds can relate to. A boy dealing with his anger by retreating into his imagination. The happy ending should help inspire some happy dreams.

Grufallo’s Child, Julia Donaldson The Gurfallo’s child is another character kids can relate to – treading the line between being adventurous and fearful. After an adventure seeking the Big Bad Mouse, the Grufallo seeks solace and rest back home, just like my preschooler has to do. My son seems to have a fascination with monsters, I know!

Frederick, Leo Lionni Both my kids love this book about an imaginative mouse that spends his days “gathering sun rays” and colors, that he later turns into words to liven up dreary winter days. This eventually leads his fellow mice who used to scoff at him for his lack of efficiency in field work, “But Frederick… you are a poet.” Lionni has many great children’s books, but this is everyone’s hands down favorite.

I just gave a few samples out of our repertoire for bedtime reading. My kids actually have many more favorites, and it seems they come and go depending on the wind and their whims! Other good bedtime books are  Strega Nona by Tomie De Paola, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, The Cat in the Hat and Fox in Socks both by Dr. Seuss.

I often let my kids choose which books they want read for the night. But in times when I take it upon myself to give suggestions, my preschooler won’t say no to the ones above.

So what are your classic bedtime books?

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