Finding Magic in the Chaotic Bedtime Routines: A Review of Hello, Bedtime
As a mom of two, bedtime often feels like a raucous celebration or a flurry of frantic activity. My youngest, just six months, is still learning about this big, bright world, while my four-year-old loves to indulge in a little imaginative storytelling before sleep. In the midst of our nightly escapades, I discovered Hello, Bedtime: A High-Contrast Board Book for Babies, by Jannie Ho. What caught my eye was the book’s simple premise: gentle greetings of familiar bedtime companions, all presented in high-contrast illustrations that would be perfect for my littlest one!
At its core, Hello, Bedtime serves as a soothing introduction to the bedtime routine. It’s rich with black-and-white illustrations and playful greetings like "Hello, comfy pillow," that resonate beautifully in a darkened room. What I love about this book is how it aligns with research that shows babies are drawn to high-contrast images; this helps them develop their visual skills from the very start. Ho’s gentle, rhythmic text is a delightful addition that can effortlessly lull even the most energetic of toddlers.
Reading this book with my little ones has become an unexpected highlight of our bedtime routine. The way my baby gazes in wonder at the bold illustrations is simply heartwarming. Meanwhile, my older child often finds herself chiming in with her own silly greetings, turning the reading experience into a shared dialogue. “Good night, stars!” she’ll exclaim, and we both follow it up with an energetic “Goodnight, teddy bear!” The fun, engaging nature of the greetings spark shared giggles and sweet moments, bringing us closer as we share our thoughts about those bedtime buddies.
One evening, I opened the book, and as I read “Bonjour, cozy bed!”, my baby gazed up at me wide-eyed, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I pondered aloud, “Is it really cozy, or is it just super comfy in our dreams?” That little comment turned into a whimsical back-and-forth as we imagined cozy places in our own dreams. Stories became a catalyst for imagination, laughter, and unexpected trips to dreamland.
As a practical mom, I also appreciate the sturdy board pages and rounded corners of this book. Designed for tiny hands, it’s safe for curious little explorers and would stand up well to a bit of teething, too! It’s a perfect baby shower gift for new parents—especially those navigating the world of sleepless nights and fussy babies!
I wholeheartedly recommend Hello, Bedtime for babies aged six months and up, especially those little ones just discovering their visual world. It’s also a hit for older siblings who will relish the opportunity to contribute their own imaginative flair during storytime.
This book gently nudges its readers toward sleep while bridging the gap between parent and child, and it’s earned a permanent spot on our bedtime shelf. For us, it’s a new family favorite that not only entertains but strengthens our bond during those tranquil, and sometimes chaotic, bedtime moments. Happy reading!
