A Cozy Night with "The Going To Bed Book"
As a mom of two energetic little ones, bedtime can sometimes feel like a circus act—one minute, we’re twirling, and the next, it’s a battle over who gets the last sip of their drink. It’s during these chaotic moments that I often find myself turning to Sandra Boynton’s classic, The Going To Bed Book. This delightful board book has become a cherished part of our nighttime routine, and I can’t wait to share why it holds a special place in our hearts.
The Going To Bed Book is the perfect companion for winding down after a long day. The premise is simple yet relatable: a joyful group of animals going through their evening rituals of scrubbing in the tub, brushing their teeth, and finally rocking themselves to sleep. It captures the essence of bedtime routines, making it our go-to read when my toddlers need a gentle (or maybe not-so-gentle!) nudge toward sleep.
One evening, as my kids giggled at the pages, I noticed how captivated they were by the silly illustrations. The clumsy elephants and playful pigs made them erupt in laughter, while the rhythmic, sing-song quality of the text flowed so effortlessly that it almost turned our reading time into a mini lullaby. "La la la!" would echo in our cozy corner, as they chimed in with gusto, mimicking their favorite animals.
But it was the moment when we reached my favorite page—the one that illustrates bedtime preparations, with everyone washing up and saying goodnight—that hit home for me. I had just returned from a long day of juggling work, playdates, and a tiny bit of chaos, and here were these adorable animals showing us the beauty in simplicity and the joy of bedtime routine. It reminded me of how each little ritual—like brushing teeth or reading a bedtime story—is a chance to connect and unwind together, no matter how busy our day has been.
Reading this book sparks conversations, too. My older child often asks questions about the animals and whether they’d like to visit their zoo or what they might dream about. It leads to silly discussions, sometimes getting right back to giggles over imagined bedtime escapades. The illustrations are so alive and engaging that I find myself wrapping up every reading session with a content heart and a smile.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Going To Bed Book for little ones aged 1 to 3—for any parent looking to create a peaceful and enjoyable transition to sleep time. This isn’t just a one-time read; it’s a family favorite that beautifully encapsulates the magic of bedtime.
Looking back, The Going To Bed Book has not only become a staple of our nighttime routine—it’s also a sweet reminder that among the chaos, there are moments of joy and connection. A lovely way to end the day with my kids, and maybe even remind myself to slow down, breathe, and embrace the magic of bedtime together. 🌙✨
