Awake and Asleep

Bedtime-themed stories are always huge hits, but what if you want to do a bedtime story time–for a daytime story time? Many bedtime stories are calm and peaceful stories meant to read while snuggling before bedtime.  As lovely as they are, they might not work for an energetic morning/afternoon story time.  Here are some favorite bedtime stories that won’t leave your audience gently nodding off at the end:

I’m sure I’ve blogged about this book. Oh, well–it’s worth another mention.  The young bunnies in this story are absolutely not ready for bed; they’re too busy playing with their trains, riding their stick horses, and clanging their musical instruments.  Mom and Dad are initially patient, but get more forceful with each interruption.  I’ve read this to young two year olds and kindergarten students; it’s enjoyed by a wide variety of ages.

Through a young preschooler’s reluctant awakening, to her action-packed morning at preschool, and finally ending with bedtime stories, young listeners will enjoy following this young girl’s many activities.  The rhymes are natural and unforced; the illustrations are bright and big pastels.

Poor sheep.  He just can’t catch a break, what with the oinking pig, the neighing horse, the mooing cow, and the many other animals making noise throughout the night.  Put on your best animal noises reading for this one; this is a rollocking read aloud.

I just “discovered” Where Do Bears Sleep? last week when looking for more bedtime-themed stories for this week’s story time.  Through very simple text (no more than 2-3 sentences per page), young listeners will learn about the sleeping arrangements of a menagerie of animals, from bears sleeping in a den, horses resting in stables, and birds dozing in nests, finally ending with a young child sleeping in a cozy bed. A very sweet read.

What are your favorite bedtime-themed stories? Tell us in the comments!