Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Tampa, FL

I had one of those nights tonight. My boys just would not settle down and focus on the fact that it was bedtime. Suddenly, I pulled out a recent favorite bedtime story. A hush fell over my tribe. They gathered around me, snuggled up and were enthralled. Every parent needs a good bedtime book to quiet down their young ones. Here is my personal top ten list of favorite bedtime stories.

1. Goodnight Moon

This is a classic and very sweet story about a rabbit wishing his room a "good night". I am sure I am not the only one who knows it by heart.

2. How Does a Dinosaur Say Goodnight?

This is our current "magic" bedtime story. It talks about how to be a good dinosaur at bedtime and as I turned out the light tonight, my two year old said "Good night Mommy-saur".
 
3. The Going to Bed to Book

Sandra Boynton is silly and wonderful with her books and this one does not disappoint. My boys and I like to "rock and rock and rock to sleep".

4. Goodnight Gorilla

This is an adorable book about zoo animals following an exhausted zoo keeper home so that they can all sleep there.
 
5. Snoozers

Sandra Boynton has put together this collection of very quick, silly bedtime stories. Nothing beats having short bedtime stories which is what makes this a parent's favorite.

6. My Daddy Snores

We all love this hysterical story about a father's loud snoring keeping the whole family awake.

7. Goodnight Little Critter

Critter books do a fabulous job teaching children various skills and life lessons. And now they talk about bedtime!

8. Can't You Sleep Little Bear?

This is a wonderful story about a small bear being afraid of the dark. Any child can relate to this story and is a must have for your collection.

9. There's a Nightmare in my Closet

Perhaps my son has seen Monsters Inc. one too many times but I am regularly checking the closet for monsters. This book tackles this exact fear.

10. Guess How Much I Love You

And finally, I will leave you with this very sweet and classic bedtime story. After reading it so often, I have come to whisper in my son's ear every night at bedtime, "I love you all the way to the moon and back".