6 Bedtime Adventure Books: Top Kids Books Tested

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Some of the most beloved children’s books feature kids who have adventures at bedtime. Although not bedtime books that lull kids into sleep, they do give going to bed seem a little bit magical – like anything could happen. We tried out 6 books that were listed in at least one top 100 kids books lists (you can find the list at the bottom of the post).

1. Where The Wild Things Are
 
The story of a boy who being so wild, his mother sent him to bed without supper, went on a wild adventure and then decided that perhaps home wasn’t so bad after all. This book ends up near the top of many lists of great kids books and it’s on our as well. Gordie and I have loved reading this book together. It’s a strange little book but the idea of being ‘king of the wild things’ instead of scared of the monsters is captivating.

2. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

This book is a little wordier than the others on this list. All the food for the citizens of Chewandswallow come raining down from the sky which is a great system until the food starts becoming more than the town can handle. This book is ridiculously silly and will be loved by preschoolers and younger school children. This book was a little long for Gordie (aged 3) but we still recommend it.

3. Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold goes on an imaginative adventure armed with his purple crayon to help him on his way. The drawings in this book are simple but captivating. I originally found this book by looking at top 100 kids books lists. I have loved reading this book to Gordie and he loves hearing it again and again. This book inspired him to try to draw his own crayon adventures.

4. In The Night Kitchen
 

A truly strange little book like a dream come to life, this book features Mickey who goes on a fantastic adventure in the Night Kitchen. I found this book to be a little too ridiculous for me but Gordie was kind of captivated and asked me to read it a few times.

5. Owl Moon

Unlike the other books we reviewed this week, this book features a real adventure that takes place at what would normally be bed time. This book has a lovely rhythm and tells the story of a father and child going out owling (owl spotting). This is a nice little story but not gripping for my 3 year old boy.

6. There's a Nightmare in My Closet

The story of a boy who have a monster in his closet. When he confronts the monster, it starts to cry and the boy ends up bringing him into bed with him. This is a kind of cute story to read your kid if they are having trouble going to sleep at night because of nightmares and monsters. It turns the idea of the scary monster upside down and may help your kid feel a little less scared. Gordie thought this books was kind of interesting and it wasn’t a long read, but I didn’t really like the illustrations.

 

Our Favorite Tried and Tested Books Preschool Bedtime Books :

1. Where The Wild Things Are
2. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
3. Harold and the Purple Crayon

Book Lists

Children’s Book Guide top 100 Children’s Books:
Where the Wild Things Are, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Harold and the Purple Crayon, In The Night Kitchen

Babble’s top 100 kids books:
None!

Teachers First 100 Best Books:
Where the Wild Things Are
Kern Country Library 100 Picture Books Every Child Should Know:
Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, There's a Nightmare in My Closet

New York Public Library 100 Picture Books Every Child Should Know:
Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Owl Moon

Goodreads Best Children’s Books (top 300):
Where the Wild Things Are, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Harold and the Purple Crayon, In The Night Kitchen, Owl Moon