The Definitive List of Books That Will Put Your Kids to Sleep

Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book, by Dr. Seuss
If yawns are contagious, this book is essentially Patient Zero. It starts with a little bug named Van Vleck, whose yawn sets off a chain reaction that puts creatures to bed all across Dr. Seuss’s weird, wonderful world. One thing to note: this 64-page epic might put you to sleep even before your kid gets there.

Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
If you don’t own Goodnight Moon, you may want to double-check to make sure you actually have a child. If you do own it, read it as much as your kid will let you. Its perfect, rhythmic farewell to its perfect, peaceful room (mush and all) is like a mental cup of chamomile tea at the end of each day.

Kiss Good Night, by Amy Hest
It’s a scientific fact that there’s no better way to fall asleep than listening to a rainstorm. If there isn’t one brewing outside your window, this book provides everything you need—from the blowing wind, to the “Splat! Splat!” on the roof, to the cozy feeling of your mama tucking you into bed. There’s no way your kid won’t feel warm and comfy (read: sleepy as hell) after a soft-spoken reading of this.

Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson
This little 60-year-old classic is as fresh and surprising as you remember it. Harold’s adventure is sweet and surreal, with just enough danger to keep it from being precious. And when (spoiler alert) he finally nods off to dreamland, your kid will, too—packed with some pretty awesome fuel for dreams. Though just to be safe, you may want to remove all crayons from the premises.

Time for Bed, by Mem Fox
Peer pressure, as any parent trying to get their kid to eat that green bean already can tell you, isn’t always a bad thing. And here it’s downright precious. As little kids watch their favorite animals snuggle up for sleep, lovingly tucked in by their animal moms and dads, they’ll follow suit. Plus, the watercolors are gorgeous. You’re going to want to pick up that little mouse baby and never let go.

The Sleepy Little Alphabet, by Judy Sierra
Finally, how about a book that’s yawn-inducing and educational? This one leads through all the little lowercase letters, as the uppercase letters get them ready for bed. But of course, “b” has to take a bath, and “t” has to tuck in her teddy bear. In the end, though, you can be confident it’ll lead to some zzzzz’s.
What book shows up the most in your bedtime routine?