A Delightful Addition to Your Nighttime Routine

Have a little one who has a hard time winding down and getting ready for bed? Of course singing quiet songs, telling stories, and reading books of any kind are all great tricks. Some parents find it especially helpful to read books about going to bed. Everyone loves the classic Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, and Sandra Boynton's The Going to Bed Book is wonderful as well. Today though, I'm going to feature the nighttime book Time For Bed, and its author--Mem Fox.

Time For Bed is a charming, gentle book about momma animals preparing their little ones for sleep. "It's time for bed, little mouse, little mouse, darkness is falling all over the house." The illustrations (by Jane Dyer) are beautiful and sweet, and the whole book just makes you feel cozy, snuggly, and ready for a snooze. (Oh, and your child feels those things, too! :) ) Try adding this greatie to your child's bedtime routine--you will both love it!

Now, a note about Mem Fox. I was familiar with her name and some of her picture books, but didn't know anything else about her until I spent some time on her website http://www.memfox.net/. Mem hails from Australia, and is one of the most popular children's authors in that country. She is also a professor of literacy, and she now travels the world teaching teachers and parents how to better teach children how to read and write. She is clever and passionate and lovely. I have so enjoyed reading about her and what she is doing to promote literacy. On her site she offers advice for teachers, tips for hopeful authors, and words of wisdom for parents. If you have a minute, check out the site. I found it delightful.