Looking for wholesome, Christian books to read to your little one at bedtime? These sweet stories help express the love of God, as well as the love of parents to children. Great for ages 0 to 3 or 4.
Bedtime in the Barnyard by Dandi Daley Mackall
Children love barn animals, and parents love bedtime books. In this rhyming Bedtime in the Barnyard book, children will not only learn their animals but also how those animals prepare for bedtime. The cows cuddle in their stall, the chicken counts her chicks, the mama cat licks her kittens clean, etc. The artwork is especially engaging because the baby animals are personified with relatable personalities. For example, some chicks snuggle, others peck each other, others hide behind Mama Hen, and others chase one another. This story also promotes examples of animal parents bonding with their children.
This is the first book in the Barnyard Blessings series.
Sleepyhead Prayer by Dandi Daley Mackall
This board book includes a sweet, rhyming prayer for sleepy children to pray before bed. It is a perfect way for families with young children to end the day. Jesus reminds the child that he is always with them—both when they go to bed and when they wake up. The simple language is accessible for young children and will help them relax and prepare for a good night’s rest. Jesus responds to the child’s prayer with Scripture-based encouragement.
Hush, Little Baby by Flowerpot Press
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word, Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird . . .
The beloved nursery rhyme “Hush, Little Baby” has been sung to children for generations by parents and grandparents. Now in this beautifully illustrated book, the classic lullaby has been transformed to include heartwarming reminders of God’s love for every child.
Your baby, toddler, or preschooler will be enamored with the colorful, whimsical illustrations of the loveable mouse family. Also included with the board book is a plush blanket designed with the same beautiful artwork, perfect for holding and cuddling as they listen or sing along.
A delightful reminder of how precious they are, this cozy bedtime story is a perfect way to send them off to sleep. So, snuggle up in the soft, colorful blanket and spend some special time with your little one before they drift into dreamland.
Plush blanket is 28 x 38 inches.
I Couldn’t Love You More by Jason Ingram and Matt Hammitt
In the same manner as heartwarming picture books like bestsellers Let Me Hold You Longer and Love You Forever, I Couldn’t Love You More expresses a sweet, loving, yet powerful message: I couldn’t love you more, but there is Someone who does. Beautiful illustrations with adorable animals are paired with the song lyrics to give parents the perfect backdrop for tender interaction and sweet snuggle time.
Matt was the lead singer for Sanctus Real, a Grammy-nominated Christian Rock band, for 20 years. When Matt and his wife, Sarah, were halfway through their pregnancy, they discovered their son would be born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital defect. Matt and Sarah’s son, Bowen, was born on 9/9/10 and has built a large following through the Hammitt’s Blog (Bowensheart.com), K-LOVE, and ABC news. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to the foundation the Hammitts started to help parents with children who have this heart condition.
Bowen continues to beat the odds as he recently celebrated his 10th birthday. A documentary on Bowen’s life released in February 2021, and he was even surprised on his birthday by the Good Morning America team, who wanted to celebrate with him through a Zoom call.
A Kiss Is Coming by Marilyn Janovitz
A kiss is coming. Who is it for? You!
A Kiss Is Coming is a tender board book accompanied by adorable illustrations of sleepy animals. The story begins with a mama mouse asking her baby mouse, “A kiss is coming. Who is it for?” Children will love to guess which animal the kiss is for and will find themselves giggling in anticipation as they begin to sense that they, along with the baby mouse, have a kiss coming their way at the end of the story! Perfect for a bedtime read-aloud, or any time parents are looking for a sweet time of connection with their child.
My Arms Will Hold You Tight by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley
Bestseller. Each 4-color spread in this whimsical board book features illustrations of beloved animals—including llamas, elephants, and sloths—along with fun surprises like bats and flamingos. Authors Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley are masterful with rhyming and bring the tenderness of heartfelt love between these adorable baby animals and their parents to life. My Arms Will Hold You Tight will appeal to the whole family and is sure to be a favorite book for Mom, Dad, Grandma, or Grandpa to read with their precious little ones.
