The Four Bedtime Books

Above are the four books Hannah likes to read each night before bed. I say “likes to read", but really it’s non-negotiable.

Yes, the one on the top left is written in German. No, we don’t speak a lick of German. I can’t pronounce a single word in the book, though I’m often tempted to look a few of them up. Hannah likes to look at the pictures and lift the flaps. Both kids love to spot the pumpkin on the first page. We talk about the pictures using their English equivalents. (Aunt Ashley brought this book back from Germany a few years ago.)

Now this is important: If you need to learn how to maintain a straight face no matter the situation, please read Elmo’s World: Balls. Elmo is happy to see you. Do you know what Elmo is thinking about? Balls! He likes to juggle balls. Small ones and big ones, too. Seriously.

Elmo’s Blanket is a cute lift the flap book that both kids enjoy. There are a ton of flaps to open, which I think heightens the appeal. After 50+ readings, mommy doesn’t quite enjoy it as much as the kids.

The kids also love the Eloise Wilkin stories – we read Baby Listens the most, but they also like Baby Dear and Baby Looks. Unlike Elmo, these sweet stories don’t get old. They are my favorite ones to read each night.

Hannah really likes Baby Dear, which is about a little girl who gets a doll when her new baby sister comes home from the hospital. Each time the baby is mentioned, Hannah points to herself and each time the mommy takes care of the baby, Hannah points to me. It is so, so sweet.