Lights Out at the Library

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Also available as eBook | Vox Book | eAudiobook

Before going to sleep, a little rabbit says goodnight to his bedroom, and all of his familiar possessions, as his big, green bedroom slowly darkens, in a bigger version of an enduring classic.

Reading tip: Use a flashlight to illuminate the moon throughout the story.

The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle

Also available as Wonderbook

A lonely firefly goes out into the night searching for other fireflies.

Reading tip: Dim the lights or turn them out completely to enjoy the firefly glow at the end of the book.

Firefly Home by Jane Clarke

Fireflies are very special. They have a light inside them that shimmers and shines. But one little firefly is lost, and there are so many bright lights shining in the night sky she’ll need some help to find her way back home.

Reading tip: Talk about home. How do you know when you’ve made it home? What things make your home feel like home?

Among a Thousand Fireflies by Helen Frost

How can a firefly find the one, among so many? On a summer evening, just as the stars blink on, a firefly lands on a flower. Lights start to flash all around her first one, then three, seven. Hundreds. Thousands. How will she find just one flash among them? And will he see her flash in return?

Reading tip: Have a light show! Practice being fireflies together by using the lights in your room or a flashlight to blink on and off.

The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield

Young Chris loves pretending he’s a brave astronaut, exploring the universe. Only one problem – at night, he’s afraid of the dark. Only when he watches the moon landing on TV does he realize how exciting the unknown can be.

Reading tip: Talk about the things that scare you. What things help you feel brave?

The Bunny’s Night-Light: A Glow-in-the-Dark Search by Geoffrey Hayes

When Bunny asks for a night light his Papa suggest everything from the moon to a streetlamp, but Mama knows where to find just the right lamp.

Reading tip: Solve a problem together! Think about a problem or challenge that you might have, especially getting ready for bed. What steps can you take to solve the problem together?

What! Cried Granny: An Almost Bedtime Story by Kate Lum

When her grandson Patrick arrives for his first sleepover, Granny’s resourceful efforts to provide him with a bed, pillow, and other necessities result in a sleepless night for both of them.

Reading tip: Talk about your bedtime routine. What do you need to get ready for bed?

Ella and Penguin: Stick Together by Megan Maynor

Ella and Penguin want to see her new stickers glow in the dark, but neither of them wants to go into a dark place.

Reading tip: Talk about friends! What are things that are easier (or more fun) to do with someone else? What friends can help you do hard or scary things?

Stars by Mary Lyn Ray

Explores the wonder of stars, whether they are in the night sky, on a plant as a promise of fruit to come, or in one’s pocket for those days when one does not feel shiny.

Reading tip: Look at the stars! Go outside and take a look at the stars, moon, or whatever else you see in the night sky.

Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds

Also available as eBook

A young rabbit is frightened by his underwear.

Reading tip: Sometimes things aren’t what they seem. Talk about a time when something has seemed scary but turned out to be okay. What can you do to make scary things feel less scary?

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

Also available as eBook | eBook Read-Along | Book and CD Set

At sunset, when their work is done for the day, a crane truck, a cement mixer, and other pieces of construction equipment make their way to their resting places and go to sleep.

Reading tip: Say goodnight! Who or what do you say goodnight to at the end of the day?