Tag Archives: bedtime routine

Afraid of the Dark: Liana and the Shadow in the Closet by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Liana and the Shadow in the Closet is a heartwarming and empowering story about facing fears and finding comfort in the dark. Liana is afraid of the shadowy figure she sees in her closet at night. But with the help of her older brother, Marco, she learns that the shadow isn’t a monster—it’s just her clothes! With a little imagination, a nightlight, and some comforting words, Liana discovers that the dark isn’t so scary, after all.

This delightful story teaches young readers how to face their fears, create a comforting bedtime routine, and use their imagination to turn scary thoughts into fun ones. Perfect for children aged 4-8, Liana and the Shadow in the Closet offers valuable lessons in overcoming nighttime anxieties, making it an ideal bedtime read.

Key Themes:

  • Facing fears of shadows and the dark
  • Creating a comforting bedtime routine
  • Using imagination to overcome fear
  • Sibling support and family bonding

This book is part of the Afraid of the Dark bedtime series, designed to help children feel safe, confident, and empowered to tackle their nighttime fears head-on.

 
 
 
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 

Bedtime fears are a shared experience among children, a fact that we as parents and caregivers can all relate to. They often imagine something hiding in their closet or under their bed. The shadows outside can cast eerie shapes on their walls. The wind and tree limbs can create spooky scratching sounds against windowpanes, sending shivers down their spine and making their hearts race. However, remember that there’s always a reason behind these fears, and we can always find ways to ease a child’s anxiety and help them have a peaceful night’s sleep, as seen in Liana and the Shadow in the Closet from the Afraid of the Dark bedtime series.

Liana, a sweet little girl, adores her room, except when the lights go out at bedtime. Every night, she would see a dark shape in her closet—a scary monster. It would move and grow, and as it did, Liana’s heart would beat faster. But Liana wasn’t alone in facing her fears. She had a caring big brother, Marco, who didn’t dismiss her concerns but instead helped her confront them. He also guided her to find a solution to banish any future bedtime fears.

Read Liana and the Shadow in the Closet to any child who shares Liana’s one-time fears. Follow Marco’s example and help the anxious child understand what they are truly seeing in the shadows or (in many real-life scenarios) hearing outside. Apply Marco’s illuminating idea to ward off future fears. Make this story a part of your bedtime routine and help empower your kids to face their fears head-on, instead of hiding away under the covers and losing out on much-needed sleep.

A beautiful sibling bond shone bright in Liana and the Shadow in the Closet. Each illustrative page felt like a screenshot from a cartoon. That’s the highest praise to an illustrator.

Share this beautiful and heartwarming story with children aged 3 to 9 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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The Sleep Switch : How to help kids fall asleep fast by Laurie McMillan (Book Review)

Does your child find it hard to fall asleep? If they do, then The Sleep Switch is for you!

 

“The Sleep Switch” is a delightful children’s book that captivates young minds while teaching them valuable relaxation techniques. In this enchanting tale, different children discover their own sleep switch—their natural ability to calm their bodies and minds for a peaceful slumber. Through mindfulness, meditation, and gentle breathing practices, they embark on a whimsical journey that sooths every part of their being.

You will appreciate the soothing narrative that guides your little ones toward a restful night’s sleep. With every page, a different child learns to embrace relaxation, taking deep breaths and experiencing the sensations within their bodies. The story lovingly bids goodnight to each part of the body, encouraging a sense of gratitude and relaxation from head to toe.
This book, “The Sleep Switch” combines this age-old wisdom into an easy-to-follow book for children that could help them:

  • Get a better night’s sleep
  • Reduced stress or worry
  • Improve attention
  • Fall asleep faster
  • Establish a lifelong sleep routine
  • And more…

“The Sleep Switch” is not just a story; it’s an essential tool for parents to teach their children how to unwind and find serenity before bedtime. With its charming illustrations and calming words, this book is perfect for children aged 3 and above, helping them drift off into dreamland with ease.

Learning how to relax themselves to sleep will empower your child for a lifetime.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

School, work, chores, errands, sports, hobbies, work-outs, life keeps us moving, but that doesn’t always translate into falling asleep as soon as our head hits the pillow. For many of us, our minds and bodies didn’t get the memo it’s time to power down and recharge our metaphorical batteries. We toss. We turn. We count sheep. We stare at the ceiling or watch the clock in frustration. A child who can’t sleep equals a parent who can kiss sleep goodbye, too. 

The Sleep Switch is an illustrated children’s book, but adults can also benefit from the breathing and relaxation techniques. Breathe in through your nose and out your mouth, simple instructions that can make a big difference in your sleepy time routine. The writer introduced the idea of settling into a comfy sleep position and then saying good night to sixteen body parts, starting at your head and finishing with a “good night” to your toes. With every “good night” spoken, the day’s stresses and excitement get pushed further down until they disappear. A body becomes more relaxed; your head is at peace, and you are ready to enter dreamland. 

As an adult, I found reading this story during the daytime relaxing. The calming words and the illustrations of children resting did cause me to yawn. For that, I recommend including the book in your nap time routine. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is between 3-9 years. That is a perfect suggested age group. The rhyme scheme would make a fantastic story for independent readers. Everyone, kids and adults, will be amazed by the beautiful, colorful illustrations, especially the glowing string lights (artist: Wathmi de Zoysa). Most importantly, this story should make falling asleep a breeze. 

Read The Sleep Switch by Laurie McMillan and then enjoy the sweet sounds of your snoring child(ren). 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Laurie McMillan is a wife, a mom, a Yaya, inventor, and lifelong meditator.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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