Tag Archives: bedtime story

April 13, 2026 · 7:00 am

The Land of Nod by Jimmy Vee (Book Review)

A rhyming bedtime book that keeps bad dreams at bay.

In the hushed Land of Nod, where moonbeams peek and shadows creep, lives a secret group of sleepy helpers known as Nodlings.

Each night the Nodlings wake, stretch their wings, and fly from their hidden land into children’s rooms everywhere.

Their mission is simple. Chase away bad dreams and make sweet dreams come true.

But there are rules the Nodlings must follow. They must stay out of sight. They must stay quiet. And most of all, they must be back in their beds before sunrise.

Have you seen a Nodling?

Visit the author’s site for purchasing information.

 

 

 

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

 

In the Land of Nod, you will find everyone and everything catching some zzz’s, and most are wearing adorable nightcaps. As the clock passes midnight, the Nodlings wake up, still sleepy but on a mission to bring sweet dreams to the kids in the village. The magical Nodlings had an important task to do every night, and they did it in style. Their caps and onesies were adorable, and the Nodling wearing the blue onesie with white polka-dots made me smile the most. He didn’t speak because that was against the Land of Nod rules. It was all the late-night snacks he had in his hand or falling out of his satchel. Even his artwork featured food.

The Land of Nod was a peaceful, magical land where Nodlings entered our world through a magical portal. (Read the story to discover what linked their world to ours.) The fairy-like characters with very large ears had to follow 5 rules. They were essential to protect their world, themselves. (Read the story to see the list.) There was an amusing illustration of them having to quickly hide from a child who was up past their bedtime. Again, it was the polka-dotted Nodling who stole the show!

The Nodling used special means to keep the children asleep while they chased away their bad dreams and thoughts. They used funny means to tell Nodlings where to land, and the jester-looking Nodling was quite the cut-up in one scene. I loved his facial artwork on the sleeping child and wondered if it will disappear at the dawn of a new day. Oh, and the polka-dot pajama-wearing Nodling…well, he made me chuckle again thanks to the comical illustration of him in a hairy situation.

The Nodlings’ mission is to chase away the bad dreams and replace them with good thoughts, ensuring a peace’s night’s sleep. They succeeded in their mission, but did they do it in time before sunrise? Read the story and see if they broke this rule or not.

I recommend The Land of Nod to all kids 3 years and older. It is a fun, amusing rhyming story, perfect for bedtime.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 1/2

(4.5 rounded to 5 stars)

Visit the author’s site for purchasing information.

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Jimmy was a creative kid who was always building, tinkering, and rigging up something around the house. These days, his kids say he just makes stuff up for a living—they’re right. As the owner of a creative marketing agency, Jimmy really does “make stuff up all day” for businesses and entrepreneurs.

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February 27, 2026 · 7:00 am

Courageous Kids Chronicles Book I: Roger, Denine, and Buddy’s Night Time Adventures! by ​Gary Brown (Book Review)

This book, the first in the ‘Courageous Kids Chronicles series, is a collection of stories that address children’s fears. Each story combines fiction and nonfiction elements to provide educational value and a comforting message about overcoming fear, specifically here, the fear of the dark.

After researching websites involving children’s Psychology, among others, and specifically, the Clay Center for Healthy Young Minds (see the Back Matter), it was easy to understand that the fear of children being in the dark is associated with real anxieties and apprehensions. This book hopes to bring this topic forward in fun, educational, and realistic suggested anecdotes on minimizing children’s fears of the dark.

I have researched and reviewed many similar perspectives and recommendations in addressing night time concerns for children. However, I am not a qualified professional and do not direct how these things should be handled. Instead, it is the responsibility of the families and trusted caregivers to coordinate with their medical and psychological professionals. This book series aims to present children’s fears in a way they can understand and relate to through words and visuals. And have some fun along the way. I have also included some common fears of the darkness with recommended anecdotes. Only the family and their trusted care professionals can make mindful decisions for their children. Thank You.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

When it’s bedtime, children often express many fears. Fear of the monster lurking in the closet or under the bed. Shadows that move across the wall. Eerie noises inside and out of the house. Courageous Kids Chronicles Book I: Roger, Denine, and Buddy’s Night Time Adventures! takes readers on a journey, where the “monsters” are unmasked and we discover that there’s nothing to fear after all. 

Roger lives in a lovely red-brick house with his parents, sister Denine, and Buddy the dog. They are a close-knit family, always ready to help each other out, and Roger desperately needs his sister’s help. Buddy’s, too! Roger would love to have a full night’s sleep, but his nighttime fears keep him awake and afraid. Together, the trio set out to shine a light on all the creaks, rustling sounds, tiny flashes of light outside, and much more. Many kids will notice that the objects behind the noises in this story are the same noises they hear in their own home. Their fear might even vanish like Roger’s! 

Courageous Kids Chronicles Book I: Roger, Denine, and Buddy’s Night Time Adventures! tackle a problem that plagues MANY homes at bedtime: fear of the dark, shadows, bogeyman, strange sounds, and more. I recommend sharing this Roger’s eye-opening story with your kids. Help them to see there’s nothing to fear in the dark. Parents and educators, I also recommend reading “Reflection and Resolutions” where the writer shares common reasons children might fear the dark with anecdotes to alleviate those fears. 

The illustrations for Courageous Kids Chronicles Book I: Roger, Denine, and Buddy’s Night Time Adventures! were very impressive. Every image was a work of art, and there was no doubt that Roger’s fear was real. The creature behind the printer looked ready to devour Roger or come out of the book to gobble up the reader. Though there were frightful images, there are also plenty that show happiness and love. Buddy’s tongue hanging out was adorable, and the final image of the trio was so cute. I do recommend refining the placement of the pictures. I found some drawings were out of place, or too many were bundled in a row. There were small editing mistakes, too. That said, the artwork was outstanding, no matter its location, and the story was lovely, too. I recommend it for kids aged 4 to 9.

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

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Meet the Author

Gary R. Brown is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and federal civil servant whose remarkable journey from the neighborhoods of Trenton, New Jersey, to destinations across the globe has profoundly shaped his perspective on life, leadership, and faith. After dedicating over 24 years to the Navy, followed by a 15-year career in civilian government, Gary embraced writing as a personal outlet and a powerful means to inspire others.

He has created a diverse array of activities and storybooks for children and adults, including coloring books, poetry collections, faith-based devotionals, and word games, all designed to promote creativity, well-being, and connections across generations. And recently, short novels have been of great interest to me. I am just having fun!

Amazon Author Page Link
Website
Alignable.com

 

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August 15, 2025 · 7:00 am

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
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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August 8, 2025 · 7:00 am

Will’s Dream World: a children’s guide to having fun dreams and mastering nightmares by Will Nel (Book Review)

In this beautifully illustrated rhyming adventure, young Will discovers the secret to taking control of his dreams.

From scary spiders to teasing bullies, each nighttime challenge becomes an opportunity for courage, creativity, and self-mastery.

Perfect for children aged 3–7, Will’s Dream World empowers kids to face their fears and shape their own dreamscapes with confidence and imagination.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Nightmares can disrupt our peaceful sleep, causing us to wake in fright, with our hearts racing and bodies shaking. Children, especially, can have a strong reaction to these unsettling dreams. They might seek comfort in their parents’ beds or delay bedtime, fearing what might come in their dreams. In Will’s Dream World, a young boy grapples with similar fears that many children can relate to. A spider lurks, and a uni-lion monster roars and gives chase. The suspenseful and frightening dream shifts, showing the child screaming in terror as an animal is chomping at the bit to grab it. The dream takes an unexpected turn, mirroring the emotional turmoil many children face with school bullies.

Will faced many “monsters” in Will’s Dream World, but through the fear, he found his inner strength. He recalled his father’s wise words, reminding the sweet boy that these were his dreams, just silly thoughts that filled his head, which meant Will did have the power to change his thoughts. Kids will watch in amazement as Will defeats the villains one by one, becoming the hero of the story!

Introduce Will’s Dream World, a captivating rhyming story, into your child’s bedtime routine. Show them that, like Will, there’s nothing to fear in dreamland, and remind them that they have the power to change their story! Overcoming the fear of nightmares may take time, but reading Will’s Dream World every night might just speed up the process!

Although I appreciated the muted colors that indicated negative emotions in many of the dream sequences, unfortunately, one image had a significant flaw: a fleeing bully had his head facing the wrong direction, which could potentially confuse the child and disrupt the flow of the story. Other than that, this was a delightful story that will (hopefully) generate more pleasant dreams for all kids who battle the bedtime woes.

This book is designed to entertain and comfort children, providing a gentle way to address their fears and empower them to manage their nightmares. It’s a perfect book for children learning the difference between reality and fantasy, dealing with nightmares, or fans of stories where kids are the heroes!

Recommended reading age is 3-7 years.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Will Nel grew up on a sheep farm in remote South Africa, far from neighbours and more than 100 km from the nearest town. With only a handful of people in his early world, he developed a vivid inner life shaped by solitude, dreams, and the wide, open land.

Sent to boarding school at age six, Will learned early how to navigate loneliness, unfamiliar faces, and the need to stand his ground. Though his professional path took him far from storytelling — earning a PhD in energy studies and building a career as an engineer — the stories from his early years never left him.

Those long-held memories — of conquering dreams, building contraptions, and backyard expeditions — have found new life in the imaginative stories Will now enjoys sharing with children. Will’s Dream World is his first published book, drawing on the quiet resilience and emotional adventures of a childhood lived far off the beaten path.

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July 19, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Dad Who Had to Read a Bedtime Story by G.M. Reyes (Book Review)

A Rhyming Book About a Dad Who Had to Read a Bedtime Story

Dad just wants to play video games, or go to the gym, or just unwind. But there’s something in the way of his relaxing evening. His kids want him to read a bedtime story.

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

 

In a child’s eyes, their parents are superheroes—super strong, never tire, and have all the time in the world. They don’t understand that their parents need time to recharge their battery after working all day, or maybe they need or have to do something that doesn’t include small tag-a-longs. The two darlings in this sweet children’s book had one teeny tiny request: Dad, please read us a bedtime story. Dad tried to politely turn down their request, saying he was in a hurry, but they were persistent, which is 100% relatable to many adults reading this book to their kids. 

Despite his initial reluctance, the dad in this story caved and agreed to read only one story. Nestled in bed with his two kiddos, the dad did what many parents do once they noticed the book’s length—he skipped a few pages. When your child is a baby or toddler, you can absolutely get away with summarizing the story. However, as your child grows up, they become more observant and will call you on the sneakiness. The fictional kids demanded their dad read the story again, properly this time.

Their father did a smashing job the second time around. He used different voices and even rapped some lines. I adored the drawing of him wearing a witch’s hat and nose, fairy wings, and a princess crown. But the real showstopper was the image of him with his hat flipped backward, shades on, bling around his neck while rapping into the microphone. I would laugh until my sides hurt if I witnessed my spouse recreating this scene. 

The Dad Who Had to Read a Bedtime Story would make a great book to read at nap time or bedtime. It would also make a great Father’s Day gift. 

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age: baby to 8 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A dad of two who wants to write stories that his kids will want to read and enjoy.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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