The Going to Bed Book

When my son was a newborn he had a lot of gas related crying. One night, home alone with him I became desperate to distract him from his discomfort. I pulled this book off his shelf at random and made up a toon to the rhyme (I think Ms. Boynton would be proud). I put hand motions to the toon and sang this book over and over. He loved it from start to finish. It completely distracted him and we went on like this for a good 30 minutes. Nearly, 3 years later we still read the book from time to time and I retell him the story of how it made the painful toots go away. More than anything I think it stopped the crying which reduced the air gulping, thus reducing the toots. Whether magic or science, this book saved me from the deep end as a show more brand new Mom with a sad newborn. show less

A Boynton rhyme about the going to bed routine illustrated with lots of adorable animals in a Noah's-Ark-like boat. They take bath, brush their teeth, exercise, and finally say good night. Then

The Moon is high. The Sea is deep.
They Rock
and rock
and rock
to sleep

This is my absolute favorite Boynton, and that is saying a lot. Somehow it's brilliant. The rhyme is so memorable that after reading it several times you can read it to your kids from memory without having the book with you... and the kids will follow along perfectly. It works on very young kids, and doesn't start to wear out until they are maybe three (About the same time most Boynton's did for my older one. Boynton's are really prefect for the 2-to-3-yr-old range.). Many a show more night we put our kids to sleep just by reciting this book with the lights off.

For anyone concerned about the Noah reference being too "religious", rest assured the only one who will notice is the adult reading the book. show less

One of the first Boynton books we owned. Now that we have read many, I know that the story uses a familiar theme for Boynton fans - going to bed. This time, the animals are on a boat, and as the sun sinks they troop below deck to proceed through a bed time ritual: taking a bath, getting in pajamas, brushing the teeth, and exercising. Exercising?! Yes, the story is a bit surreal - after all, why are they on a boat? - but that is part of its zany appeal. Silly ideas and cartoony illustrations are her trademark, as is the wonderful readability of the stories, as the words just roll off the tongue. Taking a break to exercise after taking a bath just doesn't make sense, but it does make me laugh. and the lilting rhythm of her words has a show more soothing quality perfectly suited for a bed time story. This is another family favorite. show less

This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush and brush and brush their teeth, and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep.

The day is done.
They say good night,
and somebody
turns off the light.

Cute as all Boynton books, but the suggestion that little readers heading for bed get up and do jumping jacks does parents a disservice, and may be simply irresponsible.

I have read this book to both of my boys and they each love it. The story is rhythmic and enjoyable to read.

There's only one thing about this book that bothers me...they exercise AFTER they shower and then go to bed! Gross!

I do think it's interesting that this eclectic bunch of animals bathes together. 100% innocently, but still, a child might ask questions. A good answer would probably include the word 'silly.' Also, I don't think most children have a bout of vigorous exercise as part of their (post-bath) bedtime routine. Again, it's silly. Exercise in the morning; stretch in the evening. :)

I'd be willing to bet some families love this book. I liked it, but found it a little, um, flat - maybe these very short board books are just not appreciable if one is not sharing them with a child.