Treasuries & anthologies for bedtime stories
In recognition of World Sleep Day, we’ve compiled the following list of bedtime treasuries and anthologies for hopeful parents everywhere.
Good Night Sleep Tight by Kristina Andres
Fox and Rabbit live quite far away, in a bright little house beyond the mole hills, and when they wish each other a good night, the rustling pear tree, the raspberries and the stars join in. Each of these ‘eleven-and-a-half’ stories lovingly follow the shenanigans of the two furry friends, whether they’re sleeping atop a wardrobe or swinging from the lightshades.
Shout Out to the Girls by various
The success of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls has led to a rush of similarly themed anthologies – all honouring female figures who have shaped our cultural landscape. Shout Out to the Girls has been a definite favourite with our children’s booksellers thanks to its Australian focus and great mix of women. Look out for familiar names, such as Cathy Freeman and Cate Blanchett, and perhaps learn about lesser-known figures, such as robotics engineer Marita Cheng.
Frog and Toad: The Complete Collection by Arnold Lobel
This handsome treasury brings together all 20 of Arnold Lobel’s stories about lifelong friends, frog and toad. These two gentlemanly amphibians are whimsical endearing and their gently humorous adventures – from writing letters to finding lost buttons – beautifully emphasise kindness and friendship.
Nightlights edited by Anne Civardi & written by Kate Petty, Joyce Dunbar & Louisa Somerville
Nightlights features 20 interactive stories that have been specially written to calm and relax your child at bedtime, while at the same time engaging and stimulating their imagination. In the book’s introduction, editor Anne Civardi provides techniques for developing out-loud reading skills, demonstrates how to create the right mood, and gives practical advice on how to talk with your child about what they have just heard.
A Madeline Treasury by Ludwig Bemelmans
Dive into the nostalgic world of Ludwig Bemelmans’s Paris. Madeline is one of the world’s most beloved literary characters. The first Madeline story was first published in 1939, and is still charming readers today – along with the five sequels. The rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud, and kids will enjoy Madeline’s fearless and determined nature.
The Legends of Moonie Jarl by Moonie Jarl & Wandi
The Legends of Moonie Jarl tells the stories of the Butchulla people – the Indigenous people of Fraser Island and the Fraser Coast, Queensland. Published in 1964, it was the first Aboriginal children’s book to be published, and was written and designed by Butchulla siblings Moonie Jarl and Wandi
A World Full of Animal Stories by Angela McAllister & Aitch
A World Full of Animal Stories sees Angela McAllister retells some of the world’s best animal-themed fables, myths and legends, such as The Ugly Duckling, Why the Swallow’s Tail is Forked and the story of Ananse and the Python. Romanian-born artist, Aitch, provides sumptuous illustrations to sit alongside McAllister’s lively and engaging tales.
The Margaret Mahy Treasury by Margaret Mahy
Margaret Mahy is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and prolific writers – during her lifetime, she wrote more than 100 picture books, 40 novels and 20 short story collections, among other works. This treasury features 11 stories of boundless imagination, exuberant characters, magical language and priceless humour, as well as a CD of Margaret reading some of her favourites.
