Sleepy StarshipBedtime stories for toddlers and preschoolers
Younger kids need bedtime stories that are short, simple and predictable.
What works for ages 3 to 5
- Simple words and clear pictures: "warm rain," "a fuzzy friend," "a round button."
- Repetition: the same opening and ending every night.
- Counting: counting five raindrops or a few starfish gives busy minds one easy thing to do.
- A friendly character who stays the same from night to night.
- No scary moments at all, even mild ones.
Audio stories for little ones
Many preschoolers fall asleep more easily when they can close their eyes and listen instead of looking at pictures. An audio story also lets a parent step away while the story finishes.
Sleepy Starship uses simple words, a routine that repeats every night, and Choo-Choo, a co-pilot who never talks but purrs and trills. Episodes are about 10 to 11 minutes. Older siblings up to about age 8 enjoy it too.