Nighty Night, Dinos

Toddler-Gr 2–Dinosaurs have a busy day full of noisy activities, engaging all day long, stomping, swimming, flying, and creeping. The simple, rhyming verse quickly transitions from the excitement of playtime to the quiet routine of bedtime. The story succeeds by detailing gentle rituals performed by diverse prehistoric creatures. Readers watch as T-Rex pulls a blankie tight, sleepy Stegosaurus plops next to tired Triceratops, and ­Brontosaurus hugs a toy bear. Even Ankylosaurus curls up snug, and Parasaurolophus is ready for a pillow. The writing effectively uses action words alongside soothing bedtime cues, making it an excellent read-aloud choice for winding down, concluding with the warning to “Whisper now, don’t make a peep!” so the dinos can sleep and grow “healthy, big and strong.” The accompanying visuals are essential to the book’s success, creating vivid, warm, and comforting scenarios in the transformation of large, potentially scary dinosaurs into relatable, sleepy friends. The illustrations beautifully highlight the necessary contrast in emotions: moving from the high-energy, noisy action of day to the quiet routines of night. By depicting these massive animals engaging in soft, humanlike domestic acts, the artwork successfully grounds the imaginative scenario in blankets of comfort for children.