The Going To Bed Book

Getting ready for sleep is tons of fun in this iconic board book from author and illustrator Sandra Boynton.

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.

Sandra Boynton is a popular American cartoonist, children's author, songwriter, producer, animator, and director. Since 1974, Boynton has written and illustrated over seventy-five children's books and seven general audience books, including five New York Times Bestsellers. More than 85 million of her books have been sold, "mostly to friends and family," she says. She has also written—with Michael Ford—and produced six albums of renegade children's music. Three of her six albums have been certified Gold [over 500,000 copies sold] and "Philadelphia Chickens," nominated for a Grammy, has been certified Platinum [over 1 million copies sold.] Boynton has also directed twelve music videos of her songs, including the award-winning "One Shoe Blues" starring B. B. King, "Alligator Stroll" starring Josh Turner, and "Tyrannosaurus Funk" (animation) sung by Samuel L. Jackson. Early in the pandemic, she collaborated remotely with Yo-Yo Ma on three animated shorts: "Mooing Home" for Mr. Ma's Songs of Comfort project; "Chanson Profonde", a good-natured sendup of French chanson; and, as a companion to her book of the same title, "Jungle Night", Boynton's cello/guitar/percussion arrangement of Erik Satie's "Gymnopédie No. 1". She lives in rural New England, and her studio is in a barn with perhaps the only hippopotamus weathervane in America.

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton is a charming and playful bedtime picture book that follows a group of friendly animal characters as they prepare for sleep aboard a small boat. Written in cheerful rhyming verse and paired with Boynton's signature humorous illustrations, the book transforms an ordinary bedtime routine into a fun and memorable adventure. Although the story is simple and designed for very young children, it gently reinforces healthy bedtime habits while creating a calm and comforting atmosphere that makes it a favorite for families at the end of the day.

The story begins on a peaceful evening as the sun sets and the moon rises in the sky. A small boat floats quietly on the water, carrying a delightful collection of animal passengers. Instead of rushing to bed immediately, the animals begin their nightly routine together. The setting feels cozy and safe, creating a sense of calm that prepares young readers for the gentle rhythm of the story. The soft nighttime atmosphere signals that the busy activities of the day are coming to an end and that it is time to wind down.

As bedtime approaches, each animal takes part in familiar routines that many children experience before going to sleep. The animals move around the boat together, completing one task after another in an organized and cheerful way. Rather than presenting bedtime as something boring or unpleasant, the story turns these everyday activities into an enjoyable group event. The animals seem happy to follow their routine, showing children that preparing for bed can be both comforting and fun.

One of the first activities involves getting ready for the night by changing into pajamas. The animals happily prepare themselves, showing that putting on sleepwear is an important step before going to bed. Their playful expressions and relaxed behavior make the routine feel natural and inviting. Young readers can easily relate to this part of the story because it reflects a familiar part of their own evening schedule.

Next, the animals brush their teeth, emphasizing another important bedtime habit. Although the book presents the activity with humor rather than instruction, it gently reminds children of the importance of taking care of their teeth before sleeping. Watching the animal friends complete this task together encourages children to see it as a normal and positive part of their own routine.

After brushing their teeth, the animals do something unexpected and amusing—they gather together for a little exercise. Even though it is nearly bedtime, they stretch and move around before settling down. This surprising moment adds humor to the story because most readers would expect the animals to become quieter as bedtime approaches. Sandra Boynton includes this playful twist simply to entertain young readers and to maintain the cheerful, lighthearted tone that runs throughout the book.

Once their preparations are complete, the animals quietly climb into their beds. The atmosphere becomes calmer as they settle beneath their blankets. The busy excitement of getting ready gradually fades, replaced by a peaceful sense of comfort and relaxation. The gentle progression from activity to rest mirrors the natural transition many children experience each evening.

Throughout the story, the rhythm of the rhyming text creates a soothing reading experience. The repeated sounds and predictable patterns make the book enjoyable to read aloud, allowing children to anticipate familiar phrases and participate in the storytelling. The musical quality of the language contributes to the calming mood, making it especially effective as part of a bedtime routine. Many families enjoy reading the book repeatedly because its rhythm becomes familiar and comforting.

Sandra Boynton's illustrations add warmth and humor to every page. The animal characters are drawn with simple, rounded shapes and expressive faces that convey friendliness and joy. Each animal has its own personality while remaining part of the close-knit group aboard the boat. The colorful artwork captures children's attention without becoming overwhelming, making it easy for even very young readers to follow the sequence of events.

One of the book's most appealing qualities is its celebration of togetherness. The animals complete every part of their bedtime routine as a group, helping one another and sharing the experience. Their cooperation creates a feeling of friendship and community, showing that even ordinary daily routines can become enjoyable when shared with others. This sense of companionship adds warmth to the story and makes the boat feel like a cozy home.

The gentle humor scattered throughout the book keeps the story entertaining without disrupting its calming effect. Small surprises, such as exercising before bed or the amusing expressions on the animals' faces, invite smiles from both children and adults. These playful moments prevent the bedtime routine from feeling repetitive while maintaining the relaxed pace needed for a nighttime story.

Although the book is very simple, it quietly introduces several valuable lessons. Children learn about establishing healthy bedtime habits, following routines, and preparing themselves for restful sleep. The story also demonstrates that routines do not have to feel restrictive or dull. Instead, they can become comforting traditions that help bring each day to a peaceful close.

The ending is gentle and reassuring. As the animals finally settle into bed and drift off to sleep, the quiet atmosphere returns. The boat continues to float peacefully beneath the moonlit sky, creating a comforting image that leaves readers with a feeling of safety and relaxation. The conclusion reinforces the idea that bedtime is a time for rest, comfort, and peaceful dreams.

Overall, The Going to Bed Book is a timeless bedtime classic that combines playful rhymes, lovable animal characters, and gentle humor to celebrate the simple routines that prepare children for sleep. Sandra Boynton transforms ordinary evening activities into an enjoyable adventure filled with warmth, friendship, and laughter. Through its soothing rhythm, delightful illustrations, and comforting message, the book helps children view bedtime as a happy and reassuring part of each day. Its enduring popularity comes from its ability to entertain young readers while creating the calm, cozy atmosphere that makes it the perfect story to share before saying goodnight.