We previously did a 'Bedtime Books for Adults' post, recommending 5 books to help you slip off into the land of nod. But that's not much good if the little ones won't settle down as well! So, here are 5 books to help send the kids to sleep.

1) Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak

Most people were read this book at some point in their lives, and your children should be no exception. Where the Wild Things Are is the perfect book to help send your tired tykes off to sleep, with it's magical plot and interesting characters. Nothing better than snuggling down and listening to how the monsters 'gnashed their terrible teeth' and 'roared their terrible roars'! 

2) Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram

A beautiful children's book filled with wonderful illustrations and a heart-warming little story. The book is about two hares, a parent and child, and the baby hare is trying to express how much they love their parent, but with the parent expressing even greater affection every time. The story ends with both hares tuckered out and the baby snoozing, having won the competition - until their parent whispers "I love you right up to the moon - and back." Perfect for bedtime.

3) The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep, by Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin

A story that has received critical acclaim and praise from parents, The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep is a delightful little story that will have your children napping quickly. The reader follows Ellen the Elephant on a magical journey that ultimately ends in sleep. Along the way, the children will meet fantastic characters and experience calming situations that will help them nod off quickly and easily. There's also an audio book version with a choice of narrator!

4) The Cat in the Hat and Other Stories, by Dr. Seuss

Whilst the movies perhaps don't do the books justice, Dr. Seuss' books are a tried and tested way of helping your children nod off. With it's rhythmic language and rhyming couplets, your kids will be slumbering in no time. Add a sprinkling of unbelievable characters and amazing adventures, you'll be able to keep your children interested in their book at bedtime and get their heads nodding in no time at all.

5) The Most Curious Case of the Runaway Spoon, by Tony Flannagan

Yes, one of our own, but a brilliant one at that. The Most Curious Case of the Runaway Spoon is a charming children's story following the characters from well-known children's nursery rhymes whilst our protagonist, Amelia, is tasked with solving the case of the missing Spoon. Your children can follow Amelia's adventures and all of the fantasical creatures that she meets, bringing new life to the common nursery characters - and there's a little something in there for the adults as well!