Pajama Day is a well-loved day in preschool, and my former kindergarten students loved it too! There’s just something incredibly fun about wearing pajamas all day. It’s even more fun when you get to wear them to school and *gasp!* the teachers are wearing jammies, too! Here are some fun children’s books that would be perfect for a preschool pajama day!
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pajama day books for kids
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Each of these ten books have been vetted by me and a variety of kiddos! There are so many more pajama day books to be found out there, but I think these are my ten favorites. Of course, I’m sure I’ll find more to add to the list when another pajama day rolls around. Be sure to let me know your favorite pj day books in the comments below!
What! Cried Granny by Kate Lum
This is one of my preschool students’ favorite books this school year! I think most of them can tell you the entire story off the tops of their heads. Patrick is having his first sleepover at his Granny’s house. They run into some problems at bedtime, when Granny and Patrick realize Patrick doesn’t have a bed there. Granny has some incredibly creative (and super funny) solutions to each problem they come across.
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
This is a favorite book I’ve used with kids of all ages. The story starts with a cozy bed upon which a variety of people and animals take a nap. Beware the wakeful flea at the end of the book! The Napping House is perfect for sequencing with kids, in addition to just being a fun book.
Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber
Ira is so excited to sleep over at a friend’s house . . . until his sister asks if he’s bringing his beloved teddy bear with him. This book is great for starting a discussion about kids’ favorite stuffed animals, being yourself, and surrounding yourself with friends who love you for you.
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
In this rhyming book, Baby Llama isn’t too sure about going to sleep. He needs his mama’s reassurance before he can fall asleep and makes his concerns know pretty loudly! In addition to the rhyming words, this book can broach the subject of what to do if kids are scared at bedtime. This book inspired some easy pajama day snacks!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late by Mo Willems
Kids get to experience the other side of bedtime with this book, as they are in charge of making sure the pigeon gets to bed on time! It’s an interactive book, and the kiddos love responding to the pigeon and all his excuses for staying up.
Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
This is an incredibly simple book with very few words. However, the illustrations tell so much of the story! I’ve found that children adore making up their own words to go along with this silly book. They love explaining how the gorilla didn’t want to sleep at the zoo, preferring the zookeeper’s house!
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Oh, the lovely story, the beautiful illustrations, and the rhyming text! Can you tell I just adore this book? Bear’s friends pop into his cave as he’s having a winter nap. They’ve come in from the cold and are having a lot of fun as Bear sleeps.
Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
Little Owl is up at night, of course, and he’s busy observing other animals’ nighttime habits. This simple book is great when learning about nocturnal animals, as well as talking with kids about their bedtime routines. Here are two simple owl crafts inspired by the book.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Beautiful illustrations and rhyming text make for a delightful story about bedtime at the construction site. My son and I have loved reading this since it first came out. My preschoolers enjoy it too, and we keep a copy of it in our building center much of the year.
Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Like its counterpart above, this book has awesome illustrations and a beautiful rhyming story. Animals are boarding the sleeper train and gearing up for a calm ride through the night. I created some printable train numbers based on this book recently.
What kind of books do you and the kiddos enjoy during a pajama day? I’d love even more ideas!
Several of our favorites here. Great list!