It’s time for bed.

A young child gets ready for bed, with his parents help.

This begins with a look out of the window at the darkening sky, after returning home.

Others are preparing for bed too…

How many kererū can you see, high in the sky in the kōwhai tree? 1,2,3!

Next is preparing for a bath, but not before mum has to catch her child running around the house in a pre-bathtime game.

This game continues after the bath in putting on pyjamas, and along the way there are taniwhas to count!

Find the potty – it’s time for a pre-bedtime wee, toothbrushing and finally making it to bed.

There’s counting of seashells, moths and a plethora of sheep to count before a bedtime story!

And then finally there is only one more item to finish this family’s bedtime routine and a child’s snuggle down under the covers.

Part rhyme, part counting book, part celebration of New Zealand birds and creatures – Beddy-Bye Time in the Kowhai Tree captures all the joy and routine of bedtime in a New Zealand family.

The illustrations capture the wonder of a small child at the creatures just outside his window, the giggles of delaying tactics before bath and bed, and a touch of exasperation from Mum and Dad at a run-away toilet roll!

Adorable. 

Author – Juliette MacIver

Illustrator – Lily Uivel

Publisher – Scholastic

Picture Book

(2024, Scholastic, Bedtime, Rhyme, NZ, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Creatures, Counting, Night time Routine)