Will this book make my kid more hyper right before bed?

Unlikely. While it involves movement, the actions are designed to be 'gentle' and 'calming' (like wiggling toes or stretching slowly) rather than jumping or running. It’s about burning off nervous energy, not revving the engine.

Is it too young for a 5-year-old?

It's right on the edge. A 5-year-old will still enjoy the 'challenge' of the movements, but they might find the 'tucking in teddies' part a bit babyish depending on their personality. It's best for the 2-4 sweet spot.

How long does it take to read?

If you do all the movements and breathing exercises, expect it to take about 5-8 minutes. It's short enough for a quick session but substantial enough to feel like a full activity.

Do I need to be a 'yoga parent' to get this?

Not at all. The prompts are very simple (reach up, wiggle toes, breathe in). You don't need any special skills other than the ability to sit on the floor or the edge of a bed.

Can You Do This? Bedtime – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Can You Do This? Bedtime

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2025Juvenile Nonfiction

93%

WISE Score

A Simon Says for sleep that swaps high-energy chaos for toe-wiggling mindfulness and actual breathing room.

Can You Do This? Bedtime

book

2025, Juvenile Nonfiction

93%

WISE Score

A Simon Says for sleep that swaps high-energy chaos for toe-wiggling mindfulness and actual breathing room.

Jump to

Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

This is a tactical win for the bedtime routine. Instead of the standard 'sit still and listen' approach, it acknowledges that little kids often need to move their bodies to process the day before they can actually settle down.

It is short, sweet, and serves as a bridge between the chaos of dinner/bath and the silence of sleep. If you are tired of the 'one more story' negotiations, this book provides a structured ritual that feels like a game but ends in a quiet mind.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 2–5 crowd. It is specifically designed for preschoolers who have enough motor control to follow simple prompts but still need help regulating their energy at the end of the day.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a picture book centered on gentle mindfulness, family bonding, and emotional regulation. It models healthy winding-down habits without any snark or conflict.

Imaginative

The book uses whimsical prompts to turn physical stretches and breathing into imaginative play, like reaching for stars or tucking in toys.

Safe

100

As a physical picture book for preschoolers, there are no content risks, digital tracking, or hidden agendas. It is a purely safe environment.

Enriching

It teaches concrete self-soothing skills and body awareness. These are foundational mindfulness tools that help kids learn how to transition from high energy to rest.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Active but calming prompts give kids a way to burn off that last bit of physical energy without getting them hyper.
Mindfulness for toddlers is baked into the story, teaching them how to notice their breath and their bodies before the lights go out.
Whimsical art style keeps the mood light and cozy, making it a book kids will actually want to reach for in the bedtime stack.

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'interactive' nature means you can't just drone through the text; you'll be wiggling toes and reaching for stars along with them.
If your kid tends to turn any movement into a wrestling match, you may need to model the 'gentle' part of the movements explicitly.

Conversation Starters

"Which part of your body feels the most tired today—your toes or your ears?"
"If you could reach up and grab a star, what would it feel like in your hand?"
"How does your tummy feel when we do our big, deep belly breaths?"

Deep Dive

The Bedtime Bridge

Bedtime is often a point of friction because we ask kids to go from 100 to 0 instantly. Can You Do This? Bedtime works because it provides a ramp. It’s categorized as juvenile nonfiction, but it’s really a guided meditation disguised as a picture book.

By asking the child to perform specific, gentle actions—like saying goodnight to their toes—it forces a level of focus that naturally quietens the 'zoomies.' The art is intentionally soft, avoiding the high-contrast or hyper-stimulating colors often found in toddler books.

Mindfulness Without the Woo-Woo

For parents who want to introduce mindfulness but don't want it to feel like a chore, this is the right entry point. It doesn't lecture about 'being present'; it just asks the kid to reach for the stars. The breathing exercises are integrated into the flow of the book, making them a natural part of the story rather than a separate 'lesson.' It’s a screen-free tool that actually rewards the parent for being involved, turning the nightly routine into a shared physical activity that isn't exhausting for the adult.

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