The Going to Bed Book – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Going to Bed Book

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book1982

88%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Sandra Boynton's silly animal crew makes bath time and bedtime ridiculously fun—a board book classic that actually works.

The Going to Bed Book

book

1982

88%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Sandra Boynton's silly animal crew makes bath time and bedtime ridiculously fun—a board book classic that actually works.

4.8

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Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare books that does exactly what it promises and does it well. Boynton nailed the bedtime routine formula: silly enough to be entertaining, repetitive enough to be soothing, and short enough that parents don't dread the fourth read-through.

It's been in print since 1982 for a reason—the goofy animals taking a bath on a boat (yes, a boat) and then rocking to sleep have a timeless quality that doesn't feel dated. The rhythm and repetition actually help with the bedtime transition rather than winding kids up.

Is it going to change your life? No. Will it become a beloved part of your bedtime rotation that you can recite from memory while half-asleep? Absolutely. That's exactly what a good bedtime book should do.

Age Fit

Ideal for babies through age 3, maybe stretching to 4 if they're particularly attached to it. By kindergarten, most kids will have moved on to longer bedtime stories. The board book format and simple text are perfect for the youngest readers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A gentle, joyful bedtime routine featuring animals cooperating through bath time, teeth brushing, and settling down. The tone is warm, silly, and reassuring—perfect emotional pacing for winding down. Models basic self-care routines in a playful way without being preachy.

Imaginative

Boynton's signature quirky animal characters and simple, rhythmic text create a whimsical world. The 'scrub scrub scrub' and 'rock rock rock' repetition invites participation and predictability that toddlers love. Not wildly original in concept (bedtime routine books are common), but the execution has charm and Boynton's distinctive style.

Safe

100

Zero concerns. A board book about animals taking a bath and going to sleep. No scary elements, no surprising content, no violence. The most wholesome bedtime content imaginable. Board book format is physically safe for babies and toddlers.

Enriching

Reinforces bedtime routines (bathing, brushing teeth, going to sleep) in a positive way, which helps toddlers understand sequencing and daily rituals. The repetitive language supports early literacy and rhythm recognition. It's not deeply educational, but it serves its purpose well—making bedtime feel fun and predictable rather than a battle.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The repetitive 'scrub scrub scrub' and 'brush and brush and brush' language is perfect for toddler participation and memory building
Makes bedtime routines feel playful rather than like a chore—kids actually want to do what the animals are doing
Boynton's goofy illustrations are instantly recognizable and have genuine charm that hasn't aged in 40+ years
Board book format survives teething, throwing, and bath time (ironically)
Short enough that exhausted parents can read it three times in a row without losing their minds

⚠

What to Watch For

This is firmly in the 0-3 age range—older preschoolers will likely find it too babyish
If your kid is in a 'no bedtime!' phase, this might not magically fix that (but it won't hurt)

Conversation Starters

"Which animal do you think you are tonight? The hippo or the pig?"
"Should we scrub scrub scrub like in the book?"
"What do you think happens after somebody turns off the light?"

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