The best bedtime stories turning kids into book lovers

Why am I passionate about this?

My journey as a writer began in correlation with my career as a family doctor. After reading Dr. Jacques Ferron’s, books, I knew I wanted to be an author as well as a doctor. While pursuing my medical career, I wrote medical articles and books. My husband and I have also been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul of Quebecers with the story Witness of the Last Breath. This is the story of the last night of my daughter-in-law dying of lung cancer. Before she died, I promised Marie-Noëlle that I would pursue my writing career to change the world one young reader at a time. And I did.


I wrote...

Are You Eating My Lunch?

By Nicole Audet, Kathy Kerber (illustrator),

Book cover of Are You Eating My Lunch?

What is my book about?

An English and French bilingual picture book for 3 to 5 years old kids. Xavier is visiting the zoo. At lunch time, he can’t find his lunchbox. Xavier investigates. Which animals ate his lunch? Read this story about zoo animals’ favorite food and find out where is Xavier’s lunchbox.

This 32-page picture book contains a story and two quizzes to challenge children understanding and counting skills.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Can I Be Your Dog?

Nicole Audet Why did I love this book?

The author makes readers aware of the importance of taking good care of adopted animals. He gets his message across by bringing to life a dog who writes handwritten letters to everyone on Butternut Street.

I love hearing and seeing my children and friends' reactions to this irresistible bedtime story book. It makes us smile and feel good.

By Troy Cummings,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Can I Be Your Dog? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

The New York Times bestseller featured on THE TODAY SHOW!

A heart-tugging dog adoption story told through letters--deeply sincere and almost desperate pleas for a forever home--from the dog, himself!

This picture book shares the tale of Arfy, a homeless mutt who lives in a box in an alley. Arfy writes to every person on Butternut Street about what a great pet he'd make. His letters to prospective owners share that he's house broken! He has his own squeaky bone! He can learn to live with cats! But, no one wants him. Won't anyone open their heart--and home--to a lonesome…


Book cover of How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear?

Nicole Audet Why did I love this book?

In 2006, my daughter-in-law lost her battle with cancer. At the time, I couldn't find any books to explain to young children how to deal with a very sick friend. In 2019, Vanessa Bayer filled the gap with her great picture book on this important and delicate topic.

Tears came to my eyes as I read this beautiful story by an author who has survived this terrible illness. She tells us what she liked most about her friends while she was sick. Everybody facing cancer in his life should read this book. 

By Vanessa Bayer, Rosie Butcher (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

From debut children's author Vanessa Bayer and illustrator Rosie Butcher, How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? is a sweet picture book with advice for children―and adults―for dealing with a sick friend.

You and your friend Bear
are an excellent pair.

But if your friend gets sick,
And can’t do all the things that you two love to do…

You may wonder--how do you care for a very sick Bear?

When someone dear is dealing with illness, it's difficult to know what to do or say. The actor Vanessa Bayer experienced this firsthand when she was treated for…


Book cover of Thingamabob

Nicole Audet Why did I love this book?

What does Thingamabob mean? The mystery will keep you reading from the first to the last page of this well-illustrated picture book.

I challenge you to guess the surprising ending. This book meets readers’ needs looking for originality, humor, and beautiful illustrations. The author proves that the world of the imagination knows no bounds. This book is only for the fun of reading.

By Marianna Coppo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Thingamabob as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

What is a thingamabob? A thingamabob can be anything . . . and so can you! A sweet, empowering picture book about self-discovery from the acclaimed author-illustrator of Petra.

In the beginning, the universe was one great big thing. Then that thing exploded into gobs and gobs of thingamabobs.

All of the thingamabobs had a purpose . . . all except for one small, shapeless thingamabob. No one knew what it was for. It wasn't this or that. It wasn't here or there. What's the use of this thingamabob?

But everything changes for Thingamabob when it makes a friend in…


Book cover of Lots More Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing.

Nicole Audet Why did I love this book?

If you are looking for a book to make children laugh without any other intention, this picture book will fulfill your needs.

The author and illustrator combine text with irresistible illustrations. While making children laugh, this book helps them improve their reading skills by using large letters. Be prepared to read this book again and again at bedtime. You may write to the author to write another one like this because your children will love it.

By Judi Barrett, Ron Barrett (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lots More Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing. as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

From the bestselling duo behind Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs comes the long-awaited sequel to Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing, which shows us a hilarious new group of animals that shouldn't, ever ever ever, dress like humans.

Everyone knows that snakes and billy goats and walruses should definitely not wear clothing, but there are actually lots more animals that should definitely not wear clothing...

Because a frog might jump out of it,
Because a crab might tear it up,
And because a penguin is already formally dressed!

Judi and Ron Barrett, the team behind the Cloudy with a…


Book cover of The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts

Nicole Audet Why did I love this book?

In this picture book, the author and illustrator explain to children how empathy and compassion make a difference in relationships.

This book will console children and give them the hope and confidence to move forward in life, despite the pitfalls and challenges they face. Read it to any child facing problems to help them solve them. At the end, the author lists recommended books and websites on the same topics. A reference book on empathy.

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Ferry to Cooperation Island

By Carol Newman Cronin,

Book cover of Ferry to Cooperation Island

Carol Newman Cronin Author Of Ferry to Cooperation Island

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Sailor Olympian Editor New Englander Rum drinker

Carol's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

James Malloy is a ferry captain--or used to be, until he was unceremoniously fired and replaced by a "girl" named Courtney Farris. Now, instead of piloting Brenton Island’s daily lifeline to the glitzy docks of Newport, Rhode Island, James spends his days beached, bitter, and bored.

When he discovers a plan for a private golf course on wilderness sacred to his dying best friend, James is determined to stop such "improvements." But despite Brenton's nickname as "Cooperation Island," he's used to working solo. To keep historic trees and ocean shoreline open to all, he'll have to learn to cooperate with other islanders--including Captain Courtney, who might just morph from irritant to irresistible once James learns a secret that's been kept from him for years.

Ferry to Cooperation Island

By Carol Newman Cronin,

What is this book about?

Loner James Malloy is a ferry captain-or used to be, until he was unceremoniously fired and replaced by a girl named Courtney Farris. Now, instead of piloting Brenton Island's daily lifeline to the glitzy docks of Newport, Rhode Island, James spends his days beached, bitter, and bored.

When he discovers a private golf course staked out across wilderness sacred to his dying best friend, a Narragansett Indian, James is determined to stop such "improvements." But despite Brenton's nickname as "Cooperation Island," he's used to working solo. To keep rocky bluffs, historic trees, and ocean shoreline open to all, he'll have…


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Interested in bedtime stories, bears, and dogs?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about bedtime stories, bears, and dogs.

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