For children who find bedtimes hard
When the light goes off, the worries get louder.
One more story. One more drink. A tummy that will not settle and a head full of what-ifs about tomorrow. For many children, bedtime is not defiance - it is the quietest, busiest part of their day.
Join Albert, a little star-covered bear, and his mum in a gentle bedtime story about slowing a racing mind, noticing what the body is doing, and knowing exactly what happens next.
Inside the book you also get cut-out cards to keep, so the bedtime plan can sit where your child can see it every night.
£14.99
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Purpose-built for neurodivergent readers
Made for autistic, ADHD and highly sensitive children
These are autism books for children and preschoolers, written for ages 3 to 6 and often loved for many years beyond. Many autistic children, including children of 10 and older, still find comfort in simple, predictable picture books like these. That is exactly who this series was built for.
Simple, uncluttered scenes
Every page shows one calm moment. No busy backgrounds or visual noise to overwhelm.
One story, one gentle tool
Each book covers a single everyday situation and gives your child one practical strategy to practise.
Predictable and reassuring
Warm repetition and a steady rhythm help anxious or sensitive readers relax into the story.
Does bedtime take an hour longer than it should?
- Your child seems fine all evening, then falls apart the moment it is time to settle.
- The worries arrive at lights-out: tomorrow, school, whether anything will be different.
- You have tried routines and rewards, and you are out of calm words by 8pm.
A gentler way through the last half hour of the day
Albert's stars flicker faster when a worry pops into his mind. His mum does not argue with the worry - she answers it.
The bridge, the station and the trees will all still be there tomorrow. His first job in the morning is simply to put the train back on the rails.
Along the way the story gives children a countdown they can see, two small choices they get to make, and body cues they can feel - so bedtime becomes predictable instead of frightening.
How this story may help
Answers the bedtime worry
Gives grown-ups simple, reassuring words for 'what if tomorrow is different?' instead of 'go to sleep'.
Makes the ending visible
A visual countdown means your child can see bedtime coming rather than being surprised by it.
Two small choices
Offering a choice inside the routine returns a little control, which lowers the fight.
Calming body cues
Tight paws, open paws, one big breath - simple physical steps a tired child can actually manage.
Four gentle tools inside the book
- 1
Gentle bedtime story
A slow, calming read-aloud designed to lower the temperature of the room.
- 2
Visual countdown and choices
Your child sees how much is left and picks between two small options.
- 3
Calming body cues
Shake it out, tight paws, open paws, one big breath.
- 4
Free cut-out before-and-now cards
Printable-style cards inside the book to show what is happening now and what comes next.
These ideas are introduced through Albert and his mum. They are a shared language to practise together, not a promise that every night will be easy.
Meet Albert
Albert is a little bear whose fur is full of stars - and they flicker faster when a worry arrives. Tonight it is his space mission: what if he forgets it, what if the track is different tomorrow?
When Bedtimes Are Hard is a comforting picture book for children who resist bed, delay sleep, worry at lights-out or need to know exactly what happens next - especially autistic and ADHD children.
It is a kind, practical read-aloud for parents, carers and anyone doing the hardest half hour of the day.
£14.99
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Helpful parent resources
The book rehearses the moment. These free guides explain what is happening underneath it.
The mission can wait. Tomorrow will still be there.
A warm, calming bedtime story for families where getting to sleep is the hardest part of the day.
Big Feelings Are OK: When Bedtimes Are Hard
A gentle bedtime story for children whose worries arrive at lights-out, with cut-out cards included inside.
by Nicola Ahern
£14.99
Buy the Book on Amazon