The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to Bed: questions to ask and activities to try
“Bedtime!” said the Mother. “NO!” said the Baby. The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to Bed is a magical, Kate Greenaway-winning story about bedtime battles and the comfort of home.
What age is it for? The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to Bed is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Not wanting to go to bed.
The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to Bed (Helen Cooper)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Not wanting to go to bed
Read it calmly at bedtime. Children enjoy the Baby's defiance, and the ending gently shows that bed with someone who loves you is the best place to be.
What it helps with
- Bedtime battles
- Wanting to stay up
- Feeling safe and loved at night
- Imagination before sleep
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did the Baby say when it was bedtime?”
- “Where did the Baby go in his car?”
- “Who did he meet who was sleepy?”
- “How did he feel all alone?”
- “Who was still awake?”
- “What makes bedtime easier for you?”
5-minute activities to try together
Sleepy world
Say goodnight to toys around the room as if they're all falling asleep, like in the Baby's journey.
Bedtime drive
Drive a toy car round the bedroom and park it for the night before getting into bed.
Free printables: The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to Bed worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd)
- Best for
- Winding down at bedtime, and settling to sleep
- Age
- 0-4
Peace at Last (Jill Murphy)
- Best for
- Bedtime, and staying patient when things keep going wrong
- Age
- 2-5
Kangaroo Kisses (Nandana Dev Sen and Pippa Curnick)
- Best for
- Bedtime stalling, and a funny bedtime routine
- Age
- 2-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.