When Day Is Done

by Natalee Creech, Natalee Creech

The sun is setting and it's almost night. Children from various families say goodbye to friends--including the sun, trees, and flowers--and move inside to complete their bedtime routines. With vivid imagery and child-friendly poetry, each verse ends with the simple refrain, We sleep when day is done. When Day Is Done is a soothing bedtime book, perfect for calming down after a busy day.For ages 3-5.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 12, 2019

About the author

Natalee Creech is a children's author who is equally at home in Canada, (where she grew up) in the U.S., (where she studied education) and in South Korea (where she taught for many years). Regardless of where she lives, she is probably sneaking more children's books into the house, much to the delight of her children and the dismay of her husband. Oreo, the family cat, remains indifferent.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet rhyming beginning book for kids about going to bed. The artwork is cozy cute and brings back those soft summer memories of days ending and getting ready for bed. It's about different families and characters and about how different people get ready for bed.

The poem is nice and the story is sweet and I'm not sure anyone but younger kids will appreciate this. It's simple and not that exciting. I didn't read it to the nephew as I know he wouldn't enjoy this.

Sleep tight and sweet dreams.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day Is Done will soon be a classic. This delightful picture book written by Natalee Creech will charm the socks off the little ones and their parents/caregivers. The author chose lullabyesque phrases like gently sway, sleepy-eyed, wrapped in love and many more that will settle into the hearts of all who read it. Children will ask for it each night before they are tucked in when their days are done. Brava to Ms. Creech. The pictures have a soft touch to them just as I'd expect for a book such as this. The illustrator Robert Dunn knew precisely what little ones would love. Please buy this book. You'll be so glad you did.

[Cheryl Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to read to your little one to settle them down when it is time to go to sleep. I love the gratefulness that just oozes from this book. A lovely read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soothing lullaby for bedtime. Sweet, cozy, and snuggle-worthy.

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day Is Done is a beautiful way to close each day. Not only is the language lyrical, soothing and peaceful, but readers of every age are reminded of the beauty in the world around us that needs sleep too. Author Natalee Creech, takes us on a journey we need to pay attention to more often. Life today is so hectic and busy, we forget the quiet moments that help lull us into deep peace and tranquility. This beautifully illustrated picture book is for readers of every age. Children are learning to embrace these amazing moments and adults sometimes need reminders that the beauty our world has needs nurturing too.

[Gayle Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day is done.
Gone the sun.

And what does every child do?

Why they say goodnight to friends, family, pets, and even Mother Nature. And extra bonuses are the discussions that each illustration and verse can stimulate – the sun’s heat, the moon’s light, the garden’s needs, and oral hygiene. The family bond is a strong theme in this story. Creech’s gentle poetry verses combined with Dunn’s lovely pastel illustrations give the reader a sense of calm and peacefulness that makes this a perfect bedtime story choice.

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stress-reliever this story is! As I turned each page, I could feel my breathing slow, my shoulders relax, and my spirits lift. With spot-on rhythm and rhyme, author Creech takes us on a soothing journey in the day of all living things...flowers, animals, and of course, people!

The fabulous illustrations enrich the story with a wonderful layer of diversity...families of all kinds, and kids on bikes, in wheelchairs, and walking. Destined to become a bedtime classic, the book is a wonderful read-aloud and read-it-again for young and old alike!

[Yevgenia Nayberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day Is Done is a beautifully written bedtime poem. Its musicality and repetitions give it a distinct lullaby quality. This could be the book you read to your child every night! There’s a lovely color transition in illustrations from page to page that reflect the change of time in the day. The gentle mention of Christianity is intensified through illustrations. When Day Is Done successfully follows the tradition of the classic rhymed picturebooks that will surely make you nostalgic!

[Joyce Schriebman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day is Done is a lullaby picture book designed to ease little ones to sleep. Natalee Creech has skillfully captured those everyday moments of transition that move us from waking hours to sleeping hours, and her lyrical rhyme and repeated refrain is sure to be a relaxing favorite with children. Not to be overlooked are the soft, soothing tones of Robert Dunn’s illustrations--the perfect complement to the gentle unfolding of Creech’s story.

[Jenna Grodzicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, this gentle story takes the reader through the nighttime routines of several different families. Young readers will relate to the children in the book and will be delighted by the animals and toys. The refrain, "We sleep when day is done," is repeated throughout. Robert Dunn's soft illustrations add to the calming feel of the story. When Day is Done is a perfect book to read at bedtime.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gentle, rhythmic ebb and flow of Creech's text will lull your little one to sleep, and Dunn's lovely illustrations will show the reader how various families enjoy their days and prepare for bed. This is a book that your child will want you to read repeatedly, and guess what? This book is so soothing that you won't mind reading it over and over again! You'll both enjoy curling up and resting as you remind your child to sleep when day is done.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soothing bedtime read that will fast become every parent’s favorite. When Day is Done takes us through a busy day and how we shift from our daily activities to nightly rest. The sweet story, beautiful illustrations and rhythmic rhyme will help your child relax and unwind. Creech’s catchy refrain of “We sleep when day is done” creates a nice call and response for an interactive, yet peaceful, bedtime read.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect way to help soothe children to sleep after a busy day. The rhymes are crisp, creating a gentle rocking you while the personification creatively takes you to dreamland. The illustrations are just the right fit - our favorites are the puppy and the little girl sleeping with the purple star-filled curtains framing a full moon.

[Meera Sriram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bedtime book soothes and cradles with relatable scenes of night time routines, lilting lines, soft art, and best of all capturing the mood of retirement when a glorious day is done! The rhyming verse with recurring chant carries the book into a beautiful read aloud perfect to lull tired toddlers into blissful rest.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a soothing, lyrical style, author Natalee Creech sends readers off towards dreamland with this beautifully illustrated book. With gentle humor and warm watercolors that complement the text, this is a perfect pre-bedtime read that will help make getting ready for bed a soothing yet fun.

[Christine Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book will gently lull your little ones to sleep. Or at the very least, it will get them to sit down to listen and stop jumping around their bedrooms (or does that just happen in my house?)

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day Is Done is a delightful picture book written by Natalee Creech that will please both child and caregiver. The absolutely perfect nighttime bedtime book! The kind that kids will ask for again and again, and the kind that parents are only glad to read to them.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has soothing, peaceful text and soft illustrations and is the perfect choice for parents and caregivers to read before bedtime. The repeating line "We sleep when day is done." is calming and I can totally see kids repeating it with the reader, setting their minds to nighttime mode.

[Lauren Kerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet, lyrical bedtime book is the perfect read for bedtime snuggles. Your child will love the beautiful illustrations and rhythmic, soothing pace.

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely rhyming picture book is perfect for bedtime--soothing, filled with beautiful, almost dreamlike imagery. It's reassuring and wonderful.

[Nancy Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day is Done is a lovely story, perfect for quiet time to help little ones settle in for the night. The rhythm and rhyme are spot on and the soft, dreamy illustrations add to the urge to close your eyes and drift away. Ms. Creech and illustrator, Robert Dunn, have artfully included a diversity of families, even the mama bird settling down for the night in her nest with her babies. This book is a perfect gift to add to any family's library.

[Glenys Nellist · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Is it any wonder that all the reviews thus far for this gorgeous picture book are five-star? Natalee Creech's lyrical, soothing text flows from page to page, eliciting the oft repeated phrase: 'We sleep when day is done.'
"Tucked in tight, we dream our dreams
While overhead the moonlight beams
At silver stars in silent streams....
We sleep when day is done."
Poetic, gentle and melodic, this little gem deserves a place on every child's bookshelf."

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day is Done by Natalee Creech reads like a song. Its gentle, lyrical, rhyming text follows children playing and saying goodbye, to the end of the day and saying goodnight "When the day is done". Beautiful illustrations by Robert Dunn perfectly complement this calming bedtime story. Sure to be a favourite bedtime read!

[Sherry Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet way to end the day! With the calming rhyme, and diverse homes shown, this book helps wind down busy days at several homes. The repetition of “We sleep when day is done” is soothing, and a great way to encourage the reluctant child to close their eyes!

[Kourtney LaFavre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet bedtime story with rhyming text that is perfect for lulling little ones to sleep.

[Rachel Funez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always impressed by people who can write in rhyme. This book has a lovely and soothing rhythm that is perfect for a calming bedtime story, and the repeated refrain gives it a songlike quality. The word imagery is poetic. It portrays the earth as a gentle friend, and our lives as part of it’s cycling rhythm. Homelife is portrayed as loving, predictable, and safe. The illustrations have a soft, glowing, warm quality that mirrors the feeling of the gentle, soothing text. Several children are portrayed wrapping up their days and getting ready for bed. I really like that the illustrations include some children of color and a child in a wheelchair.

If you’re looking for a gentle bedtime story to lovingly share with your child, add this one to your list.

*Note: I was provided with a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet book to read before bedtime. My grandaughter liked it

[Luna Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Day Is Done by Natalee Creech, beautifully illustrated by Robert Dunn, is a gentle and enchanting bedtime story that perfectly captures the calm, reflective rhythm of evening. With its lyrical, child-friendly poetry and vivid imagery, this book offers a peaceful way to transition from the busyness of the day to the quiet of night.

The narrative follows children from various families as they say goodbye to the sun, the trees, and the flowers, guiding young readers through familiar bedtime routines with warmth and comfort. Each verse concludes with the soothing refrain, “We sleep when day is done,” creating a comforting cadence that encourages relaxation and signals that it’s time to rest. This repetition is both calming and reassuring, making it ideal for even the youngest listeners who thrive on routine.

Robert Dunn’s illustrations complement the text perfectly, capturing the soft light of dusk and the cozy atmosphere of bedtime with gentle, colorful artwork. The combination of Creech’s poetic storytelling and Dunn’s visuals makes the book a sensory delight, appealing to both children and caregivers alike.

When Day Is Done is more than just a bedtime story, it’s a mindful moment shared between parent and child, offering reassurance, comfort, and a sense of closure at the end of the day. It’s a charming, peaceful, and beautifully crafted book that belongs on every child’s nightstand. A perfect companion for winding down, it helps children drift into sleep feeling safe, loved, and ready for dreams.

[Amy Houts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Bedtime Book
Want a book that helps your child settle down before bed? Want a book that soothes and comforts? Want a book with perfect rhymes and gentle rhythms? Then look no further than When Day is Done by Natalee Creech. The contemporary illustrations in soft colors by artist Robert Dunn set the right tone. The book begins in daylight with friends waving goodbye. In one family, parents play hide and seek and carry their children upstairs. In another, a girl has one last swing before getting a piggy-back ride to the house. As darkness descends, family routines such as reading a book, saying prayers, and giving kisses reinforce the atmosphere of safety and peace. “Treasured toys” sleep, too. Everything will be right where the children left them, waiting to play the next day. I was pleased to see that multicultural families are lovingly represented. The book reaches out to include children—one in a wheelchair—who are usually underrepresented. Children thrive when they have a routine. They need to know “we sleep when day is done.”

[Ashanti Buford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this bedtime story because of the way the story is told. For every page it describes all the things a child would do in a day or even say goodnight towards the end of their day. I also like how the narrator in the story is supposed to be a parent because of the different point of view of describing the child's day. It makes the story cute and the reader can feel the love of the parent through the story.