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The Going To Bed Book
Getting ready for sleep is tons of fun in this special anniversary edition of a Sandra Boynton classic.
"The sun has set not long ago.
Now everybody goes below
to take a bath in one big tub
with soap all over—SCRUB SCRUB SCRUB!"
This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush and brush and brush their teeth, and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep.
This anniversary edition has an enlarged trim size and metallic ink on the cover, making this Boynton classic even more special.
"The sun has set not long ago.
Now everybody goes below
to take a bath in one big tub
with soap all over—SCRUB SCRUB SCRUB!"
This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush and brush and brush their teeth, and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep.
This anniversary edition has an enlarged trim size and metallic ink on the cover, making this Boynton classic even more special.
16 pages, Board Book
First published November 30, 1982
About the author
Sandra Boynton
166 books1,146 followersSandra Keith Boynton is an American humorist, songwriter, director, music producer, children's author, and illustrator. Boynton has written and illustrated over eighty-five books for children and seven general audience books, as well as over four thousand greeting cards, and seven music albums. She has also designed calendars, wallpaper, bedding, stationery, paper goods, clothing, jewelry, and plush toys for various companies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 828 reviews
January 28, 2015
I could not relate to the characters' motivations to exercise just before bed in their pajamas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
Adult Reviews for Children’s Books #1
3.5⭐
24.96 seconds! I timed it, that’s approximately how long it takes an adult to get through this book. Tell me Children’s books aren’t where the money’s at!
If you drag it out like you’re reading to a lobotomy patient or, you know, a newborn, you could probably wring out a couple of minutes.
The rhymes are smooth in this English edition and I found it humorous. The wishful thinking that is, that reading to your child about the routine of preparing for bed might actually make them more susceptible to sleep, *lol*, the naivety.
Two minor concerns:
At one stage, “everybody goes below to take a bath in one big tub, with soap all over—SCRUB SCRUB SCRUB!”. The problem is, the participants are an Elephant, a Hippopotamus, a Moose and a Lion. Aside from the dangers of the co-mingling of creatures with such wildly varying temperaments, hygiene is a massive concern here. I don’t want my girl thinking she can share a bath with sub-Saharan animals or even domesticated one’s (guinea pigs, Pomeranians etc.). A little irresponsible by the author.
My second point of concern is just for this poor little fella sliding down the stair stringer. He’s gonna be in a world of pain in 0.83 seconds!
3.5⭐
24.96 seconds! I timed it, that’s approximately how long it takes an adult to get through this book. Tell me Children’s books aren’t where the money’s at!
If you drag it out like you’re reading to a lobotomy patient or, you know, a newborn, you could probably wring out a couple of minutes.
The rhymes are smooth in this English edition and I found it humorous. The wishful thinking that is, that reading to your child about the routine of preparing for bed might actually make them more susceptible to sleep, *lol*, the naivety.
Two minor concerns:
At one stage, “everybody goes below to take a bath in one big tub, with soap all over—SCRUB SCRUB SCRUB!”. The problem is, the participants are an Elephant, a Hippopotamus, a Moose and a Lion. Aside from the dangers of the co-mingling of creatures with such wildly varying temperaments, hygiene is a massive concern here. I don’t want my girl thinking she can share a bath with sub-Saharan animals or even domesticated one’s (guinea pigs, Pomeranians etc.). A little irresponsible by the author.
My second point of concern is just for this poor little fella sliding down the stair stringer. He’s gonna be in a world of pain in 0.83 seconds!
October 31, 2021
Reseñas para Adultos de Libros para Niños #1.5
Adult Reviews for Children’s Books #1.5
2.5⭐
The English version of this book is called ‘The Going to Bed Book’, that title would sound absurd in Spanish so I’m glad they decided to roll with ‘Buenas Noches a Todos’ (Goodnight everyone), a solid choice! Unfortunately, great decisions don’t always prevail in translation here. The English version rhymes simply but smoothly where it can be hit-and-miss in this edition.
Where the original rhymes words like ago with below, tub with scrub, or wall with small; The Spanish version attempts to rhyme words like bañera with restriega, La Pared with se ve, or pasito with calladitos… It’s not great. There are some exceptions but for the most part it feels like it could’ve been Google translated.
There’s a strange phrase that reads, “todos suben ia hacer ejercicio”. It’s bizarre because, I’m assuming, it’s supposed to be y(and), as in “everyone goes up and does exercise”, but the only way that I can think of that mistake being made is if it was voice translated, as “y hacer” sounds like “ia-ser” in English… Anyway, it’s good enough for a young child if they’ve got someone there to explain to them.
La versión en inglés de este libro se llama 'The Going to Bed Book', ese título sonaría absurdo en español, así que me alegra que hayan decidido llamarlo 'Buenas Noches a Todos' (Goodnight Everyone) ¡Una selección sólida! Desafortunadamente, las grandes decisiones no siempre prevalecen en la traducción aquí. La versión en inglés rima simple pero suavemente donde puede ser impredecible en esta edición.
Donde el original libro rima palabras como ago con below, tub con scrub o wall con small; La versión en español intenta rimar palabras como bañera con restriega, La Pared con se ve o pasito con calladitos… No es genial. Hay algunas excepciones, pero en su mayor parte parece que podría haber sido traducido por Google.
Hay una frase extraña que dice "todos suben ia hacer ejercicio" . Es extraño porque, supongo que debe ser y(and), como en "todos suben y hacen ejercicio", pero la única forma en que puedo pensar en ese error es si fue traducido por voz, como “y hacer” suena como “ia-ser” en inglés… De todos modos, es lo suficientemente bueno para un niño pequeño si tiene a alguien para explicarle el error.
Adult Reviews for Children’s Books #1.5
2.5⭐
The English version of this book is called ‘The Going to Bed Book’, that title would sound absurd in Spanish so I’m glad they decided to roll with ‘Buenas Noches a Todos’ (Goodnight everyone), a solid choice! Unfortunately, great decisions don’t always prevail in translation here. The English version rhymes simply but smoothly where it can be hit-and-miss in this edition.
Where the original rhymes words like ago with below, tub with scrub, or wall with small; The Spanish version attempts to rhyme words like bañera with restriega, La Pared with se ve, or pasito with calladitos… It’s not great. There are some exceptions but for the most part it feels like it could’ve been Google translated.
There’s a strange phrase that reads, “todos suben ia hacer ejercicio”. It’s bizarre because, I’m assuming, it’s supposed to be y(and), as in “everyone goes up and does exercise”, but the only way that I can think of that mistake being made is if it was voice translated, as “y hacer” sounds like “ia-ser” in English… Anyway, it’s good enough for a young child if they’ve got someone there to explain to them.
La versión en inglés de este libro se llama 'The Going to Bed Book', ese título sonaría absurdo en español, así que me alegra que hayan decidido llamarlo 'Buenas Noches a Todos' (Goodnight Everyone) ¡Una selección sólida! Desafortunadamente, las grandes decisiones no siempre prevalecen en la traducción aquí. La versión en inglés rima simple pero suavemente donde puede ser impredecible en esta edición.
Donde el original libro rima palabras como ago con below, tub con scrub o wall con small; La versión en español intenta rimar palabras como bañera con restriega, La Pared con se ve o pasito con calladitos… No es genial. Hay algunas excepciones, pero en su mayor parte parece que podría haber sido traducido por Google.
Hay una frase extraña que dice "todos suben ia hacer ejercicio" . Es extraño porque, supongo que debe ser y(and), como en "todos suben y hacen ejercicio", pero la única forma en que puedo pensar en ese error es si fue traducido por voz, como “y hacer” suena como “ia-ser” en inglés… De todos modos, es lo suficientemente bueno para un niño pequeño si tiene a alguien para explicarle el error.
November 28, 2017
I don’t generally add the books I read to Owen as part of my challenge, but I think I’ve read this at least 50 times this year, so on it goes. Plus, he loves it.
August 21, 2008
I should pass these along to another parent, but I am hopeful I will have a chance to read them to another generation of children.
June 7, 2022
A riveting roller coaster of emotion that will have you on the edge of your rocking chair as you read it, re-read it, re-re-read it...over and over and over and over and over again, until you've got it memorized and can recite in Morgan Freeman's voice.
Join this rowdy bunch of raucous animals (many of whom would hopefully never encounter each other in the wild) as they embark on what well could've been planned as "just" a three-hour tour. Fortunately, these crafty creatures had the forethought to bring all of the nighttime necessities: towels, toothbrushes, pajamas (big and small) and soap, you name it, they brought it! Wow!
You'll laugh. You'll cry. And you'll probably have to change a diaper before you're done.
Hold tight to your babies as you rock and read this thriller all the way through to uncover the surprise at the end, elevating your heart rate right before bed? Count on it, in this no holds barred, children's masterpiece from Boynton.
Join this rowdy bunch of raucous animals (many of whom would hopefully never encounter each other in the wild) as they embark on what well could've been planned as "just" a three-hour tour. Fortunately, these crafty creatures had the forethought to bring all of the nighttime necessities: towels, toothbrushes, pajamas (big and small) and soap, you name it, they brought it! Wow!
You'll laugh. You'll cry. And you'll probably have to change a diaper before you're done.
Hold tight to your babies as you rock and read this thriller all the way through to uncover the surprise at the end, elevating your heart rate right before bed? Count on it, in this no holds barred, children's masterpiece from Boynton.
December 23, 2024
I've read this book so many times to my child I'm counting it as a novel for my goal.
June 23, 2025
This is a favorite in our house however I do not understand why the animals take a bath first and then go exercise. They should exercise first then take a bath!! Crazy animals.
June 30, 2011
I love the silliness of this book. Maybe it's the French literature major in me, recalling Ionesco and the theater of the absurd....
I love that the animals are on a boat. As random as it seems, it kind of makes me think of Noah's ark (even though they aren't in pairs). I love that when you think they're going upstairs to bed, they're really going up to exercise. Just something about the fact that you assume you know what's coming, only to turn the page and see something completely different! I can see that being the sort of thing that would send small children into fits of giggles.
At the same time, the rhyming and the rhythmic repetition of "rock and rock and rock to sleep" at the end set it up as a nice bedtime story for small children. I love rocking my son in my arms to the rhythm of the rocking boat when we read that last page.
I love that the animals are on a boat. As random as it seems, it kind of makes me think of Noah's ark (even though they aren't in pairs). I love that when you think they're going upstairs to bed, they're really going up to exercise. Just something about the fact that you assume you know what's coming, only to turn the page and see something completely different! I can see that being the sort of thing that would send small children into fits of giggles.
At the same time, the rhyming and the rhythmic repetition of "rock and rock and rock to sleep" at the end set it up as a nice bedtime story for small children. I love rocking my son in my arms to the rhythm of the rocking boat when we read that last page.
March 12, 2021
I think I have read this book thousands of times now throughout the years . It’s been a favorite for each of the four.
August 22, 2021
The sun is down, so now is the time for all the animals to head downstairs to take a bath, everyone in the tub! Dressed for bed, the animals now rush up to the top, where the moon is out and they exercise. Work those muscles! Slowly now, they make their way back down below, where it’s time to call it a day and go to sleep. The boat will rock them to sleep. Ahhhhhh.
Exercising in their pajamas? I guess if you dance in your pajamas (in Pajama Time), why not exercise in your pajamas. I enjoyed how they did everything together – from taking a bath, to brushing their teeth, to exercising, to going to sleep, this group of animals really gets along and likes each other. This little board book is the right size for little hands and the thick pages are great for them too. With colorful illustrations this book is a fun one that your little one will enjoy.
Exercising in their pajamas? I guess if you dance in your pajamas (in Pajama Time), why not exercise in your pajamas. I enjoyed how they did everything together – from taking a bath, to brushing their teeth, to exercising, to going to sleep, this group of animals really gets along and likes each other. This little board book is the right size for little hands and the thick pages are great for them too. With colorful illustrations this book is a fun one that your little one will enjoy.
January 24, 2026
There was a boat full of animals that looked like Noah’s ark, and the animals were all going to bed. Sadly I did not see my cats Bo and Benny on the boat.
My dad read this to me after I stayed up all night. The moral of this book’s story is still a mystery to me.
However, the fun rhymes and solid visuals were enjoyable.
My dad read this to me after I stayed up all night. The moral of this book’s story is still a mystery to me.
However, the fun rhymes and solid visuals were enjoyable.
September 11, 2015
"And when the moon is on the rise,
they all go up to exercise!"
Really fun bedtime book! I love the funny illustrations and rhyming text. My favorite illustrations are the exercising ones... although like many others, I wonder why they are exercising right before bed; I think it makes the book even funnier though. This is definitely one that is worth being read again and again!
First read: 8/24/15
they all go up to exercise!"
Really fun bedtime book! I love the funny illustrations and rhyming text. My favorite illustrations are the exercising ones... although like many others, I wonder why they are exercising right before bed; I think it makes the book even funnier though. This is definitely one that is worth being read again and again!
First read: 8/24/15
May 25, 2009
My two-year-old son and I have settled into a bedtime routine where we read Goodnight Moon and then we read this book. He loves when the animals brush and brush and brush their teeth and he loves when the boat rocks and rocks and rocks the animals to sleep but his favorite part is when they all go up...to exercise! That page never fails to get a belly laugh out of him.
December 25, 2025
Absolutely stellar book. My parents read this for me every night before bed. Just gets me so excited to sleep. I do find it ridiculous that they go upstairs to exercise minutes before going to sleep though.
May 15, 2022
A boatful of animals go through their bedtime rituals together. Fun rhymes and cute pictures.
December 28, 2025
makes my baby go to bed
September 20, 2015
This one came up on my GR recommendations. I followed-up because I have enjoyed some of Sandra Boynton's other books. But NOT this one.
They all took a bath together in one big tub?!? And no one finds that even a little bit creepy? Also, why are they exercising after they bathe? Should they not exercise first? And why exercise right before bed? That seems to make no sense, exercising immediately before bed but after bathing in the creepy everyone in it together tub.
Yick.
They all took a bath together in one big tub?!? And no one finds that even a little bit creepy? Also, why are they exercising after they bathe? Should they not exercise first? And why exercise right before bed? That seems to make no sense, exercising immediately before bed but after bathing in the creepy everyone in it together tub.
Yick.
October 30, 2017
I'd like to think I was sleep deprived when I read this, that's the only reason I laughed so hard when I read the exercise bit. It's fun book to read and the absurdity should also entertain the older reader long enough for the little one to calm down and sleep... Unless they're like my nephew and get up to join the animals in exercise! It's sweatier book than I first thought and any kid would love it.
June 30, 2021
2021- We've been donating our board books to my library to add to our collection. Sad to see this one go! It was such a fun staple of his baby/toddler years. Boynton is Life. How many times did we read this book? Countless.
2016- My son LOVED this book. It's been a bedtime staple for at least a year now :) Cute.
2016- My son LOVED this book. It's been a bedtime staple for at least a year now :) Cute.
November 9, 2015
Sandra Boynton is always fun to read to my daughter.
September 16, 2021
Sandra Boyton’s Going to Bed Book is right up there with her classic, Moo Baa La La La! We enjoyed its bouncy rhymes and silly, bright graphics.
I guess I was a little surprised (because I’d forgotten-I’m getting old) that (spoiler alert!) the animals got ready for bed, put on their PJs and then exercised up on the deck. But Parker and I can use this tip for his Tummy Time workout.
You can learn so much from books!!
I guess I was a little surprised (because I’d forgotten-I’m getting old) that (spoiler alert!) the animals got ready for bed, put on their PJs and then exercised up on the deck. But Parker and I can use this tip for his Tummy Time workout.
You can learn so much from books!!
May 15, 2022
Sandra really knows what she’s doing.
January 11, 2026
The book goes so hard it doesn’t even bother me that these animals are exercising after BOTH taking a bath and putting on their pajamas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2025
4/5 Tessa was still awake at the end
March 5, 2024
Love this and every Sandra Boynton book I've read so far, but I cannot understand why they get ready for bed and then go exercise in their PJs. Please don't give my child these ideas.
September 12, 2024
Look, no one exercises after bathing and brushing their teeth, just minutes before getting into bed. I don't buy it.
March 17, 2019
I love all of her books. We'll see if this one stands the test of repeated nighttime readings (I think it will!).
April 30, 2014
The story is about various animals that watch the sunset, brush teeth, take bathes before going to sleep. They do this with the light of the moon. it shows things that kids can do before going to sleep. It can help with children's routines before going to sleep by watching the animals do things like scrub the tub and so on. It is simple and quick to read making it perfect for a bed time story to read to children that are hard to put to sleep.
The illustrations are silly and funny showing the animals doing funny things and really appealing to the eye. This is a timeless bed time story that every home library should have for their kids to help fall asleep.
The illustrations are silly and funny showing the animals doing funny things and really appealing to the eye. This is a timeless bed time story that every home library should have for their kids to help fall asleep.
November 3, 2011
My mother bought this board book for my son a few days before he was born and I'll never be able to review it with even the pretense of objectivity because of that. He was never able to read it, but it was the first book his little sister fell in love with (admittedly, she was most interested in it as something to chew on at first). The rhyming text and animal illustrations are great attention-holders, and it is now one of the books that she likes to "read" by herself. The size is perfect for little hands, especially as younger toddlers are learning to manipulate pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 828 reviews