Families who loved A Spooky Bedtime by Lauren Forte often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child has accidentally seen something a little too scary on a screen or is experiencing a sudden bout of nighttime jitters. This story features the popular characters Masha and the Bear, focusing on a relatable moment where Masha sneaks a peek at a scary movie and finds her imagination running wild. It validates a child's fear of the dark while providing a humorous, gentle path back to feeling safe. Parents will appreciate how the Bear acts as a patient, though sometimes bumbling, caregiver who tries to soothe Masha's fears. The book serves as a perfect opening to discuss why some media might be too grown-up for little eyes and how to separate imagination from reality. It is an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who are navigating the transition to becoming big kids but still need the comfort of a trusted adult when things go bump in the night.