Families who loved When the Sun Shines and the Moon Smiles by Beam Frankland often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their toddler is resistant to the transition from the excitement of the day to the stillness of the night. It serves as a gentle bridge for children who feel a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) when the sun goes down, reframing the arrival of the moon as a friendly, smiling presence rather than an end to the fun. The story uses rhythmic, soothing language to mirror the natural cycles of the sky, instilling a sense of security and wonder in the natural world. Through simple personification, the book helps children aged 0 to 4 visualize the sun and moon as watchful protectors. It is an ideal choice for establishing a calming bedtime routine, as it focuses on the beauty of both light and dark. Parents will find it particularly helpful for validating a child's curiosity about where the sun goes while providing the emotional comfort needed to drift off to sleep.
