Some baby books are calm and quiet…but not these! The Bronx has always known how to boogie down, but now more than ever, with kids pent up in the house all day as we try to slow the coronavirus, ANYtime is a good time for some movement and exercise.
So, here are ten books which will get you moving and shaking as you prepare to hit the hay. (And a recipe for a tasty bunny-in-a-bed brownie. Yes, you read that right…)
Salsa Lullaby by Jen Arena, illustrated by Erika Meza
In this joyful book, a mami and papi jump, dance and sing their baby to sleep as a colorful swirl of music winds its way around them.
Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by A. G. Ford
Tender and full of warm sunset colors, a family spends the evening together, gradually winding down to baby’s bedtime.
This funny book shows the many opposites and u-turns of life with baby. “Up” and “down,” “hurry” and “slow down,” “no” and “yes.”
The Night is Yours by Abdul-Razak Zachariah, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Amani plays away a hot summer night with in the courtyard of her apartment complex with neighbor friends. Proud and contented, her parents watch from the window as she enjoys the safety and acceptance of her community.
Friday Night Wrestlefest by J. F. Fox, illustrated by Micah Player
This hilarious story shows one family’s weekly tradition…a raucous, rowdy wrestling match! If you think it’s funny when Mom jumps in, just wait until you discover baby’s contribution.
Hip Hop Lollipop by Susan Montanari, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Brian Pinkney’s familiar swirling illustration style mirrors the movement of the little protagonist. She boogies herself to bed, smiling all the way.
Besos for Baby by Jen Arena , illustrated by Blanca Gomez
I love the rosy little cheeks and bright marigold yellows of this chipper board book. A world of kisses sunnily ushers a little girl through the day ad into sleep.
B is for Baby by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
Baby moves through the world, discovering “B”s everywhere she goes, encountering the people who love her most at every turn.
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
This story’s little protagonist is feeling a bit wild and certainly not ready for bed yet. Mom joins him in the world of his imagination and manages to get him to bed after all.
Stop That Yawn! by Caron Levis, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Gabby’s not ready for bed either. She’s ready for adventure, and she’s dragging Granny along with her!
If you’re little one isn’t quite ready to head to bed and you are in the mood for a snack, 
consider making Bedtime Brownies! I found this adorable recipe on LifeLoveandSugar.com.
One helpful tip I cam across while making it is that, if you don’t have candy melts, you can add a bit of coconut oil to regular chocolate chips and thins it out, making it much more dippable.
My bunny ended up looking a bit more smothered than tucked in (don’t call bunny services!). After my first one, I decided to forgo the brownies and just make cute little swaddled baby bunnies:
