I have mentioned recently that we have had sleep issues with both boys. We made some changes to Noah’s routine, so it was different to Jacob’s (where we had the most problems). He does seem to be better at bedtime, though sometimes he can be a proper little monkey (like a few nights ago when he headbutted me in the mouth – ouch). In order to try and improve this some more, a few weeks ago we added a new bedtime story to his routine – The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep.

I had seen a lot of rave reviews about The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep book, so I was desperate to try it out with both boys. I was seriously considering laying out the funds to purchase it when we were offered the chance to review it. Of course, I grabbed it with both hands – literally, as it’s a big book! Though it is quite a thin paperback, I was surprised when I opened it to find out how long the story actually was. I did predict that I might have fallen asleep before the boys…

I did find it useful that at the beginning, there is a handy guide telling you how to read the words when you come across them printed in italic or bold. These instructions are important as the way you read them is vital in helping your child to fall asleep. There are also points at which you can read your child’s name so it feels more personal to them, and like the rabbit is actually their friend.

So what is the story actually about? Well, a rabbit called Roger wants to fall asleep, of course. However, he just can’t, as he can’t switch his overactive mind off. One day his mum decides to take him to see magical Uncle Yawn, and along the way they meet several other creatures who also give them help in falling asleep. The theory is that by the end of the story, the child should have fallen asleep or be in such a relaxed state to be able to do so easily.

So the verdict with Noah (aged almost 2). I was utterly surprised when, on the first evenin,g he fell asleep around midway through the book. I couldn’t believe it! At the very beginning, he was more interested in the pictures (which, in honest,y are a little ‘freaky’ looking), but then he started shuffling to get comfy and rubbing his eyes, then bam! Asleep! I continued this routine for a week, and every evening he fell asleep before I finished the story, even if he’d already had a little nap during the day.

And the verdict with Jacob (aged almost 4). He was really eager to read this! He was really immersed in the story, but the further I got into it, the more I realised it just wasn’t going to work for him. He didn’t fall asleep before the end, but he was more relaxed than usual afterwards, and fell asleep better than usual. Not one night did he fall asleep before the end, though. Some nights, he would just do his usual messing about after the story had finished.

I’m not sure whether it was just a coincidence with Noah and that he was just really tired. With it not having the same effect on Jacob, I’m not completely convinced that it can make any child fall asleep. I would say it is worth a try, though, if you are at the end of your tether and can afford the book.

We’ve read this book so many times that it’s become part of our bedtime memories. I love the idea of turning favourite stories, photos, or special moments into keepsakes too – especially when routines mean so much to children. Creating a personalised photo book from somewhere like Mixbook is a lovely way to capture those memories and routines they grew up with.

As a final thought, I will say that we haven’t read it every night since the week we did it solidly, because it is so long, it does get a bit monotonous, and even I was getting bored with reading it.

Age – 3-6 years
RRP – £7.99

Our rating – 3/5

Disclosure
I was sent this book free of charge to review. All thoughts and opinions are honest & my own.