May's Book of the Month- BedSlime Blues by Kris Tarantino

This month's BookWorthy Book of the Month is Kris Tarantino's picture book, BedSLIME Blues. Discover the funny antics of Monsters at bedtime.

This post does contain affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Taming the Bedtime Battles with Bedslime Blues: A Silly, Sweet Story for Weary Parents

If bedtime at your house feels more like a monster mash than a peaceful wind‑down, you are in good company. Every parent I know has lived through the “I’m not tired,” “I need water,” “My pajamas feel weird,” or “I suddenly have the energy of a caffeinated squirrel” routine. Bedtime can be tender, but it can also be… a lot.

That’s why I love finding picture books that don’t just entertain—they help. Books that meet kids where they are, give parents a breath of relief, and turn the nightly struggle into something a little more playful, a little more connected, and a lot less lonely.

And that’s exactly what Bedslime Blues by Kris Tarantino and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld brings to the bedtime table.

A Bedtime Story with a Monster‑Sized Dose of Relatability

The premise is instantly charming: Monsters don’t do bedtime. At least, that’s what Iggy, Zee‑Zee, Fleck, and Snoodle insist. This is the same crew of monsters from Be My Valen-Slime.

Each monster has its own very dramatic reason why bedtime simply cannot happen:

• Iggy refuses the bath.

• Zee‑Zee’s pajamas are “icky.”

• Fleck stomps and whines through story time

• And even cheerful Snoodle catches the bedslime blues.

• 
  

If you’ve ever watched your child melt into a puddle of feelings the moment you say, “Time to get ready for bed,” you will feel seen. And your child will too.

The magic of this book is that it mirrors the chaos without amplifying it. The monsters’ antics are silly enough to make kids giggle, but familiar enough to spark recognition. It’s a gentle way of saying, “Hey, big feelings happen at bedtime… even to monsters.”

Why This Book Works for Families in the Trenches

1. It normalizes the struggle

Kids don’t always know how to articulate why bedtime feels hard. Seeing their own resistance reflected in a goofy, non-threatening way helps them feel understood rather than corrected.

2. It uses humor to soften the edges

Laughter is a powerful reset button. When kids laugh, their bodies relax. When parents laugh, the tension in the room shifts. This book gives you both a shared moment of levity right when you need it most.

3. It models a path from chaos to calm

The story doesn’t jump from wild to peaceful in one page. It eases there—showing that settling down is a process, not a switch. That’s a gift for kids who need time to transition.

4. It’s a read‑aloud that naturally slows the room

Cori Doerrfeld’s illustrations are expressive and energetic without being overstimulating. The pacing of the text invites you to lean in, soften your voice, and guide your child toward rest.

Standout Elements Parents Will Appreciate

• The Illustrations

Doerrfeld’s art is vibrant, playful, and full of movement. The monsters are expressive without being scary, and the “bedslime” moments add just the right amount of gross-out fun to keep kids engaged.

• The Emotional Honesty

Each monster’s protest is rooted in a real childhood feeling—discomfort, overstimulation, frustration, or simple reluctance. The book validates those feelings while still guiding kids toward the next step.

• The Built‑In Conversation Starters

This book practically hands you tools for connection:

• “Which monster are you tonight?”

• “What helps you calm down when you feel grumpy like Snoodle?”

• “What part of bedtime is hardest for you?”

These questions help kids name their feelings without shame and help parents understand what’s underneath the resistance.

How to Use Bedslime Blues in Your Bedtime Routine

Here are a few gentle, grace-filled ways to make this book part of your nightly rhythm:

1. Read it before the meltdown window

Use it as a transition cue: “Let’s check on the monsters and see how they’re doing tonight.”

It signals that bedtime is coming without triggering the immediate “no.”

2. Let your child choose their “monster mood.”

This turns emotional awareness into a game. If they pick Fleck, maybe they need extra choices. If they pick Zee‑Zee, maybe they need sensory comfort.

3. Build a mini-routine inspired by the monsters

Kids love structure when it feels playful:

• Iggy’s Bath Time

• Zee‑Zee’s Jammie Check

• Fleck’s Story Pick

• Snoodle’s Snuggle Minute

It gives them ownership and predictability.

4. Use humor as a reset

If bedtime derails, try a quick “monster stomp” together. It releases tension and helps everyone start fresh.

Who This Book Is Perfect For

• Preschoolers and early elementary kids

• Strong-willed or highly sensitive children

• Families who need a low-pressure bedtime tool

• Parents who want stories that validate emotions without lecturing

• Anyone who needs a little more laughter in their nighttime routine

Final Thoughts: A Bedtime Book That Meets Families with Grace

Bedtime doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Some nights will be smooth, others will be sticky, and some will feel like you’re negotiating with a tiny, pajama-clad lawyer.

Bedslime Blues doesn’t promise to fix bedtime—but it does offer something just as valuable: connection, giggles, and a gentle reminder that big feelings are part of growing up. And that even the grumpiest little monster can find their way to rest.

If your evenings have been feeling a little wild lately, this book might be the sweet, silly nudge your family needs.