Cozy Farm-Set Bedtime Tale 'Clayton Gets A Bedtime Routine' Helps Families

New picture book by Valerie Renhard follows 5-year-old Clayton as he learns a calming bedtime routine with his plush animal friends.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:39am

A new children's picture book titled "Clayton Gets A Bedtime Routine" by author Valerie Renhard follows a 5-year-old boy named Clayton as he learns a simple bedtime routine with the help of his parents and his plush animal companions Big Bubbas, Uni Doggie, and Jellybean. Set on a farm at sunset, the story aims to make bedtime a calm, connected moment for families through reassuring language and playful scenes.

Why it matters

The book supports early childhood routines, parent-child bonding, and smoother transitions from playtime to sleep, making it a helpful resource for parents, caregivers, teachers, and grandparents looking to encourage consistent bedtime habits in a warm and fun way.

The details

In the story, the excited young Clayton is eager to take on "big boy" bedtime tasks like brushing his teeth, choosing pajamas, and enjoying a bubble bath. His bedtime checklist guides him step-by-step, and his plush animal friends provide comfort and companionship throughout the routine. The book emphasizes that a consistent bedtime routine is not a punishment, but a pathway to comfort and confidence at the end of the day.

  • The book "Clayton Gets A Bedtime Routine" was published on January 8, 2026.

The players

Valerie Renhard

The author of "Clayton Gets A Bedtime Routine" has been a mom for 20 years, raising both her own children and fostering others. She created the book inspired by her own success in establishing a better bedtime routine for her son.

Clayton

The 5-year-old protagonist of the picture book "Clayton Gets A Bedtime Routine" who learns a calming bedtime routine with the help of his parents and plush animal friends.

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What they’re saying

“Well, it's not like these kids came with a manual.”

— Valerie Renhard, Author

What’s next

The book "Clayton Gets A Bedtime Routine" is available for purchase on Amazon.

The takeaway

This heartwarming picture book provides a relatable and practical resource for families looking to establish a calming bedtime routine that encourages healthy habits, parent-child bonding, and a smooth transition to sleep for young children.