Bedslime Blues

by Kris Tarantino, Cori Doerrfeld (Illustrator)

Bedtime routines get a jolt of silliness and some sweetness as four monster friends try to resist bedtime in this wonderful bedtime tale.

It's time for bed... except monsters DON'T DO bedtime! 

Iggy doesn’t want to take a bath. Zee-Zee’s jammies are icky. Fleck whines and stomps when it’s story time. The bedslime blues are impossible to escape—even for the usually cheerful and enthusiastic Snoodle!

With all their stomping and clomping, how on earth will these gruffy, grumpy monsters lie down for a peaceful night of ZZZ’s?

Author Kris Tarantino and New York Times bestselling illustrator Cori Doerrfeld partner once again with this fun and funny bedtime read-aloud for any "little monster" that won't go to sleep!

Genres: Picture Books

Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a parent with a young child who does not like getting ready for bed and going to sleep, this hilarious picture book is a great addition to your child's bookshelf.
These little monsters definitly do not want to go to bed. They offer the familiar excuses that it is sill light outside and that they are not tired. When it's time to brush their teeth, their excuse is that their teeth are not dirty. The bath works and there may be hope for a peaceful bedtime. Pajamas are itchy, though. Choosing favorite pajamas is a great solution. Reading 2 stories might be a solution for a peaceful bedtime. When a favorite stuffed animal is added, then the little monsters agree to go to sleep.

New York Times bestselling illustrator Cori Doerrfeld contributed colorful and hilarious illustrations for this picture book. Ending the day with laughter is always a great way for little ones to fall asleep with these illustrations of bedtime.

Bedslime Blues is recommended for ages 4-7. It was published by Waterbrook, a division of Penguin/Random House. It has an ISBN of 978-0-593-79775-4.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEDSLIME BLUES by Kris Tarantino is an absolute delight—a silly, spirited bedtime romp that’s sure to spark giggles! I’m completely charmed by the grumpy, gruffy little monsters: Iggy, Zee-Zee, Fleck, and Snoodle. Their antics are as endearing as they are chaotic.

The illustrations by Cori Doerrfeld are whimsical, expressive, and bursting with color and detail, perfectly capturing the story's mood. Getting these overtired monsters to bed is no easy feat—after all, “Monsters don’t do bedtime!” Or so they claim.

Follow their hilarious journey as they wind down and finally drift off to sleep. With any luck, your little ones will snuggle in and catch some zzz’s too. This has quickly become my new favorite bedtime read. Highly recommended!

[Irene Carracher Kistler · Rating 5 out of 5]

BedSLIME Blues by Kris Tarantino brings us back to the world of the ValenSLIME monsters Snoodle, Zee-Zee, Iggy and Fleck. Except, these monsters DON'T DO bedtime -- they have the BedSLIME Blues! How will they overcome them? With a little help from pirates, pajamas and snuggles. Taking kids through the monster routine of brushing teeth, bathtime, jammies, stories, snuggles and prayers, parents will have THEIR little monsters ready for lights out with the BedSLIME crew. Bedtime does NOT have to be a nightmare with these monsters by your side; I highly recommend this title for families, classrooms and babysitters everywhere. BedSLIME Blues shows kids how to have a comfy-cozy night. This is the second title in the Kris Tarantino monster series, and leaves us clamoring for a third!

[Amy Bearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable book and series! I wish it had been around when my kids were little! This is a sweet, fun picture book that continues with the same delightful monsters from Be My Valenslime. In this story, these little monsters do NOT want to go to bed, a common issue for human children, too. As the book progresses, one by one, with monster each ends up happily resting in bed after all, thanks to various soothing bedtime comforts. As with the first book, the illustrations are fantastic and full of so many cute little details that you will see something new each time you read it. I’m hoping we’ll get plushies for these monsters soon! Can’t wait for the next book!

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The monsters we fell in love with in Be My Valenslime, Iggy, Fleck, Zee-Zee and Snoodle, are back again, and I love the sweetness of these rascally creatures. The little monsters do NOT want to go to bed, but finally wind down, one by one, with a bath, comfy jammies, a couple books and a lovey. There's lots to notice in the adorable illustrations, and it perfectly captures for young readers the big concept of perfect peace, what it is and how it feels.

I received an advance digital copy of this book, and I am so happy to review it here.

[SeasonsOfKidLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

BedSlime Blues, written by Kris Tarantino, illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld, and published by WaterBrook is a relatable read for anyone who’s ever struggled with the bedtime blues. This monstrously fun bedtime romp proves even the scariest little ghouls get the grumps before bed. Packed with giggle-worthy antics, sticky situations, and slime-tacular sass, these monsters make bedtime anything but boring. Perfect for every little monster who resists sleep, this story is a boo-tiful blend of silly and spooky sure to delight kids and grown-ups alike year-round.

[Jennifer Murillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this book series! Our friends from Be My Valenslime are back but now it’s the end of the day and bedtime. Even monsters don’t want to go to bed when it’s time but if these adorable, playful monsters can be lulled into bedtime mode, kids will be happy to follow. We’ve all heard the excuses but each character finds something that helps them feel cozy and calm to ease them into sleepy time. Doerrfeld’s illustrations allow the viewer to really feel the story as they read through the playful text. Can’t wait to see what’s next for these monster friends!

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedtime is going to be much more fun with the addition of BEDSLIME BLUES added to nighttime reading. A group of adorable monsters just aren’t ready to go to sleep, and they know ALL the ways to avoid getting into bed. Fortunately, problems are solved and finally they all are tucked in and peacefully asleep. The text is perfect to read aloud and will be one of those books that will become a bedtime favorite. The illustrations are done in a beautiful palette of blues, green, and purple and each monster has their own delightful personality. Get ready to read this one on repeat.

[Valerie Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A happy, peaceful bedtime is so important for kids and parents, and I love this silly, light-hearted approach in Bedslime Blues. The author and illustrator bring these funny, fiesty monsters to life in a way that will have kids smiling and giggling as they take in the "slime-tastic" details on each page. Readers will be entertained by the monsters' bedtime antics and calmed as each monster finds it's way to sweet dreams. Love it!

Thank you to the author for sending a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are enthusiastically my own.

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedslime Blues by Kris Tarantino is a delightfully quirky and imaginative read that will have both kids and adults laughing out loud. With its clever humor, playful storytelling, and vividly expressive illustrations, the book captures the chaos and comedy of everyday life in a way that feels fresh and fun. Tarantino’s knack for combining silliness with heart makes this story unforgettable, readers will root for the characters, chuckle at their antics, and maybe even see a little bit of themselves in the chaos.

[Maria Wen Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a universal problem - kids who don't want to go to bed! Kris Tarantino tackles this with humor and compassion. Even monsters don't want to go to sleep! Each little monster resists the different parts in a bedtime routine, but then finds peace and calmness in different ways. Expressive, fun illustrations will keep young readers engaged. Children will love "Bedslime Blues" and would not be surprised if it becomes a favorite part of their going-to-bed routines!

[Nadia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who can settle down for bed after a day of fun?? BEDTIME BLUES tackles the well known struggle of getting little ones to settle down and go to sleep. Kris Tarantino's musicality and Cori Doerrfeld's fun illustrations are sure to captivate readers and help soothe them in the wonderful bedtime story. I can see so many kids enjoying this playful yet calming book. Such a fun and wonderful addition to any bookshelf!

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had both my kids giggling out loud. Four adorable monsters each find different excuses to dodge bedtime... Very relatable and captures exactly how kids will push back at every step of the bedtime routine. The illustrations are full of color and personality. Absolutely charming. This is a playful bedtime romp with a great mix of fun and silliness. Sure to be a bedtime hit with your little monsters.

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEDSLIME BLUES features adorable monster characters that deal with a common experience for many kids: they don’t want to go to bed! But their parents come to the rescue with comforting bedtime routines – from bathtime play, to favorite jammies, to reading together. The detailed, imaginative illustrations are so much fun to look at, and add so much to the story. This is a sweet bedtime read for all the kids (and monsters!) who need to wind down!

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advanced copy of this wonderful story. I found it touching and amusing, and believe that children and adults will enjoy it. The author addresses all of the bedtime issues that children may have and all the ways that parents lovingly resolve them, but using cute monsters as characters. The illustrations are spot-on and a delight. It's a great bedtime -- or anytime -- story for your favorite "little monster."

[Glenys Nellist · Rating 5 out of 5]

The monsters are back! In this second installment of what is destined to become a popular series, Kris Tarantino and New York Times bestselling Cori Doerrfeld team up AGAIN to bring us another delightfully hilarious story about our fun-loving monsters who definitely DO NOT appreciate bedtime (or bedslime!) Clever, creative and fun, this book is sure to elicit bedtime smiles and giggles from children and parents alike.

[K G · Rating 5 out of 5]

BedSlime Blues tackles a familiar, relatable, oft universal problem in a fun, silly, fresh way...because do we really know if monsters go to bed? Spoiler alert, after much hi-jinks and wrangling, they do! Get ready for a new nighttime favorite that will capture the attention of kids and the adults trying to make bedtime happen (you know who you are!)! Doerrfeld's adorable monsters and color palette add to the fun!

[Valerie Fentress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute exploration of Monsters at bed time. Fun characters expressing common complaints about bed time for kids.

What I loved about Be My ValenSlime was the active application of the core Bible verse as you moved through the story.

The Biblical application is hard to pull from the story itself, but it is still a fun and goofy bedtime tale.


Thank you, #PRHChristian, for the complimentary review copy of this book.

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children will absolutely love "Bedslime Blues," a delightful bedtime story that puts a fun spin on a classic theme: it reveals that even mischievous monsters dread going to sleep! The illustrations are super charming, filled with whimsical monster characters. My favorite is Zee-Zee in her cozy, star-patterned pajamas! This is a bedtime book for sure!

[Charlotte Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great bedtime book for the reluctant kiddo! The monsters in this story suffer from the many complaints that I hear my little one make right before bedtime. With fun illustrations, sound effects, and silly problem solving, kids will get to see how these monsters finally settle down to sleep and hopefully the kids will do so as well.

[Deb Buschman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Tarantino BedSlime Blues is an absolutely fun monster romp and look into all the reasons bedtime doesn’t go well. Then each adorable monster finds his perfect bedtime fix. Kids will love the monsters and the illustrations by Cori Doerrfeld are absolutely captivating. A must have for your bedtime read.

[Maria Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's time for bed! But the four little monsters don't want to go to bed. There are so many excuses until each one settles down in peace.

A perfect story for the end of the day to read to our own little "monsters." Kids will enjoy the fantastic and colorful artwork. And all the monster-ific and slime-tastic words. And they'll certainly relate. Moms and dads, too!

[Brandi Uyemura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable and creative bedtime story with monsters! The illustrations are done by, The Rabbit Listened author and illustrator Cori Doerrfeld, with the cute and expression-filled drawings you would expect. This story is not only delightful, but it's humorous and relatable for any parent who has tried to get their kids to sleep.

[Susan]

Bedtime isn’t slime-tastic … or is it? Your little monsters will love Cori Doerrfeld’s bold and whimsical illustrations paired with Kris Tarantino’s spare text that’s equal parts heart and humor in this delightful bedtime book that’s sure to chase away the bedslime blues.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedslime Blues is slime-tastic! I read it with my four-year-old and we could relate to every bedtime scenario. A great nighttime read to get little ones ready for the routine especially those who may be reluctant. A fun read aloud for all!

[Donna Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

All kids struggle with bedtime, and monsters are no exception! The little ones will resonate with the Bedslime Blues as these fun and zany monsters encounter them. The illustrations are bright and engaging, adding to the book's appeal. It's perfect for that stack of must-read bedtime books!

[Shannon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slime-tastic bedtime story that is relatable for kids and parents alike. From bathtime antics to searching for a special stuffed toy for snuggles, little monsters take time to get ready to sleep, too.

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable bedtime read for little monster-lovers everywhere. With delightful verse and cheerful illustrations Bedslime Blues oozes with charm. Kids will love learning how to tame the monsters' bedtime blues and parallel them with their own. A lovely and fresh addition to the bedtime book canon!

[Neha Rawat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable story with cute little monsters throwing tantrums when it's time for bed. Very relatable for both kids and parents alike. I'm a big fan of Cori Doerrfeld's adorable art and she captures the charming personalities of each monster very well. Would definitely recommend as a bedtime story!

[Bonnie Kelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable bedtime book for little monster lovers!
Get ready for bedslime! Such a cute take on the classic bedtime book featuring sweet but slimy little monsters. Kids will enjoy the action and eventual wind down full of monster cuddles and kisses.