Bedtime Adventure Stories For Grown Ups 2: True travel stories about freedom, family chaos and escaping the everyday

by Anna McNuff

What happens to adventure when you have kids — and suddenly nothing goes as planned?

Award-winning adventurer Anna McNuff is back with a second collection of Bedtime Adventure Stories for Grown-Ups and this time, it's complicated.

Adventure now comes with children, curveballs, and considerably less sleep.

Join Anna for a collection of inspiring stories

• Paradise What happens when your dream Thai adventure starts with an accidental quarantine and a man in camel-coloured Speedos?

• An Odyssey En Vé A 150-mile family cycling journey through France involving a record-breaking heatwave, one-too-many croissants, and a heavy-duty bike named The Beast.

• The Streets Are Alive!: A sun-baked run through the vibrant streets of Cabo Verde — racing against the clock of twin toddlers’ lunchtime naps.

• Let's Go Sleep on A Mountain!: A mum-escape to the summit of Wales' Sugar Loaf, fuelled by Prosecco and Ferrero Rocher.

• All Aboard!: The art of running 16 miles, pushing three kids in buggies.

There are steam trains and playgrounds. Mozzarella and mountains. Friendship and freedom. And, of course, a naked sea swim no one saw coming.

Told with warmth, humour and honesty, these are tales to keep your adventurous spirit burning — through parenthood, uncertainty, and plans that gloriously unravel.

Perfect for parents, dreamers, and anyone who feels the quiet tug to do something brave again.

♥ Because grown-ups (still) need bedtime stories too. ♥

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an email offering me the opportunity to get an advance copy of this new book. I've loved reading about Anna's adventures since "The Pants of Perspective," so I jumped at the chance to get my hands on this book.

This is another fantastic and wonderful book from Anna. It is an honest, heartfelt depiction of what it means to love the outdoors and chase a sense of adventure. The storytelling is captivating from start to finish.

Annas story telling and writing style entices you into a wanderlust and makes you want to throw a pack on your back and go sleep on a hillside, eat noodles above the clouds, and have an adventure.

[Lori M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love Bedtime Adventures 2! Anna McNuff is such a fun narrator - lots of energy and joy in her voice. Although I run much less than I used to, I love hearing Anna share her running stories, family travels and excitement with her 3 littles. The best part of this book was how much my husband loved it too! As someone only runs when being chased, I wasn’t sure he’d click with her voice, but he totally did. Can’t wait for number 3!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had an advance copy from the author.

Another collection of inspirational stories about just getting out there but this time with little kids. Lots of ideas for micro-adventures and looking for the grounding in busy family life. I always enjoy Anna’s down to earth writing and honest, somewhat self deprecating approach and this is no different to her usual. Funny and poignant.

[Ellen Keesling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna always transports us, invites us into her adventures and supplies the positivity we need to be brave and step out into the world. She is hilarious, vulnerable, and authentic as she learns and grows and takes us on the journeys through her observations, stumbles and triumphs. Highly recommend all her books!

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an Advanced Copy of this book - the short stories are a great inspiration for looking for adventure within every day and not to let daily life get in the way of an adventure. Some of the stories left me wondering what happened next and wish that the story continued. Overall an entertaining read.

[BookSloth · Rating 5 out of 5]

BookSloth has reached the point where she'll read anything Anna McNuff writes. Honestly, if Anna published her weekly shopping list, BookSloth would probably pre-order it.

Maybe it's because every time BookSloth finishes one of Anna's books, she feels a little braver. A little more convinced that life doesn't have to be extraordinary to be an adventure.

What keeps her coming back is Anna's ability to make adventure feel accessible. She invites you along for the ride, complete with the wrong turns, the self-doubt, the family chaos and the moments that don't quite go to plan. This is no polished, Instagram version of adventure, but rather the wonderfully chaotic, unpredictable kind that leaves everyone with a story to tell.

BookSloth also found herself wondering how on earth Anna and Jamie actually do it. Some days, BookSloth feels she's won if she's made it through the day.

Meanwhile, Anna and Jamie, plus three young children, still find room for curiosity, adventure and saying yes to opportunities most of us would convince ourselves we couldn't possibly do with little ones in tow.

But somehow, rather than making BookSloth feel inadequate, Anna has the opposite effect.

She reminds us that adventure doesn't disappear when life gets busy. It just changes shape. It becomes smaller, scruffier and squeezed between the school run and the washing up. But it's still there, waiting, whispering, and it's our job to listen.

Five BookSloths, doffing their caps to Anna and Jamie, and rummaging around for their walking boots. 🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥

[Richard Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna is unhinged

But I've loved living with her through all 7 books and every step of every adventure. An incredible woman. Enjoy.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Anna and everything she writes. Lots of fun as always.