Bedtime for Little Digger: Volume 1

By Author / Illustrator

Smriti Halls, Sue Hendra

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

ISBN

9781398538863

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

29-01-2026

Synopsis

It's bedtime for Little Digger and friends as the sun sets and the stars start to twinkle. As all the other vehicles make their way home, Little Digger isn't ready to finish work just yet, but even little diggers need to rest so that they can get up bright and early and do their very busy best!

A calming, perfectly pitched text by author Smriti Halls, is delightfully complemented by Sue Hendra's (co-creator of blockbuster series Supertato) charming, fun-filled illustrations. First in a new bedtime series from two picture book superstars!

This is a soothing, rhythmic text centred on a childhood favourite to encourage little ones to go to sleep. Fun and appealing illustrations whose colours gradually blend to night-time. This will be the last picture book you'll need before they go to sleep!

Find out more in our special Q&A with author Smriti Halls

Selected titles by Smriti Halls (illustrated by Steve Small): I'm Sticking with You; I'm Sticking with You Too; Let's Stick Together; Tiny Tiger says Why Can't I? Selected titles by Sue Hendra (co-created with Paul Linnet): Supertato; Barry the Fish with Fingers; Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell; No-Bot the Robot with No Bottom

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Reviews

Sue

Although it’s bedtime, Little Digger is too busy with things to do to go to sleep just yet . . . The soothing rhythmic, rhyming text of Bedtime for Little Digger is just perfect for calming little ones down and snuggling up ready to sleep.

Little Digger is really excited and busy, not ready for bed, a situation many parents will be very familiar with, but this story gently but firmly reminds him that everyone needs their sleep so that they can be ready for new adventures on the following day.

Little ones will enjoy identifying the different types of vehicles as the book progresses. The illustrations add much to story with the colours moving from bright, star-filled skies as the sun goes down to the rich purples and blues of night time.

Although perfect as part of a soothing bedtime read, there is so much to spot and enjoy in each picture. We loved following the antics of all the little bunnies and counting the sheep as well as talking about what loads the different trucks were transporting. An absolutely delightful book, sure to become a bedtime favourite!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Stephanie

Bedtime for Little Digger is a really sweet, gentle bedtime story perfect for vehicle mad little ones! As we turn the pages, we meet different vehicles who are all ready to go to bed - all except Little Digger who needs some persuading!

Repetitive text helps create that calm, winding down tone which combines with lovely warm illustrations. I particularly liked the way the final page brings little ones into the story ('and it’s bedtime for you too!')

Picture book / Reviewed by Stephanie Gladdish