You know that moment — pajamas on, teeth brushed, and those wide eyes asking for just one more. One More Story helps parents read aloud to their children ages 0–8: simple, joyful ways to read together, a storytime guide by age, and books made to be read aloud, again and again.
That cozy, unhurried ten minutes — that's where readers are made.
It's not just a story. When you read aloud, your child isn't only hearing a tale. They're building vocabulary, learning how stories — and feelings — work, and feeling close to you. You don't need to be a teacher. Your voice is enough.
Books use richer, rarer words than everyday conversation — words like “enormous,” “whispered,” and “adventure” — that children rarely hear elsewhere.
Following a story builds attention, memory, and the ability to picture things they can't see — the foundation for school reading later.
Characters who are scared, cross, brave, or kind give your child safe ways to talk about their own big feelings.
A predictable story routine signals “it's time to wind down” — for their body and yours. Many families find bedtime battles ease once storytime is non-negotiable and screens are off.
The book doesn't have to be new. It doesn't have to be long. It just has to be together.— The heart of One More Story
*Word-gap figure from Ohio State University research on children read five books a day from birth to age five.
What to expect — and what to try — at every stage. Every child is different, and wiggly is normal. Pick your child's age for honest, doable ideas — not a lecture.
At this age it's about your voice, closeness, and pictures — not finishing the book.
Short enough for tired parents. Rich enough to ask for again tomorrow. Each story comes with a question at the end — so the talking (and the giggling) doesn't stop when the book closes.
Gentle, sleepy stories for winding down — a child who visits the moon, stars that need tucking in, and the quiet journey home to bed. Slow rhythm, soft repetition, and a breathing moment built into the last page.
Daytime adventures full of wonder — new friends, small mysteries, and paths that always lead home. Perfect for curious kids who ask “why?” on every page (and for the grown-ups who love answering).
Funny, reassuring stories about big feelings — being nervous, feeling left out, trying again. A little dragon who is scared of the dark learns what every child needs to hear: brave doesn't mean not scared.
Tell us a little about your evening and we'll point you to the right kind of story for your child's age and mood — plus one question to ask when you finish.
Channel the wigglies into the book: pick a story where they can roar, stomp, count, or shout the repeating line. Let them stand, act it out, and burn the last energy inside the story — then finish seated for the final pages. Ten minutes is perfect: one story, one good question, and your usual goodnight.
You don't need an hour. You need a bedtime routine your child can count on — the same steps, in the same order, most nights.
Lights low, screens off, pajamas on. Let your child choose tonight's book from a small pile of 2–3 — choice makes them a partner, not an audience.
Read slowly. Pause before a rhyming word or a familiar line and let them fill it in. Point to pictures. Funny voices are encouraged — perfection is not.
Just one. “What was your favorite part?” or use the prompt under each book above. Listen more than you talk.
Same closing words every night — “The end. I love reading with you.” — then lights out. The consistency is the comfort.
There are no wrong answers. The goal isn't a quiz — it's a conversation they'll remember longer than the plot.
Tap for a fresh prompt whenever storytime feels stuck in a rut.
One More Story was created by Donna for the families who end every day the same way: with a child, a book, and a plea for just one more.
These stories are written to be read aloud — with rhythm that feels good in your mouth, pictures that invite pointing and talking, and endings that send children to sleep feeling safe, brave, and loved.
Because the best reading lesson a child ever gets isn't a lesson at all. It's time with you.
I'm setting up one short weekly email: a book to try, a question to ask, and one tiny tip for bedtime reading. It isn't ready yet, so I can't take signups here just now — check back soon.
Prefer to reach Donna directly about books, school visits, or readings? Check back soon — the full mailing list isn't connected yet.