5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime

30 Amazing Stories: Featuring frozen frogs, King Tut’s beds, the world's biggest sleepover, the phases of the moon, and more

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Pub Date 13 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 08 Nov 2021

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Description

Why do we sleep? How do sharks snooze underwater? Where is the oldest bed in the world?

In this compendium of 5-minute really true stories about bedtime, you can go on a journey of wonder and learning to find out the answers to all these questions, and many more!

Travel to Ancient Egypt to explore the beds of Tutankhamun, jet off into space to see how astronauts get ready for bed, or even plunge underwater to learn how hibernating turtles breathe through their bottoms! There are 30 amazing 5-minute stories, with all facts verified by Britannica.

Lavishly illustrated on every page with specially commissioned artwork, and packed full of up-to-the-minute, expert information, this book is the ultimate brainy bedtime companion for children aged 4 to 8.

Why do we sleep? How do sharks snooze underwater? Where is the oldest bed in the world?

In this compendium of 5-minute really true stories about bedtime, you can go on a journey of wonder and...


Advance Praise

"What better way to induce drowsiness in young pillow plumpers than short, fascinating introductions to the bedding-down behavior of creatures?" - Kirkus Reviews

"This book has 30 amazing 5-minute stories with great illustrations and all facts verified by Britannica. If you have a kid like one of my daughters, who prefers reading about science, history, and 'things that actually happened, ' this one's a winner." - Asia McLain, BuzzFeed

"I'm all for make-believe but there is something thrilling about facts that are often stranger than fiction. Reading and being read aloud to are almost the mainstays of life, they will always give you somewhere to escape. When things are bad or too much to bear, particularly now in this time of infection, a book is the best place to turn." - Joanna Lumley, The Telegraph

"This book feeds that inner curious child." - Rose Metayer, Youth Services Book Review

". "The colloquial voice is relaxing and rhythmic. Various artists contributed to the illustrations; the dreamlike images feature a wide palette." - School Library Journal

"The volume is thorough, and each short section is straightforward. Each informational excerpt is like a lullaby without a song. VERDICT This collection will have kids snoring in the best kind of way." - School Library Journal

"Every page has wonderful illustrations that support the stories, with plenty of details to keep little ones engaged with the book. This will be a welcome addition to any bedtime book collection." - San Francisco Book Review

"5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime is a novel take on children's non-fiction; it's a lovely book perfect for inquisitive children, everywhere. The magic of fiction at bedtime is irreplaceable, but books like this show how true stories can wow too." - Robin Brooks, GeekDad

"The parceling up of information into easily digestible chunks is such a great idea ... By breaking things down into bedtime-story sized chunks, and backing the stories up with delightful illustrations, the Really True Stories for Bedtime delivers perfectly edible nuggets of information." - GeekDad


"What better way to induce drowsiness in young pillow plumpers than short, fascinating introductions to the bedding-down behavior of creatures?" - Kirkus Reviews

"This book has 30 amazing 5-minute...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781912920655
PRICE $16.99 (USD)
PAGES 192
DURATION 2 Hours, 4 Minutes

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (AUDIO)

Average rating from 75 members


Featured Reviews

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook, from the publisher through netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I absolutely enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The narrators did a great job reading this book. The author did a great job writing this book. The pacing of each story is great. It keeps your attention from the first minute. I would recommend listening to this audiobook to anyone and everyone. This audiobook is in stores now for $12.99 (USD).

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I have a confession to make. I didn’t listen to the stories in this book at bedtime. I was going to save them, but I rand out of stuff to listen to during the workday and thought I’d start, but when I started I couldn’t stop.

I LOVE Joanna Lumley’s voice. She’s British with a melodic voice that’s perfect for bedtime stories. Plus, these stories are short and full of interesting facts that all kids will love, from how astronauts sleep on the space station to how sharks sleep in the depths of the ocean. This audiobook was a pleasant way to spend a couple of work hours, but this would absolutely be perfect to divide up and listen to with your little one at bedtime.

It’s out now, so if you’re looking for new and cool things to add to your bedtime routine, definitely give this one a try.

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This book was interesting and my daughter climbed into bed without a fuss and actively listened to it. The narration was also soothing enough that she was able to fall asleep to it. There are lots of interesting facts related to sleeping in this book.

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Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook!

The audiobook is filled with 30 short stories related to sleep for children. From bears to astronauts, and from the Egyptians to lullabies, the audiobook takes you on a whole journey! The connection between sleep and the subject of the short story was always there, sometimes in the most creative ways. The audiobook is filled with fun facts, that are really true. I'm a 21-year-old and even I learned so many new things! My boyfriend (who's an ecologist) was even proud of me when I named all the new things I learned about owls and bats!

The narrator did an excellent job. I never drifted off while listening, even when driving home after a long day of work. The voice and the tone are catching but calming, the ideal combination for bedtime stories.

I highly recommend this book, whether it's for your kids or for yourself, I'm sure you'll enjoy it ;)

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What a wonderful book! This book contains 30 short stories related to sleep for children. The audio by Joanna Lumley’s is specular, calming and soothing perfect for before bed. I like the focus on sleep for children, teaching them the importance of sleep while entertaining with little stories that include animals, historical characters etc.

Also many sleep related questions are addressed such as, Why do we sleep? What are dreams? or How do they sleep? which focuses on how animals sleep and where, which is adorable and informative.

I'm always on the look out for great audio books to introduce children to this way of reading, 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime is a great one!

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Snooze-worthy stories serenade suspiciously sleepy Sundays

Posted on March 8, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist

I tried repeatedly to listen to this new audiobook but fell asleep every five minutes. This is a children’s non-fiction title, so I sent it to my three grandchildren in Washington state.
All of them. Zonked. Just like that. Talk about boring. How frustrating.
Well, not really if you’re listening to 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime. Thirty Amazing Stories featuring frozen frogs, King Tut’s beds, the world’s biggest sleepover, the phases of the moon, and more, by Sally Symes, Jackie McCann, Gen Arena, Rachel Valentine, and published by the Britannica Group.
Readers and listeners of all ages can enjoy this beautifully-illustrated children’s story in print or audio form.
Touted as “the ultimate brainy bedtime companion for children aged 4 to 8, this book could easily entertain younger and older readers and listeners.
Hey Britannica, did it ever dawn on you that adults, tired as Hello, would be soothed by short stories full of entertaining non-work-related facts?
Actually, duh. Now that I ponder this thought, your editors may be no-so-evil word geniuses who know adults are too proud to admit they enjoy the easy flow of children’s non-fiction. That means Britannica is forced to create children’s books that parents can read to their offspring so everyone can fall asleep.
Ah, ha! A new genre emerges.
This book, when presented on audio, features a soothing unnamed English woman’s voice that offers listeners an enchanting, melodious, and sedative experience.
I consumed this book, as usual, in my car and on my way – somewhere. Perhaps it was the unusually warm sauna-like air in my car set against the chilly artic outside wind, or perhaps it was the calming quiet voice of the narrator herself. I have no clue. All I know is that I felt my lids get heavier by the minute. After a while, my hands were concrete blocks suspended in the air. The steering wheel repelled my Gorilla-Glue grip and my neck went all wet-noodle on me while I was moving through traffic at 40 miles per hour. It’s a darn good thing Britannica thought enough to put a roaring lion in the third minute of their first story. Otherwise, I’d be a goner.
You might want to ax that roaring lion for future versions, Britannica. That sucker woke me up in an instant and notified me I was about to enter into a nightmare. Lifesaving for me. But not that great for little kids trying to go to sleep.
Grandma and grandpa! This is the kind of book you want to buy – in whatever form you like – to give your grandkids. It’s a good old-fashioned Britannica special, produced like the countless volumes of encyclopedic wonderlands we old fogies grew up reading.
These stories are truly interesting, age-appropriate, and teach kids things that are both useless and useful simultaneously, but always entertaining. Its art is inviting and inspires a stunning-to-ponder mentality, and its reputation is nothing less than up-to-par with the big-chops-reputation Britannica maintained throughout its publishing lifetime.

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Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2

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5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime // by Britannica Books

This was an excellent audiobook to listen to! Joanna Lumley was the perfect choice as a narrator and I couldn't imagine anybody else telling these stories better. Her voice was so calming but at the same time exciting and engaging. I never could listen to just a single story and had to play a couple in a row each time. Each story related to sleeping or night time in some way but I was surprised to see just how many places this book took us: under water, into the wild, and even into space! I am an animal lover but even I got to learn about species all over the world that I hadn't heard of before. It was also fun to see how each story tied in just a little bit with the one before and would lead us on to the next.

Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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What a lovely book / audio book. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I listened to it over a few evenings and thought it was brilliant! Exactly what it says it is - 5 minute true stories. The stories are short and sweet - perfect bedtime listening. Will go back time an time again. There are over 20 short chapters; each one telling you something about night time. Joanna Lumley as narrator is perfect. A soothing lullaby voice throughout.

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Narrated by Joanna Lumley with passion, this book is a great bedtime audiobook. Joanna reads in such a way that she induces calm and sends you off to sleep with a wealth of knowledge with many stories focussing on an area of sleep. I wouldn't recommend listening whilst driving or doing something that requires your full attention and alertness.

The book is suited for children as young as three but could equally provide enjoyment for young teenagers wanting a spark of knowledge.

My children, aged four and six are currently enjoying the text. I cannot recommend this book enough.

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This is an absolute delight. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this is perfect for bedtime. The first story is 'why do we sleep' and from that you go on an unexpected journey which covers, human biology space, the natural world, history etc. It is fabulous and I highly recommend it. Joanna Lumley has the perfect voice for this audiobook and her narration adds depth, humour and leaves you satisfied yet wanting more. It's the best audiobook I have ever listened to - I loved it.

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Many thanks to Netgalley and Brittanica Books for a download copy of this audio book in exchange for my review.

I loved it, I mean really loved it!

I am already a fan of bedtime audio books but this one stands out, particularly for my eldest daughter, who at 8 years old and often leans towards non-fiction over fiction material. She devoured this in one sitting.
This has been one of the few non-fiction audiobooks we have enjoyed.
(The reference to farting could have had something to do with that enjoyment)

These stories’ are mostly Interesting facts about sleep, told in a story format. 29 stories to be exact and all roughly 5 minutes long.
In my opinion this is an excellent way to not only educate but to settle the mind before bed.
The stories are simplistic enough to understand, but also encourages the listener to think and use their imagination or visualisation skills.
The narrator asks question like, “Where in the world would you like to sleep?”
This audiobook also explains subjects like what happens in hospitals, how astronauts sleep in space, and my favourite, nocturnal animals.

The scene is set through the stories using subtle sound effects that add to the story but not so many that they become distracting as we have found in other audio books.

I love the narration, Joanna Lumley is perfect for this role, engaging and clear throughout with a voice that sounds enthused and natural whilst remaining soothing for a settled bedtime.

The stories are ended with beautiful lullabies from around the world.

I’m delighted to have received a copy of this for our bedtime routine, I can see this becoming a firm favourite!

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Granted an early release copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These are great short stories! The narrator does a great job presenting them so I will definitely have to get a copy for my nephew.

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This audio book was a great find as it was so different. This was also the first non fiction book my daughter has listened to at bedtime and she loved it. The book consists of lots of five minute episodes all about sleep. It's hard to believe that there can be so much information to fill all these stories but there was so much to learn! Each story was full of information and covered all topics: how we sleep, sleep in space, The Northern Lights, Tutankhamen, star constellations etc. The book was narrated by Joanna Lumley who has a lovely calming voice, just right for bedtime. It has become part of our bedtime routine to listen to one of these each night together and we have both loved it.
Thank you NetGalley and Brittanica books for the advance audiobook.

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This was an enjoyable collection to read as a family that we all learned from the various stories and looked forward to the next one without fail. Thank you so much!
I will definitely purchase a hard copy of this or anything similar that follows

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Review of 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime - Audiobook

This is a very different sort of bedtime stories book in that they are all true facts and not fairy tales. Very interesting for children and educational and informative at the same time. They are themed around bedtime and have such titles as Why do we sleep and King Tut's bed.
We had the audio book version read by Joanna Lumley. The reading was very well done and she has a wonderful voice for this sort of thing. There is such a lot of information given that it would be beneficial to have the physical book alongside the audio version I feel. My six year old enjoyed listening to these, but I do feel having the actual book as well would reinforce the facts.

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These are the perfect bedtime tales for little ones. The stories are interesting and engaging without having too much excitement. The narrator, too, manages to find a space between having great expression in her voice and being engaging without making the listener feel like they should be getting riled up. I felt like this was the perfect before-bed story book that everyone in the family would enjoy.

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I really enjoyed this audiobook. The information and the sound effects really added to the overall feel of the book. I like that you learn new things as you listen, and the narrator has such a nice, calming voice you can drift right off to sleep as you listen. I will definitely recommend this one to parents.

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Oh I loved this. Such a unique idea. So I approached my two sons (Thom aged 11 & Jem 8) to ask if they were interested in listening to these bedtime stories each night, they were so we did!
We listened to the audio version voiced by the delicious Joanna Lumley who added so much to the experience.

Each of the 30 stories tell us little factual nuggets about sleep... Such as why we snore, when we dream, why lullabies help us get to sleep, how turtles breath through their bottoms when they sleep...my boys loved this, especially my eldest. It's genuinely fascinating, a great learning curve but also very relaxing having Mme Lumley tell it in such a wonderful way.

If you want to break from the norm of bedtime stories I would highly recommend this, very educational, fascinating, wonderful bedtime book

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