A Month of Bedtime Stories the First Five Stories (and off you went to the woods) by Neil McFarlane

There’s something magical about bedtime stories—the way they transport us to far-off lands, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and leave us with a lingering sense of wonder. Neil McFarlane’s A Month of Bedtime Stories: The First Five Stories (and off you went to the woods) captures that magic beautifully. This collection of short tales is more than just a book for children; it’s a treasure trove of imagination, wisdom, and gentle life lessons that resonate with readers of all ages.

If you’re looking for a book that blends whimsy with depth, humor with heart, and simplicity with profound meaning, this might just be your next favorite read. Let’s dive into why this collection stands out in the crowded world of bedtime stories.

---

The book opens with five distinct stories, each with its own unique setting, characters, and moral undertones. While avoiding major spoilers, here’s a glimpse into the worlds McFarlane crafts:

1. "And Off You Went to the Woods" – A child embarks on a dreamlike journey into a mysterious forest, encountering talking animals and surreal landscapes that blur the line between reality and imagination.
2. "The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep" – A restless child learns the value of patience and stillness from an unlikely nocturnal mentor.
3. "The Girl Who Collected Sounds" – A young girl discovers that the world is full of hidden melodies, teaching readers to listen more closely to life’s quiet wonders.
4. "The Man Who Forgot His Name" – A surreal, almost fable-like story about identity and memory, wrapped in playful absurdity.
5. "The House That Was Never Finished" – A tale of imperfection and acceptance, where a perpetually unfinished home becomes a symbol of life’s ongoing journey.

Each story is self-contained yet subtly interconnected, creating a cohesive reading experience that feels both varied and unified.

---

McFarlane’s characters are delightfully eccentric yet profoundly relatable. They aren’t just archetypes—they feel like real people (or animals, or sentient houses) with quirks, fears, and dreams.

• The Child in "And Off You Went to the Woods" – Represents curiosity and the fear of the unknown, embodying the universal childhood experience of venturing into unfamiliar territory.
• The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep – A metaphor for modern restlessness, his journey mirrors our own struggles with slowing down in a fast-paced world.
• The Girl Who Collected Sounds – A gentle reminder to appreciate the small, often overlooked beauties in life.

McFarlane avoids heavy-handed moralizing, instead letting his characters’ experiences speak for themselves.

---

McFarlane’s prose is deceptively simple—each sentence feels carefully crafted, balancing poetic elegance with conversational warmth. His writing has a rhythmic quality that makes it perfect for reading aloud, a crucial feature for a bedtime story collection.

• Use of Repetition & Rhythm – Some stories employ repetitive phrasing, creating a hypnotic, almost musical effect.
• Surrealism & Whimsy – The narratives often toe the line between reality and fantasy, making them feel like waking dreams.
• Subtle Humor – Even in the most philosophical moments, McFarlane injects lightheartedness, ensuring the stories never feel heavy.

---

Beneath the whimsy, these stories explore profound themes:

• The Power of Imagination – Each tale celebrates creativity, urging readers to see the world through a lens of wonder.
• Embracing Imperfection – From the unfinished house to the forgetful man, McFarlane suggests that flaws make life richer.
• The Importance of Presence – Many stories gently critique modern distractions, advocating for mindfulness and connection.

These themes make the book equally valuable for adults seeking reflection and children learning life’s early lessons.

---

Reading A Month of Bedtime Stories felt like rediscovering the joy of storytelling. The first tale, "And Off You Went to the Woods," immediately pulled me in with its dreamlike quality—I could almost smell the damp earth and hear the rustling leaves.

The emotional impact sneaks up on you. "The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep" resonated deeply, especially in our era of constant stimulation. By the end, I found myself reflecting on my own habits, a testament to McFarlane’s ability to weave wisdom into whimsy.

---

Fans of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams will appreciate McFarlane’s blend of childlike wonder and philosophical depth. However, his voice is distinctly his own—less allegorical than Saint-Exupéry, more playful than Williams.

For contemporary comparisons, it shares DNA with The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy in its gentle, life-affirming tone.

---

✅ Timeless Appeal – Works for both kids and adults.
✅ Beautiful Prose – Every sentence feels intentional and lyrical.
✅ Thought-Provoking Without Being Preachy – Lessons are woven naturally into the narrative.

❌ Some Stories Feel Too Short – A few tales leave you wanting more expansion.
❌ Abstract Nature May Confuse Younger Kids – Very young readers might need explanations for some surreal elements.

---

• Parents & Children – Perfect for shared bedtime reading.
• Fans of Literary Fiction – Readers who enjoy allegorical, poetic storytelling.
• Anyone Needing a Dose of Whimsy – If you love Neil Gaiman’s Ocean at the End of the Lane or Coraline, this will charm you.

---

"The woods were not dark, not really. They were full of whispers, and if you listened closely, the whispers became words, and the words became stories."

"A house is never finished, just like a person is never done becoming."

These lines linger long after the book is closed.

---

While not explicitly historical, the book’s themes—disconnection from nature, the rush of modern life—feel especially poignant in today’s digital age. It’s a subtle call to return to simplicity.

---

A Month of Bedtime Stories is a rare gem—a book that feels both nostalgic and fresh, simple and profound. Whether you’re reading it to a child or savoring it alone, it’s a journey worth taking.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

---

• Which story resonated with you the most, and why?
• Do you think bedtime stories should have deeper meanings, or should they just entertain?
• How does McFarlane’s writing style compare to other authors in the genre?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below! 📚💬

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.