Everyday growing
Bella’s Bedtime Wobbles
For bedtime worries in general, including bad dreams and waking in the night.
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Free printable pack · Fear of the dark
Bella’s Very Dark Night Pack
Gentle printables for little ones who find the dark a bit big. Build a cozy bedtime routine, practice calm lantern breaths, discover how shadows are made and take small steps together, at your child’s pace.
Email me this packFree · Printable PDF · No book needed
What’s inside
Inspired by Bella’s story, Bella and the Very Dark Night, these free printables help children feel a little more settled at bedtime, one small step at a time. You don’t have to feel brave all at once.
- A note for grown-ups: what tends to help, what tends not to, and when to ask for extra support.
- Bella’s Bedtime Steps chart, Gentle Lantern Breaths and Shadow Detectives, a daytime flashlight game.
- Night-time Noises, Bella’s Little Steps and a What-If Jar for worries that can wait until morning.
- My Cuddle Buddy, Story Chat questions and a “My Little Night-time Steps” certificate.
A nightlight can always stay. The aim is a calmer, cozier bedtime, not sleeping in full darkness. Choose what helps today, with no need to finish every page.
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Who this pack is for
This pack is for children aged around 3 to 7 who find the dark a bit big, and for the grown-ups who help them feel safe. Fear of the dark is common in young children and usually eases with time, patience and a little gentle practice. The pack is for everyday night-time worries and works best alongside your own calm, kind presence.
How to use it together
- Choose one activity at a time. There’s no right order and nothing you have to finish. Stop whenever your child has had enough.
- Practice in the daytime. Shadow Detectives and Gentle Lantern Breaths work best when everyone feels calm and the room is light, so they feel familiar at bedtime.
- Keep the light on if it helps. A battery-operated nightlight or landing light is absolutely fine, for as long as your child needs it.
- Celebrate small tries. Use Bella’s Little Steps to choose tiny steps together. Trying counts, and doing a step again counts too.
Questions grown-ups ask
What age is it for?
The suggested range is ages 3–7, with a grown-up alongside. Younger children can point, color and draw; older children may like to write their own little steps and what-ifs.
Is it really free?
Yes. The 11-page printable pack is free. Joining A Little Letter from Collyvale is optional; you can leave its checkbox unticked and still request your pack.
Do I need the Collyvale book?
No. Every activity works on its own, and the Story Chat page includes questions you can use with or without the book. Bella’s story is in Bella and the Very Dark Night, but there is no need to read it first.
How do I get it?
Enter your email address in the form above. We’ll email you the download link so you can save the PDF and print the pages you want. Check your junk folder if it hasn’t arrived.
Can I print it more than once?
Yes, you can print extra copies for your own family, for example to try an activity again. Keep the PDF saved so it is easy to return to.
Can I share it or use it at school?
Yes, please print it for your own family, classroom, preschool or group. If you’d like to share it, send people the link to this page rather than the PDF. The packs, stories and characters are © Brendan Martin, Collyvale. Please don’t sell them, or upload them to other websites, including in changed form.
How is this different from Bella’s Bedtime Wobbles?
This pack focuses on fear of the dark: shadows, night-time noises and small steps towards a calmer bedtime. Bella’s Bedtime Wobbles covers bedtime worries more generally, including bad dreams, waking in the night and not wanting to be apart. Many families find the two work well together.
What if I’m worried about my child’s fears?
Fear of the dark is a normal part of childhood, but some children need extra support. If your child’s fears are severe, getting worse, not easing, or affecting their sleep or everyday life, speak to your doctor or school nurse. You don’t need to wait. This pack is for everyday night-time worries and is not a substitute for professional advice.
Who makes Collyvale's packs?
Collyvale is made by Brendan Martin, a father and grandfather who wanted to help families through everyday wobbles. Read more about Collyvale.
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Get this free packCollyvale provides general information, stories and family activities. It is not a medical or mental-health service and does not replace professional advice. If a child's worry is persistent, severe or interfering with everyday life, speak to their school, school nurse or doctor. If you're worried about your own wellbeing, please talk to your doctor. You can also find trusted information at healthychildren.org.