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36 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids (About Bedtime!)

As the day draws to a close and the moon rises high in the night sky, it’s that special time for little ones to wind down and prepare for sleep. What better way to transition from the hustle and bustle of the day to the comforting embrace of slumber than with a delightful bedtime story? Here, we’ve compiled a list of 36 of the best bedtime stories for kids, all featuring enchanting themes about bedtime itself. From whimsical tales of cuddly creatures to magical journeys through the dream world, these stories are sure to spark the imagination and send little ones off to dreamland with a smile.

1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

A timeless classic, this gentle tale features a little bunny saying goodnight to all the objects in his room. Its soothing rhythm and repetitive structure make it perfect for bedtime reading.

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Join the caterpillar on its journey as it eats its way through various foods, only to eventually cocoon itself for a restful sleep, teaching the beauty of transformation and rest.

3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Explore the adventures of Max as he sails away to an imaginary land. His eventual decision to return home highlights the importance of love and comfort of home at bedtime.

4. Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban

Frances, the lovable badger, delays bedtime with clever antics. This story beautifully captures the universal theme of resisting sleep while emphasising the joys of bedtime routines.

5. The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson

This sequel to the popular "The Gruffalo" takes little ones on a nighttime adventure with the Gruffalo’s child, who seeks out the Big Bad Mouse. Its delightful rhymes make it an engaging bedtime read.

6. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

Perfect for little construction fans, this story bids goodnight to all the hardworking trucks and machines, showing that even the busiest workers need rest.

7. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

In this charming tale, Llama Llama feels lonely at bedtime and calls for his mama, highlighting the love and comfort that parents provide during the nighttime routine.

8. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

A touching story that explores the bond between a parent and child, perfect for snuggling up before sleep and expressing the endless nature of love.

9. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson

Follow the unlikely friendship between a tiny snail and a giant whale. Their journey around the world reminds readers of the magic of adventure and the importance of home.

10. Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin

This beautifully illustrated book invites children to imagine their own dream animals as they are whisked away into a world of fantasy and adventure.

11. The Going-To-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

This delightful board book is filled with playful illustrations and silly rhymes about a group of animals going through their bedtime routine.

12. The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems

A humorous tale about a scruffy pigeon who is in dire need of a bath. The story encourages laughter while also reflecting on the importance of sticking to a routine.

13. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

Perfect for the festive season, this classic tale explores themes of generosity and community, illustrating how love can replace negativity, perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep.

14. Goodnight, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

A sweet bedtime story featuring Little Blue Truck as he says goodnight to all his animal friends, making it a perfect lullaby for little listeners.

15. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

Follow a kind witch and her animal friends as they share their adventures and discover the importance of friendship and teamwork before settling down for the night.

16. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This heartwarming story reassures children that love is always with them, even when they must part from their parents for sleep or school.

17. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin

While not strictly about bedtime, this fun, upbeat tale is a great way to wind down the day with its catchy tunes and positive messages.

18. Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

Inspiring children with the stories of prominent women, this book encourages big dreams and the light that follows, making it perfect for dreaming big at bedtime.

19. Guess How Much I Love You: The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare by Sam McBratney

A charming companion to the original, this book reminds children of the depth of love through simple yet impactful scenarios.

20. Goodnight Darth Vader by Jeffrey Brown

A fun twist on the Star Wars franchise, this story features Darth Vader as he helps his little ones get ready for bed, connecting with fans young and old.

21. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

This humorous tale of a mouse and the chaos he brings is a delightful adventure leading to the inevitable bedtime at the end.

22. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

A magical wordless story about a boy and his snowman that comes to life under the moonlight, perfect for those wintery nights.

23. Tuck Me In! by Dean Hacohen

A charming interactive bedtime story that invites little ones to tuck in various animals at bedtime, engaging them in the bedtime routine.

24. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

This adventurous tale follows a baby bird as it searches for its mother, bringing comfort and love, perfect themes for a calming bedtime read.

25. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

An uplifting story that inspires perseverance and determination, this classic tale can ignite a bedtime of dreams filled with achievement.

26. Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

A humorous, wordless bedtime story follows a gorilla who steals the keys and lets the animals out to follow the zookeeper home, making for a delightful end to the day.

27. I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth

An endearing story that fosters love and connection, told through a gentle tale of a bear and his cub, perfect for snuggling up at bedtime.

28. At the Bottom of the Garden by A.H. Benjamin

This charming story introduces young readers to a magical world filled with tiny creatures, emphasising the wonders of nature and bedtime dreams.

29. The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Battle by Jan and Mike Berenstain

This story tackles typical bedtime resistance in a fun way, encouraging children to cooperate and embrace the bedtime routine.

30. The Napping House by Audrey Wood

A cumulative tale of a napping house filled with sleepy inhabitants, this story introduces rhythm and rhyme, wonderfully lulling little listeners to sleep.

31. Little Sleepyhead by Ruth Brown

A gentle narration that invites children to wind down as they follow the little sleepyhead through the evening, leading to a peaceful bedtime.

32. Moonlight Animals by Hélène Druvert

This beautifully illustrated book showcases various nocturnal animals and creates the perfect calming atmosphere for bedtime.

33. The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

A playful, silly story outlining the pre-bedtime routine of various animals, sure to spark laughter and ease the transition to sleep.

34. Olivia Goes to Venice by Ian Falconer

While Olivia’s adventures may be lively, each tale ultimately brings her home, showcasing the comfort of home before settling down for the night.

35. Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan

Little Owl experiences the wonders of the night, ensuring little ones feel reassured about bedtime and the beauty of the world around them.

36. Sleep Tight, Little Bear by Martin Waddell

This story explores a tender moment between Little Bear and his father, reinforcing the warmth and security of love during bedtime.

Conclusion

These 36 stories not only offer delightful narratives perfect for bedtime but also teach valuable lessons about love, adventure, and the importance of rest. As you tuck in your little ones each night, let these tales transport them to dreamland, fostering their love for reading and sparking their imaginations. So gather your children, snuggle up, and embark on magical journeys that will make bedtime a cherished part of the day. Happy reading!