Bedtime books toddlers

25 Best Bedtime Books For Toddlers Before Turning In

If you are like us, probably the time of the day when you read books to your toddlers is right before bedtime. We have quite a collection of bedtime books for toddlers at home. It is a must activity in our house every night and a great excuse to cuddle and spend some quality time together, regardless of what kind of day we’ve all had.

Well, if I’m being honest… we read ALMOST every night except for those nights on “family days” (that’s our daughter’s way to refer to the weekend) when we’ve watched a movie until a bit too late. These days storytime is a movie – and it is simply too late for mom and dad to read something (since we are craving some delivery and a film of our own and can’t wait for them to fall fast asleep).

Getting off-topic now 😅. Let me get back to bedtime.

So, most nights, we read a book. We started when our daughter was slightly under one, but we could see she started really enjoying it by the time she was reaching two. When we started building our little library, bedtime books were the ones we had the most. They are calm, help with the routine, prepare them for getting in bed and let them know we expect them to sleep.

Some we bought, some were gifted, and some we borrowed from the library or some friends. (Book exchanging with other parents is a great way to rotate and see new books without spending). We need to look after our pockets too 😉

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you; when you buy through the links, we may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks! 

Which are the best bedtime books for toddlers?

Here is our list of our favorite children’s bedtime storybooks. I thought it might be helpful to group them into the following categories

• Love and family
• Wishing goodnight
• Bedtime routine
• Vehicles
• Fantastic books
• Other

Love and family:

These are ideal bedtime books for babies. They are loving and sweet and perfect to start sharing storytime together.

1. Guess How Much I Love You – Sam McBratley & Anita Jeram

This is the first book I ever bought for our little library, and it has a special place in our hearts. It is a sweet story of Little Nutbrown Hare and his father, Big Nutbrown Hare. The little hare asks his dad, “Guess how much I love you?” and it is a tender competition of who loves each other more: “I love you this wide!” “I love you this high!” “I love you that far!”. A charming story with gorgeous illustrations. “I love you to the moon… and back.”

2. If Animals Kissed Good Night – Ann Withford Paul & David Walker

It is a lovely story of animals and their babies kissing good night to each other in their own sweet ways. The peacocks would dance, the pythons would twirl and twist, the wolves would kiss and howl, and the bears would kiss and growl. Adorable.

Warning! Reading reviews on Amazon, I realized a few people find this book inappropriate for kids. I personally do not see an issue with hugging and kissing my children – I guess it is cultural, and we do it all the time – I thought it is a lovely book. But if you think it might make you feel uncomfortable, this book might not be for your family. Please check some of the others 😉 This book has 50 thousand reviews on Amazon and has 5 stars, so I believe it is very loved by many, but I wanted to share the warning just in case.

3. I’ve Loved You Since Forever – Hoda Kotb & Suzie Mason

This is a lovely book about the endless love felt between a parent and a child. Inspired by the author’s adoption of her baby girl, it is excellent for all families. So it is not a surprise that the book became a New York Times #1 Bestseller. It is a tender book to read snuggled up together, over and over again. Fantastic for one-year-olds and up. “There was you, and there was me… you and I turned into we”.

4. I Love You, Daddy – Jillian Harker & Kristina Stephenson

Little Bear is getting older, and daddy encourages him to go after new adventures. He’ll need help and be brave, but daddy loves him and believes in him, and they make a great team. We have the board book, a simplified and shorter version of the original, and it is excellent for 1-year-olds. Great gift for daddy and son so they can read together.

5. I Love you to the Moon and Back – Amelia Hepworth & Tim Warnes

Mama bear and baby bear love to spend time together every day, where they play, share and love each other very much. It is a concise rhyming book, ideal for one-year-olds. The only thing that slightly bothers me about this book is that you would assume the title (which I think is so sweet) would be an essential line in the book… but it is not; it doesn’t appear. The title is the last line and iconic quote of “Guess How Much I Love You.” I do not understand the choice of title. But I guess this is just me. Aside from that, it is a very gentle and loving story that you will enjoy for sure. I’ve kept it in the list as it is one of the top Amazon Best Sellers.

Wishing goodnight:

6. Night Night Farm – Roger Priddy

A charming short and rhyming story about all the farm animals going to sleep. This board book is a lovely way to show your toddler how to go from awake to asleep, filled with adorable illustrations and with lift-the-flaps. I think it is ideal for 1 and 2-year-olds.

7. Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd

This book is a classic. If you read it as a child, it will bring sweet memories, and you’ll probably know it by heart. However, it had not been read to me as a child, and when I saw it was a bestseller at the bookshop, I didn’t understand why it was so beloved – it looked outdated to me. But then I came across this reading by Susan Sarandon on Youtube, and my perception changed. With her soothing voice and rhythm, I now understand why it is a favorite bedtime book in many households. 

Bedtime routine:

These are great books with stories about bedtime and routine. Even if your way is slightly different, it is a great resource to talk about the steps we follow at home.

8. Llama llama nighty – night – Anna Dewdney

A short and rhyming story about Baby Llama and his bedtime routine. From tidying up and brushing his teeth to getting into bed. Great for 1-year-olds.

9. Goodnight, Numbers – Danica McKellar & Alicia Padrón

This is a sweet book that sneaks counting concepts from 1 to 10. We say goodnight to objects around the house – three wheels on the tricycle, five-pointed star – and hopefully make them sleepy while loving numbers.

10. Bedtime for Peppa

Both my children loved Peppa when they were 2-3. So this is an excellent book to go over the bedtime routine with Peppa, George, and Mommy & Daddy Pig. It is a lovely book that we’ve enjoyed together for a long time.

11. Goodnight, Daniel Tiger – Angela C. Santomero & Gord Garwood

 This book is just like the episode “Goodnight, Daniel!” from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. You see, Daniel follows all the steps to get ready for bed: bathtime, pj’s, brush teeth, story and song, and off to bed! The book is filled with the lyrics from the songs sung during the episode (you can find it here, which will help you sing along and get your toddler engaged). The illustrations are scenes from the series. 

12. Time for Bed, Elmo – Sarah Albee & Maggie Swanson

What I especially like about this book is that it mentions more than once that Elmo must clean up his room: put his toys away, close his closet’s door, pick up socks, find the missing puzzle piece… So on top of the bedtime routine that many books mention, this one does a particular focus on tidying up, and personally, I love a little helping book. Another thing that makes it different is that Elmo’s grown up in this book is a babysitter – so it works for all kinds of families. I think it is suitable for 2 and 3-year-olds.

13. Bedtime for Baby Shark – John John Bajet

Ready for Baby Shark’s bedtime dance routine? With new lyrics to the famous song, we go through Baby Sharks’ bedtime routine, and although he doesn’t want to stay in bed, he falls fast asleep. Fun story to read/sing to your little musical one. If you are still enjoying the Baby Shark tune, this is a book for you!

14. Llama Llama Red Pajama – Anna Dewdney

This is a relatable story about Baby Llama and his mama during bedtime. Mama Llama kisses him good night and goes to do the dishes, but Baby Llama doesn’t want to be alone in his bed and calls and cries for his mama. (Sounds familiar? This happened to us almost every night 😅). It is a beautiful way to let your little one know that even if you are not there, you are always with him – and that mamas are sometimes busy, and they need to be more patient. We need our time and space too. Don’t we? 😉

Warning! Some people say it is scary, and others consider that Baby Llama’s tantrum is inappropriate and teaches their children to behave like that. In our case, we took it as an example of what not to do, and that’s it. Our children find it funny but don’t act it in real life. Yes, our son might call for us… but not tantrum-like like Baby Llama… but a soft and gentle “maaamaaaa”. So not all kids are affected by it. Nobody knows your toddler better than you. Your call. 😉

Vehicles:

These are toddler bedtime books to help them turn their engines off and dream about their friends on wheels.

15. Good Night, Little Blue Truck – Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry

I love this story about Little Blue Truck, his animal friends, and how they stick together when they are afraid of a thunderstorm right before bedtime. This #1 New York Times Bestseller is a lovely, friendly, and brave bedtime story for your little one.

16. Goodnight Digger – Michelle Robinson & Nick East

A charming story about a little boy who says goodnight to all his toys and vehicles, especially his big digger. Joyful illustrations and easy rhyming words are a great choice if your toddler loves diggers, trucks, and vehicles. This book belongs to the Goodnight Series and is an excellent read for ages one and up. We love it.

17. Goodnight, goodnight, Construction Site – Sherri Duskey Rinker & Tom Lichtenheld

If your toddler loves trucks and diggers be sure to get this story. All the vehicles at the construction site are ready to finish their day, rest their wheels, turn off their engines and get ready for sleep. This gentle rhyming book with vibrant illustrations is ideal for truck-crazy toddlers.

18. Goodnight Tractor – Michelle Robinson & Nick East

This is a charming story about a little boy who wishes goodnight to his truck, his toys, and animals around the farm. With a very serene rhyming text and beautiful and relatable illustrations, this can become your toddler’s favorite if he loves all things farm-related. This book also belongs to the Goodnight Series and is an excellent read for ages one and up.

19. The Goodnight Train – June Sobel & Laura Huliska-Beith

This is a funny, whimsical book about a train with beds as wagons that takes off and rolls into the night… until everyone is asleep. Its text is soothing, and the illustrations are enchanting. Highly recommended for 2-year-olds.

Fantasy:

These are lovely picture books filled with magic and fantasy that your child (and you) will enjoy looking at.

20. Ten Minutes to Bed Little Unicorn – Rhiannon Fielding & Chris Chatterton

This is a book from the Ten Minutes to Bed series, which we adore. Little Unicorn doesn’t want to go to bed. In this countdown story, you’ll go to beautiful places and meet magical friends until the countdown is over and Unicorn is fast asleep in his bed. The rhythm is soothing, and the illustrations from Chris Chatterton are simply marvelous.

21. Ten Minutes to Bed Little Dinosaur – Rhiannon Fielding & Chris Chatterton

Another fantastic book from the “Ten Minutes to Bed” series. Rumble the dinosaur doesn’t feel like sleeping yet, and through his mother’s countdown, he has fun, splashes around, and even sees a volcano explode! This one is great for dinosaur-crazy toddlers, and the illustrations are vibrant and fantastic.

22. Ten Minutes to Bed the rest of the Series – Rhiannon Fielding & Chris Chatterton

We love this series and can’t get enough of these books. However, I believe older toddlers will enjoy them more. The books are engaging, and the illustrations are marvelous and full of magic. We highly recommend Ten Minutes to Bed Little Mermaid (grandpa is counting down), Ten Minutes to Bed Little Monster,  and Ten Minutes to Bed Little Dragon (with a pair of sibling Dragons).

23. Goodnight Princess – Michelle Robinson & Nick East

A goodnight story for princessy toddlers that dream with gowns, slippers, and crowns. Short and simple rhymes accompanied by sweet and (mostly) pink and purple illustrations. This book is ideal if your toddler is into pink and purple things. This book is also from the Goodnight Series.

Other bedtime books for toddlers:

24. Baby Bedtime’s Music Book – Sam Taplin

Sometimes it is not easy to get their attention. That is when I found sound books like this one great. The music is serene and soft, and the illustrations are also very peaceful. I enjoyed playing this book when my daughter was tiny; it soothed her and soothed me (and we know that we need it more often than not).

25. What is Sleep? – Usborne

This is not a traditional bedtime book, but it is related to bedtime, so I thought I would share it with you. This wonderful lift-the-flap book from Usborne explains what sleep is and why it is so important. I have few complaints about my children’s sleeping, but both started sleeping worse before their third birthday. This book has been a good resource to explain why we need to sleep and what sleep is to our bodies. I would say this is for older toddlers (around 3) and preschoolers.

Bedtime books for toddlers – a great resource for bonding and ending the day

I hope you will have enjoyed our selection and that you will have found it helpful. I wish to have been able to help you find a good book to share those warm and magical moments with your toddler before they drift into sleep.

YIn my opinion, you can not go wrong with any of the books on the list (although please consider the warnings and judge if they are a right fit for you and your family values). They are excellent bedtime stories for toddlers that can help you bond and cuddle before your children and baby sleep each night. If you would like to read our list of favorite books for 2-year-olds, you can check it out here.

I would love to hear if you’ve enjoyed any of these or if you have any other book suggestions that work great for you and your family. Please share with me in the comments section below! We are always interested in reading new books at home!

Night night *

P.S. If you liked this blog post, you might find the following also helpful 😉

What to read to children before going to bed? Review of children's books from Babysleep

30.12.2016

24807

39

Calm Sleep Conditions

Article

Ekaterina Taran

Ekaterina Taran

Senior Consultant, Psychologist, Lecturer

of two children

Parents often face the question of which book to choose for evening reading. Agree, it's nice to pick up a book in a convenient format with beautiful printing, look at the pictures with pleasure, iron the neat binding and the cover, smelling of printing ink. But that's not all that makes a book suitable for bedtime reading. In this article, we show you how to choose a "sleep book" and recommend you the best bedtime books according to BabySleep consultants.

Child's crisis calendar

Always consider the interests of the child and the meaning of the book

The language of the book is very important, because the child must understand what you are reading. Find a book whose character is similar to your baby or is his favorite toy. For a child, the main character is not just a fairy-tale character, he is literally a Hero. It is likely that your baby will do the same things, experience the same emotions and feel the same as the characters in the book. Maybe your kid is delighted with a particular animal, or vice versa, he is interested in technology, or maybe he likes looking at pictures and making up stories more than reading . ..

Quality and quantity of illustrations

For the little ones, thick cardboard books are best. Illustrations of any fairy tales before going to bed should be kind, truthful and associated with something calm, pleasant.

Format and binding

Do not purchase heavy or oversized books for children. It is difficult for a child to cope with it on his own, and it will be difficult for him to cover a large page with his eyes.

The most important factor is age. The content of the book should be chosen depending on the age, taking into account the duration of reading.

0–2 years. Beautiful illustrations and short text

Il Sung Na
"Ts-ts-ts... Sleep book"
Publishing house "Vector-Childhood"

The book perfectly prepares the child for sleep and is attractive for children from 1.5 years old. The owl as the main element of the illustration on each page carries an association with sleep and at the same time tells about which of the animals sleeps. And in the morning everyone wakes up (the most beautiful and bright spread with happy little animals). Everything except the owl - she was tired during the night. After reading the book leaves good and positive emotions.

Anna Dewdney
"Llama red pajamas"
Publishing house "Career Press"

A wonderful book with a small rhythmic text. The child learns to understand that if the mother has gone somewhere, she still remembers him and will definitely return, caress and soothe. At the end of the book, there is an excellent ritual of farewell to the baby Lama (kisses and good night wishes), which parents of babies aged 1 year and over can adopt. This book evokes only the most tender feelings!

Rinker Dusky
"Construction, bayushki-bayu"
Publishing house "Career Press"

Is your kid a fan of construction equipment? Then this book is for him! On 32 pages, it is described in poetic form that all the favorite machines (concrete mixer, dump truck, tractor, bulldozer, etc. ) worked at a large construction site during the day, and now they also go to bed. And each typewriter can wish good night!

Rinker Dusky
"A wonderful train rushes to sleep"
Career Press Publishing House

An excellent version of a soothing "bedtime story" for children closer to 2 years old, especially if they like trains. All illustrations are in dark blue, and against this background the events unfold. Each page is a separate type of car (freight, platform, sleeping, etc.). Polar bears, monkeys, turtles, elephants and giraffes help to load the cars with much-needed children's goods, and then go to sleep on them. Wonderful poems about the locomotive of dreams!!

Rotrout Suzanne Berner
Night Book
Samokat Publishing House

Night has fallen in the city. People and animals go to bed. But not all. The book has no text, only a lot of pictures that are very interesting to look at. Suitable for the development of imagination and answers to the question "What happens at night?". And at night, amazing events take place in the city. Someone spent the night in a tent, someone caught a thief, and someone attended a holiday. Here is the house. In one apartment, the whole family is already sleeping sweetly in their cozy beds, and in the other, the mother is putting the baby to bed. A neighbor from the 3rd floor sings while taking a bath. And his downstairs neighbor knocks on the ceiling with a mop, hinting to him that it’s too late for the arias. At the station at night, life just boils. Trains come, tourists go on a trip, they can't sleep. The perfect book to chat with your child and come up with interesting stories with him.

Karol Roth
Bedtime Stories
Makhaon Publishing House

This book includes 3 fairy tales. The first one is about Winnie the bunny, who was bored sleeping alone, and he went to friends, asking for a place to sleep, but in the end he was convinced that his bed was the best, and returned home. The second story is about the same hare, how he went to bed, and he dreamed of wolves, and how his mother "chased" them away. The third is about Lenny the lamb, whose mother stayed late and was put to bed by a cow, a cat, a horse, a pig and a duck, but they did everything wrong, and when the mother came, she turned out to be the best. These kind, short, touching, beautifully illustrated fairy tales are perfect for reading to children at night. When going to bed, the kids will ask you to read these fairy tales again and again.

2-4 years. Psychological fairy tales for the most restless

Debi Gliori
"Whatever happens"
Polyandria Publishing House

An unusual book about a fox cub with kind illustrations and deep meaning. Parental love is boundless, and no matter what the child has done, no matter what happens to him, they will never stop loving him less! It is useful for both parents (Big foxes) and children (Little foxes). The book helps to relieve stress and helps to tune in to sleep. After reading it, you will certainly want to cuddle with your little and playful fox!

Waddell Martin
"Why are you not sleeping?"
Polyandria Publishing House

A wonderful book with colorful and cozy pictures, a simple and kind story. The little bear does not want to sleep and is cunning that he is afraid of the dark. Even the 2 flashlights that dad brought him did not help. And Big Bear came up with something so that his son would finally fall asleep. Parents are so creative! Children recognize themselves in this little teddy bear, which is why they love this story so much. Yes, and the winter night itself with twinkling stars and a huge moon - you can look at it for a long time and with pleasure!

Erlin Forssen
"Rabbit who wants to sleep"
Mann, Ivanov & Ferber Publishing House

This is a psychological bedtime story that has been translated into 43 languages. In this story, you go in search of sleep with Roger Bunny and his mother. The wizard Uncle Zeva, the wise Sleepy Owl and the very slow Old Man Snail know how to help you. This incredibly popular fairy tale all over the world was written by a professional psychologist. The book contains recommendations for reading. The book is built on special psychological techniques that help children fall asleep easier and faster every day. Psychologists say: the book is completely safe, and the effect of reading depends on the characteristics of the child. Most children fall asleep halfway through the story.

Rotrout Suzanne Berner
"Good night, Carlchen!"
Melik-Pashaev Publishing House

Cardboard booklet with one story about how dad put his son to bed. Karlchen says goodbye to his mother, brushes his teeth and goes to bed. But the baby does not want to sleep at all. And then dad goes with him on a Big trip on a high-speed slipper train. The first stop is Morkovburg, then the city of Moyburg awaits them. Finally, after many adventures, they arrive at the terminus Spiburg in the children's room. A simple, unpretentious story for children's perception. Kind, child-friendly pencil drawings with many small details that you can pay attention to when reading this story. Recommended for children 2-3 years old.

Gurina, Shkurina, Slavitsky
"Sleepy Tales"
Rech Publishing House

This book contains special psychological tales of modern authors that will help parents put their child to sleep without tears and whims. Quiet meditative stories will calm the most angry child. And fairy tales in which the main characters, like a baby, refuse to sleep, will teach that everything has its time and that sleep can be very pleasant and interesting. Every kid will find their favorite fairy tale here. For example, about the crib that "ran away." Or about Sleepy Splash, who liked to sleep so much that he fell asleep immediately after waking up. Designed for children from 3 years old.

Sheridan Cave
"Where to put the bunny?"
Publishing house "Melik-Pashayev"

Recommended for parents to read to children from 2 to 4 years old. For older children, this book may be suitable for independent reading. The book tells a kind story about how a mother bunny is looking for the best, safest and most comfortable place for her bunny to sleep.

5-6 years old. Tales of Magic

Ulf Stark
"Christmas in the Forest"
Publishing house "Samokat"

A very good New Year's fairy tale about forest animals and a gnome named Buka. A large family of rabbits lives in the forest under an old oak tree: mom, dad, aunt and uncle, grandfather and children - you can’t count them, because they run, scream, jump all the time. Two rabbits, Nina and Nika, find among the leaves and moss a red hat blown away by the wind from a gnome who always comes to the forest at Christmas. But what is Christmas? Squirrels and crows said that Christmas is the most joyful holiday. No one knows how to meet him, but everyone is looking forward to him and preparing for the arrival of the gnome: they compose a joyful song of the gnome, bake goodies, tidy up the house, prepare gifts and dress up a tree in the forest from all sorts of things. The fairy tale teaches to help relatives in difficulties, to be patient and to believe in a miracle. The illustrations are very beautiful, sincere, winter.

Hans Christian Andersen
Ole Lukoye

Let's not forget the classics. The tale of Ole Lukoye is one of Andersen's most famous. Thanks to this fairy tale, many children got acquainted with an amazing creature that bears the usual Danish name - Ole. But the second part of his name means "close your eyes." Ole Lukoye comes to the little children when they go to bed, and sprinkles sweet milk in their faces, and then blows on the top of their heads. The children fall asleep, and Ole begins his wonderful story... It is very comfortable to fall asleep with this book.

7-12 years old. Stories to think about

Rune Belswick
“Simple.
Winter from beginning to end”
Publishing house "Samokat"

The book about Prostodursen consists of three stories: autumn, winter and spring. All three are very beautiful and kind. The narrative is measured and thoughtful. The book covers many important topics. What is loneliness? Friendship? Love? What will I be when I grow up? Is it good abroad? The simplest things are filled with a special meaning and penetrate deep into the soul. The book is suitable for both independent reading and for joint reading on cold winter evenings.

Hoffmann E.T.A.
"The Nutcracker and the Mouse King"

This fairy tale has fascinated children and adults over and over again for 200 years. Especially during the winter holidays. Little girl Marie inspires the wooden Nutcracker to exploits, and together they confront the huge army of the mouse king. As a reward for sincere love, a kind heart and selfless courage, their most cherished dreams come true. The Nutcracker becomes a beautiful young man, and Marie becomes his bride. Together they rule a wonderful country of marzipan castles and candied groves.

Gianni Rodari
"Tales on the phone"

The ability to fantasize, imagine, conjecture, imagine is very important for any person. This skill can and should be taught to children as early as possible. "Tales on the Phone" amaze with the richness of fantasy, light humor and optimism. In almost every one you will find the main idea, expressed in aphoristic form, usually at the end of the story. Using the fairy tales of Gianni Rodari, you can, moving from simple to complex, first talk with the child about himself - who he is and what he is. Then you can help him come up with the end of the tale, as the writer suggests. Finally, it is worth inviting the child to compose some funny story himself, using the techniques of an Italian storyteller. The book is aimed at children of primary school age.

Mark Twain
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"

Wonderful stories about boys! "Tom Sawyer", which was released in 1876, still does not lose its significance. This book is remarkable in terms of the events described: on the one hand, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a rather funny book that describes many of the funny stories from Tom's school life. On the other hand, this book makes you look at life in a real light and learn from every situation.

Mark Twain
The Prince and the Pauper

The Prince and the Pauper is Mark Twain's calling card, a historical novel, ironic and poignant. The story of the poor boy Tom Canty is described in great detail, like two drops of water similar to the spoiled Prince Edward. The boys were destined to randomly switch places. The prince will have to live the life of a simple poor man, and the former poor Tom will have to master life at the royal court. The wonderful thing is that the boys will be able to learn from their adventures, and already returning to their places to realize what life really is. A topic that is relevant at all times!

Reading before going to bed has long been an excellent ritual that sets the child to rest and unites children and parents who, at the time of reading a fairy tale, are transported to a fantasy world and distracted from their worries. Remember that a bedtime story will have a greater effect if you read it in a quiet, calm voice, and choose stories by age. For impressionable kids, it is especially important that the story is kind and not very "experiential", and even better that the story is about a dream, as in our review.

Do you read bedtime stories to your children? Please share in the comments which of the fairy tales your kids like the most?

#ritual#books

Best Bedtime Reading Books for Kids

Contents

1. Sleepy Selection: 10 Bedtime Books for Kids
2. Llama Red Pajamas
3. Sleep, Dragon, bye-bye!
4. When the heels fall asleep
5. Where does sleep wander?
6. Good night
7. Construction site, lullabies
8. Sleepy tales
9. Rabbit who wants to sleep. Fairy tale to help parents
10. Little fairy can't sleep
11. I don't want to sleep! A Tale for Little Owls
12. More Bedtime Reading Books for Kids
13. Useful Links

The best bedtime books for kids: what soothing books to read at night before bed to help your child fall asleep.

Not all babies fall asleep equally . There are mothers who do not know what problems with getting to sleep are: tired - fell asleep. But still, most babies fall asleep with difficulty.

Form the “correct” sleep associations , come up with your own sleep ritual — a regular routine before going to bed. For example: bathing, feeding, turning off the lights together, lullabies, sleep books, putting toys to bed, saying goodbye to loved ones and various objects. If you see signs of fatigue, so as not to “interrupt sleep” and not cause overexcitation, the ritual can be neglected.

If your baby does not sleep well, book-sleeping ritual will help you : try to organize the reading of stories at the same time. Choose books that are related to sleep or will be calm in plot so that the child does not get overexcited.

Sleepy Selection: 10 Bedtime Books for Kids

Here are some soothing books with an interesting but not too fast-paced storyline, suitable for reading to children at night before bed.

The difficulty with putting young children to bed is that immaturity makes them very dependent on caregivers. They perceive going to bed as a separation, and this causes anxiety.

Lama red pajamas

Little Lama used to go to bed with his mother. But she is busy with something today and left the Lama alone. He starts to worry. Recognized world bestseller and winner of many awards. Including included in the list of "100 best books for children" (Scholastic Parent and Child).

Below you can read the text of the poem, but 95% of the book's success lies in brilliant illustrations, vivid experiences reflected in the eyes of the little Lama and a sense of peace at the end.

👉 Read book reviews

Show hidden content

Lama red pajamas
I listened to the tale of Lama Mama.
Mom hugged Lama,
Turned off the light. Gone.

The Lama has become lonely...
He wants to snuggle up to his mother.
Wants a fairy tale... and compote...
But mother has a job.

No, little Lama can't sleep.
He called softly to his mother.
"I'm going," my mother said.
But little Lama is excited.

Little Lama is listening,
Is Lama mother in a hurry?
Mom doesn't come for a long time,
Little Lama is worried.

Llama red pajamas
Quietly whimpers - where is mom?
Mom's phone rings,
Lama's stomach growls.

Little Lama is restless.
Village And he thinks about his mother.
Where did mom go?
Did you fall into the clutches of a monster?

Llama red pajamas
What is urine shouted: "Mom!"
Lama stomped, got angry.
Lama jumped, got angry.

Llama red pajamas
In the dark. One. Without mom.
He huddles under the covers...
If mother DOES NOT COME BACK?

Lama red pajamas
Whining, howling: where is mother?
Lama burst into tears:
Come soon, MOM!

What kind of performance is this?
Well, where is your patience?
Lama's mother has things to do,
And there is no need to do drama.

You know, little Lama,
Mother loves you dearly.
Mom thinks about Lama,
If busy with business.

My dear, beloved,
Mom will kiss you!
Let mom stroke the paw.
Little Lama sleeps sweetly.

Sleep, Drakosha, bye-bye!

Shhh! The most harmful Dragon has just fallen asleep... Do not wake her up! So that Drakosha does not suddenly wake up. We don't want to wake her up, do we?

To prevent the Dragon from waking up, the baby needs to carefully turn over the pages, lull the restless beast, which is a very light sleeper. Cozy reading in the evening will help the child fall asleep easily and quickly.

Books of the Drakosha series for children aged 2-5 have already been translated into 12 languages ​​of the world.

👉 Watch the book on the publisher's website

When the heels fall asleep

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Do you know how squirrels fall asleep?
First, their tails fall asleep.

Do you know how zebras sleep?
First, the strips fall asleep.

And tigers, how do tigers sleep?
At first, their growling falls asleep!

Tell me how the lions fall asleep.
Their shaggy mane falls asleep.

Do you know how a bear sleeps?
Mighty paws fall asleep.

Do you know how foxes fall asleep?
Red muzzles fall asleep.

How do hares fall asleep at night?
Their sensitive ears fall asleep.

Do you know how hedgehogs fall asleep?
First, all their needles fall asleep.

How do crocodiles sleep at night?
Their terrible teeth fall asleep!

Do you know how an owl falls asleep?
The owl's big eyes go to sleep...

- Wow! - cried the owl - and no.
Fled into the night,
And the feathers swirl.

Do you know how an eagle sleeps?
His proud beak falls asleep.

How do walruses sleep on an ice floe?
At first, their mustaches fall asleep.

Do you know how dogs fall asleep?
At first, their wet nose falls asleep.

How do cats fall asleep, meow?
Their flexible back falls asleep.

Do you know how children fall asleep?
Soft heels fall asleep,

Toes and then knees,
Back, tummy and then the handles.
The head is sleeping, and the eyes are closed.

Where does sleep roam?

Kitten Jacques couldn't sleep, so he thought that his sleep had been stolen. He learned that the dream was lost not only from him, but also from his friends, together they go in search. But can they find it?

A touching story in verse will help the baby fall asleep and will tell you a few secrets of creating a sleepy atmosphere.

👉 Buy the book on the publisher's website

Good night

A collection of children's stories based on meditative practices that will relieve emotional stress before going to bed and improve mood. Cute heroes will calm the baby and give him pleasant dreams.

Total 15 sleepy tales for children 3-5 years old.

👉 Watch the book on the publisher's website

Construction site, bayushka

Every child likes to look at cars. Especially if they are beautiful. In the reviews, you can read that the book fell in love not only with boys, but also with girls. And not only in Russia, but also in the world.

"Bayushka-Bayu Construction" - the number one nightly reading book by the New York Times. “A wonderful train rushes to sleep” is another book by the same authors. Wonderful verses about the locomotive of dreams. Polar bears, monkeys and turtles, elephants and giraffes help load his wagons with unusual cargo, and then go to sleep on it.

👉 Books by Sherry Dusky Rinker on Labyrinth.

Sleepy tales

A collection of special psychological tales by I. Gurina, I. Slavitsky and M. Shkurina, which will help parents put their child to sleep without tears and whims.

Quiet, meditative stories will calm even the most angry child. And fairy tales in which the main characters, like a baby, refuse to sleep, will teach that everything has its time and that sleep can be very pleasant and interesting.

👉 Read book reviews

A rabbit that wants to sleep. Fairy tale to help parents

The fairy tale popular all over the world (and its sequels about Baby Elephant and Tractor Baby) relieves tension and gently puts the child to sleep thanks to special techniques based on Erickson's hypnosis method. These bedtime books have been translated into 43 languages. 1.6 million copies sold worldwide.

The little fairy can't sleep

The little fairy named Floria can't sleep. It is a warm summer night, the moon is shining brightly, and Floria goes for a walk in the night forest. It turns out that many inhabitants of the forest have not gone to bed tonight, and even the Sandman needs to collect twice as much magic sleepy sand as usual in order for the children to finally fall asleep ...

Bedtime books with such beautiful but dim illustrations are the best choice.

👉 Reviews about the book

I don't want to sleep! Fairy tale for little owlets

Therapeutic fairy tale from the Useful Tales series, published by Peter.

Little cockerel Styopa is a real "owlet". His brothers and sisters have been sleeping for a long time, and he does not close his eyes. There are so many interesting things around, but it's boring to sleep! “Why go to bed if you get up again in the morning?” he straightens up. But one night he dreamed of this, after which he decided to always go to bed and get up before everyone else. Do you want to know what happened to him? Get comfortable! It's time for a good fairy tale from mommy kitty.

More books to read before bed for children

If from the personal TOP 10 children's books before bed, tested on the author's children, the material is not enough for you, and our tastes differ, use this list:

• Little Bobo's Adventures . Stories in pictures for the little ones . Seven simple stories for kids, at the end of each of which the main character - a small sleepy animal Bobo - falls asleep. From myself: not too beautiful pictures from the point of view of parents and the tremendous success of the book in children under 3 years old. For us, this is just a magical and iconic book. See reviews of Labyrinth.
• Bayushki-bayu. Russian folk rhymes . Favorite nursery rhymes (not only about sleep) are framed by drawings in a fabulous Russian style, with colorful letters. For lovers of baby classics. See pictures.
• Going to bed . A cardboard book from the cartoon series “ Pieces of Wood ”, familiar to kids. Link to the book
• Good night, Planet! Interesting comic book with brilliant illustrations. But the text is so small that it may have to be thought out, as in the case of Wimmelbuchs. See reviews of the book here.
• The one that… A bedtime book for naughty girls. This is a playbook about a naughty boy! The one who bit, who kicked, who butted! But because he did not want to sleep, like many children. On each page, the main character is a hooligan, and readers play with him, following the prompts. For daily activities with the baby, there are additional tips for working with the book - tasks for counting, getting to know color, attention and logic.
• Little Mouse lost his sleep... Mom put the little Mouse to bed, hugged and kissed him before going to sleep. But here's the annoyance, no matter how hard the Mouse tries, he can't sleep. He comes to his mother for advice. A wise mother offers him various activities that can help him. And read a book, and count all the cakes that he could eat, and remember all the names of the berries that are found in sweets. At the end of the story, the little Mouse will fall asleep sweetly. Personally, I don't like pictures, but it's a matter of taste . Watch a book.
• Dodo donkey goes to bed . The book is dedicated to the little good friends of every kid - soft toys. They are so small that you can always take them with you, and falling asleep, it is so sweet to squeeze them in your arms. From the series Bedtime Stories published by Hobbitek.
• Good night! Big book of bedtime stories. A plump book for reading before bed: a collection of fascinating, kind stories. The book includes four beautifully illustrated fairy tales, creating an atmosphere of silence, comfort and magical mystery.

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