Books for bedtime stories
21 Best Bedtime Books for Kids (2022 Picks)
Is storytime a part of your child’s nightly routine? Maybe they even have a favorite they like reading with you. However, there are only so many times a parent can stand to read the same book repeatedly.
As beneficial as it is to reread titles together, having a variety will help your child expand their horizons a bit. Not to mention it will also save your sanity.
But what are the best bedtime books for kids and how do you find them? We’ll give you some tips and our picks for a wide range of ages.
Table of Contents
- The Best Kids Bedtime Books of 2022
- Bedtime Reading by Age
- Nighty Night
The Best Kids Bedtime Books of 2022
Here are 21 excellent books to read to your kids at bedtime.
1. If Animals Kissed Goodnight
Crowd Favorite
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For the preschool crowd, this title is a great bedtime book option. Your preschooler will love going through the pages with you while acting out all the ways different animals kiss each other goodnight.
It uses rhyme to engage your reader, and the hand-drawn illustrations add a soft touch to this bedtime tale. We recommend reading this in a gentle voice to help your child drift off to dreamland.
2. Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey
For the Dreamer
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If your preschooler has an active imagination, this story is a staple for them. In this book, your child gets to choose what their “dream animal” is.
It uses rhyming text to hook your bookworm and the illustrations help your child visualize their dream animal. We like this title because after you’re done reading, you can talk about what dreams they’d like to have.
3. Bedtime for Batman
Superhero Kid
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It’s never too early to introduce alternative writing styles.
With this title, you can present comics to your child, suitable for 1-year-olds and up.
This reading adventure will take you and your child on a journey through the treacherous feat that is bedtime, but with Batman for support. It describes all the aspects of a regular routine — potty, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and more.
4. Firefly, Light up the Sky
Most Interactive
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I generally like to stay away from noisy books during bedtime reading, but this Eric Carle title is an exception to that rule.
This is a set that includes the book and an interactive flashlight that makes bug sounds. The book is a pop-up style, which is perfect for preschoolers; although kids as young as 18 months might enjoy it.
5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Most Fantastical Read
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Picture books are fine and dandy until you realize your child has graduated on to more challenging books.
The Harry Potter series is a must-have for any child aged 9 years and above.
If you aren’t familiar with Harry, he’s a young boy who lives with some not-so-nice relatives. He finds out that, not only is he a wizard, but a famous one at that. The series takes the reader along with Harry and his friends as they navigate school and save the mystical world.
6. Don’t Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late
Best for Beginning Readers
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This is one of the five pigeon-themed books by this author. Great for bedtime because it gives your child the responsibility of making sure the pigeon goes right to bed and doesn’t dilly dally.
Throughout the story, the pigeon tries to talk his way out of going to bed, but eventually gives up the battle and falls asleep. This title is best for older preschoolers and early elementary.
7. The Runaway Bunny
A Multi-Generational Favorite
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This title was first published in 1942 and hasn’t gone out of print since.
That goes to show just how well-loved it is, by generations both young and old.
The story follows a mother and a baby bunny. Baby bunny proclaims he’s going to run away, but his mother assures him she will be there, no matter what. We recommend this book for children ages 4 and up.
8. Guess How Much I Love You
For Daddy and Me Storytime
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In this story, Little Nutbrown Hare and his dad take turns debating how much they love each other. Despite how much Little Nutbrown thinks he loves his dad, we learn at the end that his dad loves him more.
This preschool tale is perfect for the nights when daddy is in charge of bedtime. Just like our previous pick, the story attests to the unconditional love a parent has for their child.
9. Llama Llama Red Pajama
Rhyme Time
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This one is full of llama drama as baby llama gets worried every time his mama llama leaves his room at night.
When he hollers for her, she comes back and reassures him that everything will be alright and that it’s time to sleep.
The story’s catchy rhyme makes this one an easy contender for your preschooler’s favorite bedtime read.
10. Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief
Most Adventurous
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Your 10-year-old will love delving into the Percy Jackson series. Percy is a dyslexic boy who struggles to fit in. As he comes to find out, he’s actually a demigod.
Percy ends up at a camp for other half-bloods, where he meets children of other Greek gods and goddesses. The series has five books, as well as another spin-off series, so your child will be able to enjoy this world for an extended amount of time.
11. Goodnight, Moon
Best Classic for Babies
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In the book, we’re taken through the little bunny’s bedtime routine, where he says “goodnight” to all the things in his room.
This one is a classic for any baby or toddler, up to preschool age. The soothing words and simple story are perfect for lulling your child right to sleep. The gentle illustrations add a nice touch as well.
12. What Do You Do With An Idea?
Inspire the Little Dreamer
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Is your young reader quite the inventive force? In this story, a child has an idea but lacks the confidence to act on it. As the story progresses, so does the child’s confidence until, eventually, the idea turns into something brilliant.
This title is recommended for children aged 5 to 8 and is sure to inspire your thinker to dream up a concept or two.
13. Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book
Witty Rhymes for Beddy-Time
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If you’re a family of Seuss lovers, you’ll want this book in your collection. The story uses a witty writing style to encourage sleepy time for any kid, starting at 5 years old.
The rhyming tale revolves around Van Vleck, a small bug, who yawns and sets off a chain reaction. As the story progresses, Van’s friends get sleepy until, eventually, it reaches your child.
Be careful though, this may just lull you to sleep too!
14. Magic Treehouse Boxed Set
Best for Independent Readers
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This series follows two siblings as they go on insane adventures every time they step inside their treehouse.
The set we chose contains the first four books to get your child started on the series. With these books, your reader will get to journey with dinosaurs, meet a knight, wake up to mummies, and go on a pirate adventure.
The books are recommended for children aged 6 to 8 years old.
15. 365 Bedtime Stories & Rhymes
A Story for Every Occasion
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If you want variety but don’t want a ton of different books, this one will be a life saver.
It comes with enough stories and rhymes to last a long time. The beautiful cover will definitely stand out on your child’s bookshelf.
Treasuries like this allow you and your child to choose as many or as few stories and rhymes as you’d like to read. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.
16. Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You
Spreading Love
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There’s a reason Nancy Tillman has made this list twice. Her writing and illustrations are not only guaranteed to make you shed a tear, but they’re perfect for settling down your children.
In this title, Tillman emphasizes the power of a parent’s love. It starts out with the narrator telling your child you wanted them more than they’ll ever know.
The entire book is a reassurance for children that our love will be there for them, even if they can’t see us. This book is a beautiful read for all ages, but is recommended for children ages 4 and up.
17.
Charlotte’s WebFor the Animal Lover
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In this book, we follow the story of Wilbur, a runt piglet who was rescued from an untimely death by a little girl. Charlotte, a barn spider, tells the story of the pig and her feelings as they become good friends.
This classic is an essential pick for your chapter book reader. It’s recommended for children ages 8 and up, or any child who is confident in their reading. However, this is also a good one to read aloud to your younger child as an extended read.
18. It’s Time to Sleep, My Love
Beautiful Illustrations
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You can’t go wrong with any book that is written and/or illustrated by Nancy Tillman. This title, in particular, made our list because the language used helps soothe children to a peaceful sleep.
Throughout the story, the whole world around your child is slowly settling down for the night until, eventually, it’s your child’s turn.
We recommend this book for toddlers and preschoolers because of its soothing rhyme.
19. Steam Train, Dream Train
Boarding the Snooze Train
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For any future train conductors, this title is the one for them. The dream train pulls into the station and the animals take turns loading up the train with their goods.
This is a big hit with preschoolers because of its use of animals as characters, and also the rhyming quality of the text. We like this book as a read-aloud option because you can add your own locomotive sound effects as well as other animal sounds.
20. The Giver
Best Extended Read
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For those of you with older readers, this book is a must-have. Recommended for ages 11 and above, it has several hidden messages your reader will pick up on and appreciate.
This dystopian read follows Jonas, a 12-year-old boy who lives in a world void of color and strong emotion.
He’s assigned to be the “Receiver of Memory” where he learns the good and the bad of the world’s past.
This proves to be a challenge for him. The reader is taken on a journey with Jonas as he navigates this newfound responsibility.
21. Hans Christian Andersen’s Complete Fairy Tales
Fairy Tale Classic
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This fairy tale compilation is wonderful. It contains Hans Christian Andersen’s famous titles, including “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Red Shoes,” “Thumbelina,” and more.
These are recommended starting at age 8, but they can make great read-aloud stories until your younger child is ready on their own.
It has a beautiful cover design and the content is chock full of classical tales, perfect for any bookshelf. It also comes with a built-in ribbon bookmark so your reader will always remember where they left off.
Bedtime Reading by Age
Depending on your child’s age, there are different ways to approach bedtime reading.
With younger children, reading out loud together is most beneficial. As your child gets older and more confident, they may become more inclined to read the story to you.
Babies and Toddlers
When reading to your baby and toddler, we suggest books that have calming language and rhyme to lull your little one to sleep (1).
Once they’re able to, let them start choosing their own bedtime story book. This will help foster independence and they’ll feel important this way.
Preschoolers
Preschool is a good time to start introducing different styles of writing, like fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and comics. If you want to encourage their literacy skills, shut the lights off and come up with your own tales together.
Be on the lookout for books with relatable characters. Your preschooler will enjoy mimicking them and the character’s bedtime routine.
Elementary & Older
Just because your child is reading on their own now (or is close to it), doesn’t mean you should give up on reading together.
It will help them develop their reading skills and allows them to hear stories from different perspectives (2).
For lower elementary, books with easy-to-follow storylines are suitable. As they grow, starter chapter books and series are good to have on hand.
Older kids also can appreciate an author’s craft more. This allows for deeper conversations which, in turn, helps further develop your parent-child bond.
Nighty Night
There are so many great titles to choose from when it comes to bedtime reading. Finding the right ones for your child can become quite a task when you aren’t sure what they would like.
By bearing their interests and reading level in mind, along with the story’s content, you’re sure to pick titles your child will appreciate.
Our favorite is If Animals Kissed Goodnight. We love this title for the way it helps children use their imagination. The whimsical rhyme and soothing illustrations are sure to pique your kid’s interest.
So, we told you our favorite, which one is yours? Do you have a favorite that didn’t make this list? We want to know!
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Bedtime stories for children. ⭐😴Read online with pictures.
In this section we have collected interesting fairy tales from all over the world that are suitable for reading before bed. You can read them online and completely free. These small instructive and kind stories will help children calm down after a stormy day and tune in to rest.
In bedtime stories you will not find cruelty and frightening characters. Only light plots and pleasant characters.
At the bottom of each fairy tale there is a hint for what age it is intended for, as well as other tags. Be sure to pay attention to them when choosing a product! You do not have to spend time reading a fairy tale to find out if it suits your child or not. We have already read everything, sorted and compiled short descriptions of fairy tales.
Enjoy reading and good dreams :)
An interesting fairy tale is that part of childhood that stays with us forever, even when childhood is gone. This is a magical world that is wide open in front of the baby, and acquaintance with it begins with a short and sweet bedtime story.
At what age to read fairy tales to a child
There is no strict age limit in reading fairy tales to a child. Reading for a child is primarily an opportunity for emotional intimacy with an adult. Even if not a word is clear yet, the familiar timbre of the voice, the measured rhythm soothe the baby and stimulate its development.
That is why psychologists recommend reading fairy tales even to babies. The main condition: the process should bring pleasure to both the adult and the baby.
Benefits of reading fairy tales
A bedtime story read by a parent is a powerful stimulus for the child's development, a child's wide opportunities in the following areas:
- imagination;
- fantasy;
- creative thinking;
- speech skills;
- emotional development;
- the ability to find a way out of problem situations.
Unlike cartoons, a fairy tale does not present the child with ready-made images and the world invented by the artist, but invites him to think, think out and imagine what is not in the illustrations.
Simply put, we read to children at night and at the same time unleash their creativity. The next step is the first children's tests of themselves as an author and artist, but that will come later. And now such familiar and at the same time amazing short bedtime stories come to the aid of parents.
Bedtime stories - what should they be?
It often happens that every day a baby asks for the hundredth time to read a familiar fairy tale to him, not wanting to listen to any others.
Do not argue and try to read something new - a bedtime story exists for this, to cradle and give pleasant dreams. So, it should be:
- short;
- calm;
- kind;
- without dynamic details in the plot, but with a happy ending.
The repeated repetition of the same situation (a familiar room, a favorite blanket and a soft toy, next to it is a mother reading a familiar fairy tale) turns into a kind of ritual for the baby, which has a calming effect. It helps relieve the emotional stress that has accumulated over a long day.
Short stories on our website
The Short Bedtime Stories section presents famous works by Russian and foreign authors that have become favorites for children all over the world.
Magic little men created by Astrid Lindgren, Donald Bisset's kind tigers, Sergei Kozlov's inseparable Hedgehog and Bear cub - these and other characters are looking forward to meeting young readers.
Here you will also find folk tales and illustrated works by Vladimir Suteev. Kids will be delighted with simple instructive stories and colorful pictures created by a real Master.
Tips on the site
The free bedtime stories presented on our site are so diverse that sometimes it can be difficult to find the right one. To help parents, we have developed a convenient search engine that allows you to view the parameters of a fairy tale without opening it:
- readers' age;
- reading time;
- short description;
- popularity indicator;
- illustration.
Secrets of reading bedtime stories
In order to replace the evening fairy tale with a sweet dream, it should be a short fairy tale, which should be read online in a calm and familiar environment.
Read in a low voice, without haste. Remember, we read to children at night not to give them new knowledge - there is daytime for this. In the evening, it is important to create a relaxing atmosphere and a sense of peace.
For this, it is important to choose the right bedtime story, which is why our site is always open for you, dear parents!
Three Little Pigs - Mikhalkov S. The Tale of the Three Little Pigs.
A fairy tale about three brothers-piglets who built houses for themselves. One brother built a house out of straw, another out of twigs and twigs, and a third out of bricks.
Once upon a time there were three little pigs in the world. Three brothers. All of the same height, round, pink, with the same cheerful ponytails. Even their names were similar. The piglets were called: Nif-Nif, Nuf-Nuf and Naf-Naf.
All summer the piglets tumbled in the green grass, basked in the sun, basked in the puddles. But now autumn has come.
- It's time for us to think about winter, - Naf-Naf once said to his brothers, waking up early in the morning. - I'm shivering from the cold. Let's build a house and winter together under one warm roof.
But his brothers didn't want to take the job.
- We'll make it! Winter is still far away. We'll take a walk, - said Nif-Nif and rolled over his head.
— When necessary, I will build a house for myself, — said Nuf-Nuf and lay down in a puddle.
“Me too,” added Nif-Nif.
- Well, as you wish. Then I will build my own house, - said Naf-Naf.
Nif-Nif and Nuf-Nuf were in no hurry. All they did was play their pig games, jump and roll.
“Today we will take a walk,” they said, “and tomorrow morning we will get down to business.
But the next day they said the same thing.
It was getting colder and colder every day. And only when a large puddle by the road began to be covered with a thin crust of ice in the morning, the lazy brothers finally got to work.
Nif-Nif decided that it would be easier and most likely to make a house out of straw. Without consulting anyone, he did just that. By evening, his hut was ready. Nif-Nif put the last straw on the roof and, very pleased with his house, sang merrily:0006
You'll get around half the world,
You'll get around, you'll get around,
You won't find a better home,
You won't find it, you won't find it!
Singing this song, he went to Nuf-Nuf.
Nuf-Nuf, not far away, also built a house for himself. He tried to finish this boring and uninteresting business as soon as possible. At first, like his brother, he wanted to build a house out of straw. But then I decided that it would be very cold in such a house in winter. The house will be stronger and warmer if it is built from branches and thin rods. And so he did. He drove stakes into the ground, intertwined them with rods, heaped dry leaves on the roof, and by evening the house was ready.
Nuf-Nuf proudly walked around him several times and sang:
I have a good house,
A new house, a solid house,
I am not afraid of rain and thunder,
Rain and thunder, rain and thunder!
Before he could finish the song, Nif-Nif ran out from behind a bush.
— Well, your house is ready! - said Nif-Nif to his brother. "I told you we'd get it over with quickly!" Now we are free and can do whatever we want!
— Let's go to Naf-Naf and see what kind of house he has built for himself! - said Nuf-Nuf.
"We haven't seen him in a long time!"
— Let's go see! Nif-Nif agreed.
Naf-Naf has been busy building for several days now. He dragged stones, kneaded clay, and now slowly built himself a reliable, durable house in which one could hide from wind, rain and frost. He made a heavy oak door with a bolt in the house so that the wolf from the neighboring forest could not climb up to him.
Nif-Nif and Nuf-Nuf found their brother at work.
— What are you building? - the surprised Nif-Nif and Nuf-Nuf shouted in one voice. - What is it, a pig house or a fortress?
- Piglet's home should be a fortress! Naf-Naf calmly answered them, continuing to work.
— Are you going to fight with someone? Nif-Nif grunted merrily and winked at Nuf-Nuf. And both brothers were so merry that their squeals and grunts carried far across the lawn. And Naf-Naf, as if nothing had happened, continued to lay the stone wall of his house, purring a song under his breath:0003 Don't break through that door!
Of course, I'm smarter than everyone,
Smarter than everyone, smarter than everyone!
I build a house from stones,
From stones, from stones!
— What animal is he talking about? - Nif-Nif asked Nuf-Nif.
— What animal are you talking about? - Nuf-Nuf asked Naf-Naf.
- I'm talking about the wolf! - answered Naf-Naf and laid another stone.
- Look how afraid he is of the wolf! - said Nif-Nif.
- What kind of wolves can be here? - said Nif-Nif.
- There are no wolves! He's just a coward! - added Nuf-Nuf.
And they both began to dance and sing:
We are not afraid of the gray wolf,
Gray wolf, gray wolf!
Where do you go, stupid wolf,
Old wolf, dire wolf?
They wanted to tease Naf-Naf, but he didn't even turn around.
- Let's go, Nuf-Nif, - said then Nif-Nif. “We have nothing to do here!
And two brave brothers went for a walk. On the way they sang and danced, and when they entered the forest, they made such a noise that they woke up the wolf, who was sleeping under a pine tree.
— What's that noise? - the angry and hungry wolf grumbled with displeasure and galloped to the place where the squealing and grunting of two small, stupid pigs could be heard.
— Well, what kind of wolves can there be! - said at that time Nif-Nif, who saw wolves only in pictures.
- Here we will grab him by the nose, he will know! added Nuf-Nuf, who also had never seen a live wolf.
- Let's knock down, and even tie, and even with a foot like this, like this! Nif-Nif boasted.
And suddenly they saw a real live wolf! He stood behind a large tree, and he had such a terrible look, such evil eyes and such a toothy mouth that Nif-Nif and Nuf-Nuf had a chill running down their backs and thin tails trembled finely. The poor pigs couldn't even move for fear.
The wolf prepared to jump, snapped his teeth, blinked his right eye, but the piglets suddenly came to their senses and, squealing throughout the forest, rushed to their heels.
They have never run so fast! Flashing with their heels and raising clouds of dust, they each rushed to their home.
Nif-Nif was the first to reach his thatched hut and barely managed to slam the door in front of the wolf's very nose.
— Unlock the door now! the wolf growled. “Or else I’ll break it!”
— No, — grunted Nif-Nif, — I won't unlock it!
The breath of a terrible beast was heard outside the door.
— Unlock the door now! the wolf growled again. “Otherwise I’ll blow so hard that your whole house will fly apart!”
But Nif-Nif, out of fear, could no longer answer anything.
Then the wolf began to blow: “F-f-f-w-w-w!” Straws flew from the roof of the house, the walls of the house shook. The wolf took another deep breath and blew a second time: “F-f-f-u-u-u-u!”. When the wolf blew for the third time, the house was blown in all directions, as if it had been hit by a hurricane.
The wolf snapped his teeth in front of the little piglet's snout, but Nif-Nif deftly dodged and rushed to run. A minute later he was already at the door of Nuf-Nuf.
As soon as the brothers had locked themselves in, they heard the wolf's voice:
— Well, now I'll eat you both!
Nif-Nif and Nuf-Nuf looked at each other in fear.
But the wolf was very tired and therefore decided to go for a trick.
- I changed my mind! he said so loudly that he could be heard in the house. “I won’t eat those skinny piglets!” I'll go home!
Did you hear? - Nif-Nif asked Nuf-Nif. He said he won't eat us! We are skinny!
- This is very good! - Nuf-Nuf said and immediately stopped trembling.
The brothers became merry and sang as if nothing had happened:
We are not afraid of the gray wolf,
Gray wolf, gray wolf!
Where do you go, stupid wolf,
Old wolf, dire wolf?
And the wolf didn't even think of leaving. He just stepped aside and hunkered down. He had a hard time keeping himself from laughing.
— How cleverly I deceived two stupid little pigs!
When the pigs were completely calm, the wolf took the sheep's skin and cautiously crept up to the house. At the door, he covered himself with skin and knocked softly.
Nif-Nif and Nuf-Nuf were very frightened.
- Who's there? they asked, their tails shaking again.
- It's me, poor little sheep! the wolf squeaked in a thin, alien voice. - Let me spend the night, I strayed from the herd and very, very tired!
- You can let the sheep go! Nuf-Nuf agreed. - A sheep is not a wolf!
But when the pigs opened the door, they saw not a sheep, but the same toothy wolf. The brothers slammed the door and leaned on it with all their might so that the terrible beast could not break into them.
The wolf got very angry. He failed to outsmart the pigs! He threw off his sheepskin and growled:
— Well, wait a minute! There will be nothing left of this house!
And he began to blow. The house leaned a little. The wolf blew a second, then a third, then a fourth time. Leaves flew off the roof, the walls shook, but the house still stood. And, only when the wolf blew for the fifth time, the house staggered and collapsed.
The door alone stood for some time in the middle of the ruins.
In horror, the pigs rushed to run. Their legs were paralyzed with fear, every bristle trembled, their noses were dry. The brothers rushed to the house of Naf-Naf.
The wolf was catching up with them with huge leaps. Once he almost grabbed Nif-Nif by the hind leg, but he pulled it back in time and added speed.
The wolf also pressed on. He was sure that this time the piglets would not run away from him.
But he was out of luck again. The piglets quickly rushed past a large apple tree without even hitting it. But the wolf did not have time to turn and ran into an apple tree, which showered him with apples. One hard apple hit him between the eyes. A large lump jumped up on the wolf's forehead.
And Nif-Nif and Nuf-Nuf, neither alive nor dead, ran up to Naf-Naf's house at that time. The brother let them into the house and quickly bolted the door.
The poor piglets were so frightened that they could not say anything. They silently rushed under the bed and hid there.
Naf-Naf immediately guessed that a wolf was chasing them. But he had nothing to fear in his stone house. He quickly bolted the door, sat down on a stool and sang:
No animal in the world,
Cunning animal, terrible animal,0003 Will not open this door,
This door, this door!
But just then there was a knock on the door.
- Open without talking! came the rough voice of the wolf.
- No matter how! And don't think! - Naf-Naf answered in a firm voice.
— Oh, yes! Well, hold on! Now I'll eat all three!
- Try it! - answered Naf-Naf from behind the door, not even getting up from his stool. He knew that he and his brothers had nothing to fear in a solid stone house. Then the wolf sucked in more air and blew as best he could!
But no matter how much it blew, not even the smallest stone moved. The wolf turned blue from the effort. The house stood like a fortress. Then the wolf began to shake the door. But the door didn't budge either.
The wolf, out of anger, began to scratch the walls of the house with his claws and gnaw the stones from which they were built, but he only broke off his claws and ruined his teeth. The hungry and angry wolf had no choice but to get out.
But then he raised his head and suddenly noticed a large, wide chimney on the roof.
- Yeah! Through this pipe I will make my way into the house! the wolf rejoiced.
He carefully climbed onto the roof and listened. The house was quiet.
I'm still going to eat some fresh pig today! - thought the wolf and, licking his lips, climbed into the pipe.
But as soon as he began to descend the pipe, the piglets heard a rustle. And when soot began to pour on the roof of the boiler, smart Naf-Naf immediately guessed what was the matter. He quickly rushed to the cauldron, in which water was boiling on the fire, and tore off the lid from it.
- Welcome! - said Naf-Naf and winked at his brothers.
The piglets did not have to wait long.
