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Bedtime Stories | Free 5 Min Bedtime Stories for Kids Online Bedtime Stories

The Classic fairytale of Cinderella: a young girl, mistreated by her step-mother and step-sisters, who finds out that dreams really can come true.

The Classic Fairytale Story of Snow White with a Modern Twist: Who is the “fair”est of them all? Snow White of course!

A Bedtime Story of Honesty, Courage and Truth.  If Pinocchio is to become a Real boy he needs to learn how to be honest, brave and true.

A Grimm’s Brother Tale: A miller tells a tale that his daughter can turn straw into gold. A strange little man is willing to help…for a price. Guess his name and he will be gone…but what is his name?

Goldilocks and the Three Bears ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids. Goldilocks finds the three bears cottage in the woods. Should she make herself comfortable?

Hansel and Gretel Bedtime Stories for Kids. When Hansel and Gretel go in search of food, they find a gingerbread house. But who is inside?

A Story of Friendship, Love and Courage. Rapunzel’s Story ~ A Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale. An evil witch has trapped Rapunzel in a tower. Can her long hair or love save her?

A Story of Courage, Justice and Self-Awareness.  Merlin the Magician places a magic sword in a stone…whomever can pull it out is the rightful king.

A Bedtime Story of Acceptance and Self-Awareness. A Mama Duck is proud when her six ducklings hatch from their eggs. But one duckling does not look like the others? Is he truly an Ugly Duckling?

The classic Brother’s Grimm fairytale that sparked the Disney adaptation.

A Story of Courage, Learning and Love. The Classic fairy tale: The Little Mermaid falls in love with a prince on shore and she makes a deal with the Sea Witch to become human. But without her voice, how can the prince fall in love with her?

This Classic Folktale is adapted from the original story of “Aladdin” from The Arabian Nights. Aladdin, the Genie and the Magic Lamp work to impress the princess who wishes to be a commoner.

A Story of Courage, Kindness to Animals and Learning.  The Classic Tale of a male deer, Bambi, his mother and his adventures learning in the woods.

A Story of Charity, Compassion and Justice, from England. Robin Hood takes part in an archery contest thrown by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Will he realize its a trap before it is too late? One of the many Tales of Robin Hood.

This is the Legend Tale of Maui the Demi-God from Moana. It is part of our Classic Bedtime Stories for Kids Collection. It has been adapted from the Tales of Maui as well as Disney’s version of Moana.

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. A toy rabbit learns that through a child’s love it can become real.

The Classic Tale of the Snow Queen: Gerda and Kai struggle to fight the Snow Queen and find the balance between Good and Evil.

The Classic Fairy Tale of Sleeping Beauty. Princess Aurora has been cursed by Maleficent. When she  pricks herself on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday, she is put into a deep sleep for 100 years. Who can save her?

Bedtime Story for Kids: The Gift of the Magi, A Christmas Story. Della and Jim wish to give each other the perfect Christmas present, but how will they come up with the money?

A Bedtime Story of Friendship, Courage and Acceptance. . The story tells of the time Pocahontas saved the life of settler John Smith from her father, Powhatan.

A Cinderella Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

The Classic fairytale of Cinderella: a young girl, mistreated by her step-mother and step-sisters, who finds out that dreams really can come true.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

The Classic Fairytale Story of Snow White with a Modern Twist: Who is the “fair”est of them all? Snow White of course!

Pinocchio Story ~ Fairy Tale Bedtime Stories in English for Kids

A Bedtime Story of Honesty, Courage and Truth.  If Pinocchio is to become a Real boy he needs to learn how to be honest, brave and true.

Beauty and the Beast Classic Tale ~ Fairy Tale Stories for Kids

The classic fairy tale of a beautiful woman and the monstrous beast.

Rumpelstiltskin ~ A Fairy Tale Bedtime Story for Kids

A Grimm’s Brother Tale: A miller tells a tale that his daughter can turn straw into gold. A strange little man is willing to help…for a price. Guess his name and he will be gone…but what is his name?

Goldilocks and the Three Bears ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

Goldilocks and the Three Bears ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids. Goldilocks finds the three bears cottage in the woods. Should she make herself comfortable?

Hansel and Gretel ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

Hansel and Gretel Bedtime Stories for Kids. When Hansel and Gretel go in search of food, they find a gingerbread house. But who is inside?

Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm ~ Bedtime Stories

A Story of Friendship, Love and Courage. Rapunzel’s Story ~ A Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale. An evil witch has trapped Rapunzel in a tower. Can her long hair or love save her?

The Sword in the Stone: a King Arthur Legend of the Sword Story

A Story of Courage, Justice and Self-Awareness.  Merlin the Magician places a magic sword in a stone…whomever can pull it out is the rightful king.

The Ugly Duckling Story ~ Fairy Tale Story for Kids in English

A Bedtime Story of Acceptance and Self-Awareness. A Mama Duck is proud when her six ducklings hatch from their eggs. But one duckling does not look like the others? Is he truly an Ugly Duckling?

The Frog Prince: The Story of the Princess and the Frog ~ Bedtime Stories

The classic Brother’s Grimm fairytale that sparked the Disney adaptation.

The Little Mermaid Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids in English

A Story of Courage, Learning and Love. The Classic fairy tale: The Little Mermaid falls in love with a prince on shore and she makes a deal with the Sea Witch to become human. But without her voice, how can the prince fall in love with her?

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from The Arabian Nights ~ Bedtime Stories

This Classic Folktale is adapted from the original story of “Aladdin” from The Arabian Nights. Aladdin, the Genie and the Magic Lamp work to impress the princess who wishes to be a commoner.

Bambi Story: A Life in the Woods ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids in English

A Story of Courage, Kindness to Animals and Learning.  The Classic Tale of a male deer, Bambi, his mother and his adventures learning in the woods.

Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow Story ~ Legend Stories for Kids

A Story of Charity, Compassion and Justice, from England. Robin Hood takes part in an archery contest thrown by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Will he realize its a trap before it is too late? One of the many Tales of Robin Hood.

Maui from Moana: Tales of the Demi-God ~ Legend Stories for Kids

This is the Legend Tale of Maui the Demi-God from Moana. It is part of our Classic Bedtime Stories for Kids Collection. It has been adapted from the Tales of Maui as well as Disney’s version of Moana.

The Velveteen Rabbit Story ~ Bedtime English Story for Kids

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. A toy rabbit learns that through a child’s love it can become real.

The Snow Queen Fairy Tale Story ~Bedtime Story for Kids

The Classic Tale of the Snow Queen: Gerda and Kai struggle to fight the Snow Queen and find the balance between Good and Evil.

Sleeping Beauty Fairy Tale Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

The Classic Fairy Tale of Sleeping Beauty. Princess Aurora has been cursed by Maleficent. When she  pricks herself on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday, she is put into a deep sleep for 100 years. Who can save her?

The Gift of the Magi Story ~ A Holiday Story for Kids

Bedtime Story for Kids: The Gift of the Magi, A Christmas Story. Della and Jim wish to give each other the perfect Christmas present, but how will they come up with the money?

Pocahontas and John Smith Story ~ Folktales Stories for Kids

A Bedtime Story of Friendship, Courage and Acceptance. . The story tells of the time Pocahontas saved the life of settler John Smith from her father, Powhatan.

The Emperor’s New Clothes Story ~ Bedtime Stories

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. The Emperor is fooled into believing he is wearing magic clothes which can’t be “seen”.

Mulan Story ~ Tale of Hua Mulan Bedtime Stories | English Story for Kids

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. Based on the “Ballad of Mulan” and Disney’s Mulan, this is a legend tale about a girl who goes in disguise as a boy and joins the army in her brother’s place.

Short Stories for Kids ~ Folk tales, Fairy Tales, Riddles, Legends, Poems

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More From Stories to Grow By

You will find a story you love. Did you know that Stories to Grow By also provides a collection of World Tales? Folktales, fairytales, fables, and more! Whether you are looking for a story from your own country or culture, or a want to learn about a new one! We have you covered. Check out our special collection of world tales by clicking HERE.

We are strive to provide more. If you would like to see additional stories, content, and materials, or maybe even have some of your own you would like to share - drop us a line! Contact us directly by clicking HERE.

Join our blog by clicking HERE.

Teaching Resources from Stories to Grow By

In addition to our bedtime stories, we also offer a multitude teaching resources! This includes over 100 free bedtime stories, fairy tales, folk tales, readers theater play scripts, and performance notes!

You will find the bedtime stories and the materials you need for your classroom with Stories to Grow By.

21 Best Bedtime Books for Kids (2023 Picks)

Having a variety of books will help your child expand their horizons and save your sanity, as it (hopefully) means you won’t have to reread that same book you can’t stand hundreds of nights in a row!

We gathered input from our team of moms and experienced writers and editors. We combined our decades of nightly read-aloud experience to learn which books are appealing to each age range and which are likely to be tossed aside (or to drive you nuts while reading). We’ve shared our kids’ favorite bedtime books and polled the masses to discover some new titles.

We’ll discuss our tips for finding age-appropriate books and provide reviews of the best bedtime books for kids of all ages. These books are thought-provoking, imaginative, and enjoyable for kids and parents, and most include beautiful, engaging illustrations.

Read on for better bedtime reading!

Table of Contents

• The Best Kids Bedtime Books of 2023
• Bedtime Reading by Age
• Nighty Night

The Best Kids Bedtime Books of 2023

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, suitable for 1-year-olds and up, you can present comics to your child.

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. It’s a favorite for kids who are fans of Batman and will get them excited about doing their bedtime routine.

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 set includes a 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.

Have your child press the appropriate buttons on the flashlight, helping them follow along while you read. They’ll also love holding the flashlight and shining it on the firefly in the book. They’ll discover which bugs are hiding in the shadows, keeping even the busiest kids entertained during storytime.

This is a fun book to read in the dark as the flashlight adds an extra element of adventure.

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.

For 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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Pajama library - Good night, wind!

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Author: Linda Elovitz Marshall

Artist: Moel Dolivee

Translator: Vera Proprokova

4.94 (137)

Reviews (39)

Book 01

years old 9000

Publisher: Knizhniki

Tags: nature

The author of the original Yiddish story, on which the fairy tale "Good night, wind" is based, is the poet and teacher Moishe Kulbak, whose life was tragically cut short in Minsk at 1937

The Hebrew word "ruach" means "wind" and "spirit" at the same time. In his poem, the author animated the wind, endowing it with human emotions and experiences: fatigue, anger, compassion and even a smile.

Kulbak dedicated this story to the children of the Jewish orphanage in Kovno, where he taught.

Perhaps Kullback invented the tale of the grumbling wind to show his young readers, faced with difficult life circumstances, how to keep their ruach - their spirit - and, even when it seems to you that you are alone, find friends.

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