13 of the Best Children’s Books for Bedtime
It is no secret that our little ones love to hear a story, especially a bedtime story. In fact, they may want several, and then a drink of water and a few hugs and kisses, then another story and more hugs and kisses! Reading a bedtime story each night is one of the sweetest traditions to have with your children. Truly, there is no better way to say goodnight than by spending that snuggle time together! It ends the day in a positive and loving way and helps them relax as they get ready to drift off to sleep. It is a special time that will build lifelong memories for everyone.
Some Sweet Bedtime Books
There are so many children’s books that are just for bedtime. These are some of our favorites. Perhaps you will find a new favorite. Here’s a little tip for you. Before you purchase a book for the children in your life look it up on Youtube and watch it being read. This often helps me decide whether a book is one I think my grandchildren will enjoy.
Note: The links to the books are provided for your convenience and are also affiliate links. That means, if you purchase one of these books through the link, What A Good Day will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The opinions are my own. We appreciate your support!
"Read a story to me, please!"
Goodnight, Gorilla: (Peggy Rathmann, 1994) This book is simple but little children up to around 3 years old will love it. A zookeeper makes his rounds to say goodnight to the animals. All the while, Gorilla has taken his key and is letting the animals out of their cages. They follow the zookeeper, without his knowing, back to his bedroom where they all lie down and he falls asleep, but that is not the end of the story. Children will love naming the animals and “reading” along with you as you read this book.
Goodnight, Moon: (Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd, 1947) This is a classic goodnight book. Children from 2 to 5 years of age will love its simple rhyming text. They will also love trying to find the little mouse hiding in the pictures of the “great green room”. Sure to be a favorite, this one is a must have for your bedtime story collection.
The Going To Bed Book: (Sandra Boynton, 1982) for children up to 5 years of age. This book was my oldest grandson’s most favorite bedtime story for years! He loved the rhyme and the pictures. Some funny animals on a boat go through a getting ready for bed routine. It’s a good book to help little ones follow through with their own bedtime routine and then relax so that they can drift off to sleep.
Goodnight, Little One: (Margaret Wise Brown, 2012) For children up to 5 years of age. This sweet book is repetitive, which children love, as it tells some baby animals and a little child to “close your eyes.” Little children will love telling each animal in the book goodnight as you read through it. It’s one you will not mind reading over and over!
Goodnight, Darth Vader: (Jeffrey Brown, 2014) For children ages 4 to 8. If you are a Star Wars fan, this one is for you. Darth Vader reads a bedtime story to his rowdy little twins, Luke and Leia. His story, told mostly in rhyme, tells about many of the Star Wars characters going to bed. There is a good video of this book on Youtube that has sound effects that you and your kids might enjoy.
Disney Princess My First Bedtime Storybook: (Disney Press, 2019) For children ages 2 to 6. This book is one of a series of bedtime story books from Disney Press. It is a collection of shortened versions of Disney Princess stories. Of course, each one ends with a “happily ever after.” If your little one is a Disney Princess fan this is a great bedtime storybook for them.
Bedtime Baby: (Tiger Tales, 2018) For children up to 3 years old. This book is sure to be a favorite for very young children. It has touch and feel textures throughout as the animal characters follow their routines getting ready for bed. You will find it is the perfect bedtime story for babies and toddlers.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Other Favorite Bedtime Rhymes: (Tiger Tales, 2006) For children up to 5 years of age. You will find this book to be a sweet selection of bedtime nursery rhymes and lullabies. Most will probably be very familiar to you. The illustrations are simple and colorful. It is a board book so it will hold up well also.
Goodnight, Owl: (Greg Pizzoli, 2016) For ages 4-8 years old. This book is about an owl who hears a noise all throughout his home. The noise is coming from a little mouse that is “hiding” on many of the pages. Kids will love finding the mouse as they read through the book. Owl goes to extremes to find the noise so as you read it is a good opportunity for a discussion on how to handle frustration.
The Goodnight Train: (June Sobel, 2012) For children up to 3 years old. Get on board the Goodnight Train! This is the perfect bedtime story for your little train enthusiast. The story’s rhythmic verse is very soothing. Little ones will love all the sights to see as the Goodnight Train rolls on to bedtime.
Night-Night Georgia: (Katherine Sully, 2016) For children up to 4 years old. Say goodnight to places all over the state of Georgia, such as, the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Sanford Stadium, and more! This author has written books like this one for each state and some cities. Kids can enjoy a bedtime story and learn some facts about their state.
Goodnight, Little Sea Otter: (Janet Halfmann, 2010) For children 4 to 6 years of age. Little Sea Otter and her mother travel through the ocean to say goodnight to all the neighboring sea creatures. Beautiful illustrations and a sweet story make this book a very special one.
Sleep Tight, Sleepy Bears: (Margaret Wise Brown, 2019) For children 3 to 5 years of age. A sleepy big bear and a sleepy little bear go through a routine getting ready for bed in this sweet bedtime story. The little bear follows the big bear at every step. It has a repetitive sequence and calming words that little ones will find enjoyable and relaxing.
Goodnight, sleep tight!
So, make reading a bedtime story a part of your nightly routine! Whatever book you and the little ones in your life choose for a bedtime story it is a most perfect way to say goodnight. There are many bedtime books available and it is good to have a variety at home to choose from. You never know when one will become a favorite and will create lifelong memories for the listener and for the reader. I wish you all many happy bedtimes!
Have a good day (or night)!
Karen
Note: Content from Karen @whatagoodday.com. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. I’m happy for you to share my post, but please link back to this post. Thank you!
Here are some other posts that you might want to check out about books or activities for children that will be enjoyable and build sweet memories.
5 Comments