20 Best Children’s Bedtime Stories To Help Your Kids Sleep Well
Children are so lucky to have access to information and entertainment 24/7/365 on their phones, iPads, and computers. But all that screentime comes at a cost. Exposure to light (especially blue light from screens) greatly decreases the hormone melatonin and leads to restless sleep and potential health problems later in life. To help your little ones (and yourself) sleep better, it is recommended that all screens get switched off an hour before bed. But without access to their games or YouTube, how will you keep your kids out of trouble before bed? In this article we will share the 20 best children’s bedtime stories that will captivate them and help you build a stronger bond with your kids before they go off to sleep
20 Best Children’s Bedtime Stories To Help Your Kids Sleep Well
5 Best Children’s Bedtime Stories For Toddlers (1-3 Years Old)
At this age reading to your child is about building a bond and habit for you and your baby. The books are short, cute, and heavily illustrated with sweet animals and images to catch their attention. Rhyming also helps calm and lull your little one off to sleep as fast as possible.
"The Going-To-Bed Book”, by Sandra Boynton
This timeless bedtime story is the perfect book for your little ones as they wind down the day. In this bedtime book, a group of joyful and silly animals scrub in the tub, brush their teeth, and finally, rock off to sleep.
“Llama Llama Red Pajama”, by Anna Dewdney
Getting your little ones to bed can sometimes be a bit of a drama. Its no different for Llamas apparently. In this adorable novel, baby llama gets anxious after he is put to bed and his mama heads downstairs. What ensues will amuse your children and teach them a valuable lesson about not worrying about going to sleep alone.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, by Eric Carle
A classic story that we are all familiar with. A baby caterpillar emerges from his egg and east everything in sight but starts to feel sick. After eating a nice leaf he builds a cocoon and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. This book teaches kids counting (very helpful for making kids sleepy), self-control, and wellbeing.
“If Animals Kissed Good Night”, by Ann Whitford Paul
What if animals kissed good night like we do. How would they do it? Giraffes would stretch their necks high, Wolves would lick then howl, and Sloth and her baby would cuddle sooooo slow. A great way to teach your kids about different animals and build a love of nature.
“Snuggle Puppy!”, by Sandra Boynton
A precious story about a puppy singing his love for his parent with some wholesome rhyming and adorable illustrations. The perfect way to show your little pups how much you love them.
5 Best Children’s Bedtime Stories For Preschoolers and Kindergarteners (3-6 Years Old)
Between the ages of 3-6, reading really helps them improve their vocabulary and build a love/routine for reading which will help them in all aspects of learning later in life as well as helping them reduce screen time.
"Goodnight, Little Monster”, by Helen Ketteman
This article is all about books to get your little monster ready for bed. That means howling at the moon, scrubbing his scales, getting into his creepy PJs, and enjoying a nice snack before bed: worm juice and baked beetle bread. And, of course, Little Monster’s mother is nearby to tuck Little Monster into bed and turn on his night-light—because even little monsters can be afraid of the dark.
“The Snail and the Whale”, by Julia Donaldson
A sweet tale of two unlikely friends meeting and going on an adventure together. But during their travels the whale gets stuck and the snail has to try to rescue her new friend! This book teaches kids all about friendship despite differences and lending a helping hand to those in need. A really wholesome book that your little ones will love.
“Grumpy Monkey”, by Suzanne Lang
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
“Bedtime for Peppa”, by Scholastic (Author), Eone (Illustrator)
It is bedtime for Peppa and George, but the little piggies are not sleepy! They must take their bath, brush their teeth, and listen to a story before they can have sweet dreams.
“Disney Bedtime Favorites”, by Disney Books
At this age no doubt your kids are obsessed with Disney characters. What better way to get them ready for sleep than with 18 stories from their favoirite characters. With eighteen stories, gilded pages, and over 250 pieces of spot and full-page art, this storybook collection is a must-have for bedtime!
5 Best Children’s Bedtime Stories For Primary and Elementary Kids (6-11 Years Old)
Once your child has built the routine of reading before bed and has reached a certain level of reading, it's important to make sure you keep that passion fed by introducing them to deeper stories with characters and worlds they can feel invested in which will make them excited to pick up a book every day or read with you.
"Peter Pan”, by J. M. Barrie
Ever since Peter Pan first flew across London and into the bedroom of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling this perpetual youth has continued to captivate children of all ages. Your kids will love soaring with him and his friends to Neverland to meet Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and the “dark and sinister” Captain Hook.
“Roald Dahl Collection”, by Roald Dahl
We are all familiar with the classic tales of James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and, Matilda. Now help your kids enjoy the enchanting stories from Roald Dahl with this box set they will keep and cherish for years.
“Harry Potter Box Set”, by J.K Rowling
Harry Potter is a gift that keeps on giving. I remember when Harry Potter first started to become popular around the globe. My grade 4 teacher used to read the Philosopher’s Stone to us every day and for that hour, all 20+ of us hardly made a sound while we waited on our teacher’s every word to find out what would happen next to Harry and his friends. Even to this day, Harry Potter remains one of my favorite books and will always have a spot in our house. Reading Harry Potter to your child will not only help create an amazing shared experience together but create a lifelong Harry Potter fan.
“Chronicles of Narnia Box Set”, by C.S. Lewis
Another epic fantasy series that will keep your little ones on the edge of their seat and help promote creative dreams.
“The Last Bear”, by Hannah Gold
There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her.
But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear-shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn’t be there—who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home.
An excellent choice for readers in grades 3 to 7, this fierce celebration of friendship includes full-page black-and-white illustrations throughout, as well as information about the real Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears.
5 Best Children’s Bedtime Stories For Middle Schoolers (11-14+ Years Old)
The teenage years can be a challenging time. No doubt your kids will be stressed and busy with schooling and will be looking for an escape when they can. These books below will certainly provide them with a way to disconnect from the stress of school and other aspects of life so they can get lost in a different world before bed.
"Keeper of the Lost Cities Collection”, by Shannon Messenger
Ever since Peter Pan first flew across London and into the bedroom of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling this perpetual youth has continued to captivate children of all ages. Your kids will love soaring with him and his friends to Neverland to meet Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and the “dark and sinister” Captain Hook.
“The Hobbit & Lord Of The Rings”, by J. R. R. Tolkin
When they were first published, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings became instant classics. Treasured by readers young and old, these works of sweeping fantasy, steeped in unrivaled magic and otherworldliness. With unforgettable characters, catchy songs and even a new language to learn, this set will be a lifelong addition to your kid’s collection.
“Vampire Academy Box Set”, by Richelle Mead
Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth’s magic. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa’s best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever.
“The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection”, by James Dashner
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's welcomed to his new home, the Glade, by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out—and no one's ever made it through alive.
Join Thomas and the Gladers in all five books in the Maze Runner series as they uncover the secrets of the maze; discover WICKED, the shadowy organization who put them there; and fight to survive in a new and dangerous world.
“The Hunger Games Trilogy”, by Suzanne Collins
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
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