Bedtime stories for children
Slow, soothing stories that help little ones wind down, and a simple routine to make bedtime the best part of the day.
A bedtime story does a lot of jobs at once. It marks the end of the day, gives children your undivided attention, and helps their bodies and minds slow down. For many families, it is the best five minutes of the day.
The best bedtime books have calm rhythms, soft pictures and a sense of closing down, with characters who say goodnight, tuck in and drift off.
What makes a good bedtime book
- A slow, steady rhythm that you can read in a quiet voice.
- Gentle illustrations, with soft colours and uncluttered pages.
- A reassuring story, in which worries are resolved and everyone is safe.
- A satisfying ending, ideally with sleepy characters.
Save the loud, silly or exciting books for earlier in the day.
Eight books to wind down with
Goodnight Moon
By Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
A little rabbit says goodnight to everything in the room, one item at a time. It has a hypnotic, lullaby rhythm.
Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear?
By Martin Waddell, illustrated by Barbara Firth
Little Bear is afraid of the dark, and Big Bear brings lanterns of every size. The story ends with a sky full of stars, the biggest light of all. Waddell is from Northern Ireland.
Guess How Much I Love You
By Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
A tender game of “I love you more” between a big hare and a little one, ending with the little hare falling asleep. McBratney is from Northern Ireland.
Time for Bed
By Mem Fox, illustrated by Jane Dyer
Animal parents and babies prepare for sleep in a soothing, rhyming refrain. It is a lovely read for toddlers.
The Going to Bed Book
By Sandra Boynton
A boat full of animals scrub up, put on pyjamas and get ready for bed. A cheerful way to establish a routine.
Goodnight Gorilla
By Peggy Rathmann
A zookeeper says goodnight to the animals, who follow him home. Almost wordless, funny and a big hit with children who spot the jokes in the pictures.
Llama Llama Red Pajama
By Anna Dewdney
Baby Llama feels lonely at bedtime and calls out for Mama. A good choice for children who find going to sleep hard.
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark
By Jill Tomlinson
Plop, a baby barn owl, learns to love the night. A gentle chapter book that works well over several evenings.
A simple bedtime reading routine
- Start at the same time each night. Children thrive on predictability.
- Turn down the lights and the noise. Switch off screens at least half an hour before.
- Pick the book together. Offer two choices, so it does not become a negotiation.
- Keep the voice low and slow. Even if your child is wide awake, a calm voice helps.
- End with a closing ritual. A kiss, a phrase or a song tells your child it is time to sleep.
Try this: Let your child choose a favourite page to end on. It gives them a sense of control and makes the transition to sleep easier.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to read the same bedtime book every night?
Yes. Familiar stories are comforting, and children often find them easier to settle with. You can add a second, new book if you like.
How long should a bedtime story be?
Aim for five to fifteen minutes. For babies and toddlers, one short book is plenty. For older children, a chapter of a longer book works well.
What if my child wants “just one more”?
Agree the number of books before you start, such as two, and stick to it kindly. Children accept limits more easily when they know them in advance.
Can I use audiobooks at bedtime?
Yes. Many children enjoy listening to stories as they fall asleep. For young children, reading together is still ideal, because it includes the closeness of reading with a parent.