32 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Toddlers, and Babies

 Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

This classic children’s literature is beloved by generations of readers and listeners. The quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. This is one of the most popular bedtime stories for babies ever written.

Why We Love This Book: Soothing, repetitive phrases guide children to sleep.
Appropriate for ages 0-4
Find this book in Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / 2-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books/ Bunny Books

Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang

I love this counting-in-reverse story that starts with 10 toes and ends with a child tucked in for bed. The story features a Black father and baby which is sadly a rare site in books for 3-year-olds.

This award winner has been a classic bedtime story for more than thirty years!

Llama Llama, Night Night by Sandra Boyton

Lots of people know Llama Llama Red Pajama, but it’s a little advanced for babies. This board book bedtime story is much more appropriate and the perfect way to introduce the book series to your baby.

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth

This charming bedtime story is perfect for our list of books for infants. It’s all about a mama bear explaining how much she loves her baby all throughout the day, before tucking her child in for bed. It’s a modern classic.

Goodnight Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker

Little kids love construction vehicles. Is there a better way to start bedtime than a rhyming contraction book? I think not. This delightful bedtime story for 2-year-olds is the first in a series.

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

We read this book until it fell apart (which for a board book is difficult to do).  The story makes no sense but that is part of the reason that we love it so much. If you are looking for hilarious bedtime stories for toddlers, Sandra Boyton has a few picks perfect for you, like Pajama Time.

Why We Love This Book: Boynton’s books are filled with humor, bright colorful pictures, and wonderful rhymes. 
Appropriate for ages 0-4
Find this book in Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / 2-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books

Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker

I absolutely adore this bedtime story. This is the perfect book for a 4-year-old train lover! It’s all about a train, run by animals as they prepare to go to sleep for the night. The pictures are warm and dream-like and the story is just magical.

The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan

At some point in any parent’s life, their child will try to convince them that they NEED to sleep in mom & dad’s bed. This hysterical story takes it a step further as the child attempts to kick daddy out of bed…permanently. Everyone in my family loved this story and it’s a frequent bedtime request. Bunmi Laditan is the author behind the famed Honest Toddler account. 

Goodnight, Football by Michael Dahl

Have a kid who is too geared up after the big game? Try reading them this bedtime book about football. With rhyming text and lovely illustrations, this bedtime story is a win for any football fan. And if you love football, check out 7 Football Books for Kids in Time for the Big Game.

I Love You, Stink Face by Lisa McCord

This grossly-cute board book is a lovely bedtime story for the little monster in your life. This story is all about a mother’s love.

Whether the baby is an alligator, a swamp creature, a one-eyed monster, or an alien, the mother in this tale shows a way to love her child!

Time for Bed by Mem Fox

Rhyming, animals, and the sweet words in this book make it the perfect companion before bed. I loved setting up a routine that let my kids know bedtime was coming.

We would bathe, put on lotion, and snuggle up to read a story. I made sure that my voice was quiet and soothing. Even if you have a new baby, incorporating a book into your nightly routine is a wonderful way to end the day.

Why We Love This Book: Rhyming for language development and lovely illustrations of animals make this a perfect going-to-bed book to include in the first books for babies.

Appropriate for ages 0-3
Find this book in Bedtime Books / Classic Books for Kids / 2-year-old Books / First Year Reading Tips / Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books

How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen

This hysterical tale is one for kids who struggle with going to bed. In the story, the dinosaurs showcase bad behaviors before showing the correct way to go to bed.

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

This book is hilarious and a favorite in our house to this day.  The sweet animals and the completely clueless zookeeper are laugh-out-loud funny.  One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo” which says something about how amusing this book is.

Why We Love This Book: This wordless picture book is perfect for making up new stories. It’s a creative excercise in storytelling that will delight over and over.
Appropriate for ages 1-3
Find this book in zoo books, bedtime stories for kids, best books for 1-year-olds, wordless picture books

If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul

This is an adorable bedtime story for babies. Even though your little one may not understand all the words, the adorable pictures of animals kissing good night are too cute and your baby will love the sounds of your voice as well as the rhymes.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late by Mo Willems

This is a hilarious bedtime story and one of the read-aloud books that you will not mind reading over and over. Pigeon does not want to go to sleep and finds very creative ways to avoid bedtime.

You and your child will love reading this book together.

Mortimer by Robert Munch

This is one of the bedtime stories for kids that I actually read when I was younger. It is definitely a classic that has withstood the test of time.

As a kid, I thought this was hilarious, as a parent, I can relate all too well! Mortimer does not want to go to bed and makes sure everyone knows!

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls

This book is filled with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women throughout history. This is one of the read-aloud books that you might not want to put down.

And, as your rebel girl gets older, these are the perfect bedtime stories for her to read on her own.

5 Minute Sleepy Time Stories: 4 Stories in 1 by Disney Books

This book has adorable and quick bedtime stories that your child will love. Filled with your favorite Disney characters, these sweet read-aloud stories are sure to melt your heart.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter’s Tales of Peter Rabbit are some of the most beloved stories in children’s literature. Her fantastic illustrations and Peter’s engrossing escapades have stood the test of time.

I was so pleased when I learned there would be a movie adaptation of the series. This book should be on every kid’s bookshelf! And don’t forget to watch the Netflix book adaptation!

Nursery Rhyme Time: A Collection of Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes by Mother Goose

A post about the best bedtime stories for toddlers and kids would not be complete without nursery rhymes by Mother Goose. These wonderful and nonsensical rhymes and short and sweet.

This collection is the perfect read-aloud book for your nighttime routine.

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling

I adore this story about a little boy who gets the magical power to turn everything he touches into chocolate. This twist on the Midas Touch is adorable and the thought of turning parents into chocolate had my kids rolling with laughter. This is one of our favorite read-aloud books

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo

My youngest son’s favorite early reader series revolved around a pig named Mercy Watson. We have every book about this charming pig being raised as a child in the Watson home.

There is also a spin-off series about her neighbors on Deckawoo Drive. These are the perfect books for a 6-year-old and perfect for a list of read-aloud books as well!

Why we love this book: We love Kate DiCamillo and the wonderful messages in her books but we cannot overlook the wonderful drawings my Chris Van Dusen!

Howliday Inn by James Howe

Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can really be read as a stand-alone. Chester and Harold are being boarded while their family is on vacation, but they are convinced they are staying in a haunted hotel!

I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. This Halloween chapter book stands the test of time.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With its creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween.

Charlie is thrilled when he gets a golden ticket to see inside Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory, but this is no ordinary candy factory. The machines and recipes behind the walls of the factory are what dreams are made of. This is a wonderful read-aloud book.

Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for an 8-Year-Old / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Kids Food Books

The Wayside School Collection by Louis Sacher

Louis Sachar’s hysterical collection of stories about the students of Wayside School is a true must-read for students and a perfect read-aloud book.

The wacky tales and backward ways of the students and teachers at Wayside will have your child in a fit of giggles.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B White

This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship.  When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, Charlotte befriends him and ultimately saves his life a second time.

This is such a heartwarming story. I try to read it without crying. Not only is this one of the great family audiobooks for road trips (it’s a perfect read-aloud book as well), but it is a bedtime story with a beautiful message.

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Styles Barnett

I love this book. It was my kid’s first fantasy chapter book. This is a wonderful book with a wonderful message as well and a perfect read-aloud bedtime story.

It is such a great story and continues with two more books after. Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland complete this trilogy.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K Rowling

I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published. 

This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio.  We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?

Why We Love This Book: In our opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents.
Appropriate for ages 9-13
Find this book in Books like Harry Potter / Books Like Percy Jackson / 21 Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Harry Potter Books in Order / Best Audiobooks for Kids

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

Mr. Lemoncello’s library is one of a kind. It’s full of holograms, logic puzzles, and hidden games. To officially open the new library, a few lucky kids get to spend the night inside as they try to win Mr. Lemoncello’s game and be the first team to escape.

Why We Love This Book: If you are looking for great bedtime stories for kids, this series will hit the mark. It will get your kids engaged with one-of-a-kid puzzles and delightful twists and turns.
Appropriate for ages 9-11
Find this book in Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 11-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Best Puzzle Books

The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer

While this story is about the land of fairy tales, think Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, it has the element of magic and wonder that Harry Potter fans will love.  

Alex and Connor’s grandmother gives them the family book of fairy tales.  Before they understand what is happening, they find themselves transported into the book.  They set off on an adventure to get back home. We absolutely love this book and think it is one of the great read-aloud books for kids.

When it comes to books for Percy Jackson fans, this series is top of our list!

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

If the changing staircases, room of requirement, and secrets passages are your child’s favorite parts about Hogwarts, this is the series for them!

Princess Celie lives in an ever-changing castle that adds new rooms every Tuesday. She eagerly maps out each new addition that might just end up saving her family when danger heads to their home. This is one of the read-aloud books for kids that I read to my kids. We both loved it and it was a wonderful pick from bedtime stories for kids.

Wonder by R.J Palacio

A must-read realistic fiction story for kids in middle school, this is an amazing book about embracing differences, kindness, and being yourself.  However, this would also be a wonderful read-aloud book for a younger audience. CW: This is one of the books that will make you cry.

August Pullman is a boy with an extraordinary facial difference.  He has been homeschooled his entire life and is starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep.  This book for 11-year-olds is amazing and has a lesson about love and acceptance that everyone needs to read.

Holes by Louis Sachar

A great middle grade book about camp (and yet another that was adapted into a movie!) Holes should be on every child’s list. And, if you are looking for bedtime stories for kids, this is a great read-aloud for a younger child that cannot read this themselves.

When a boy under a curse is sent to a detention camp he’s taught to behave by digging holes all day, every day.  It doesn’t take long for him to realize he’s digging for a reason – but what are the camp wardens looking to find?

I love this pick from our mystery books for tweens, it is one that be can enjoyed by adults as well.