Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Toddlers, and Babies
Reading to your children before bed is an amazing way to create a bedtime routine, bond with your child, and help them improve their language skills. I wanted to make a list of the best bedtime stories for kids, toddlers, and babies.
Kirsten and I picked a few of our favorite books that you will not mind reading on repeat. Each of these bedtime stories is cute, funny, and has a little something extra to make it special. Be sure to check out the list of read-aloud books for kids as well. Just because your child has outgrown picture books, doesn’t mean that bedtime stories have to be done as well.
All the books on this list are specifically about going to bed and make a fantastic part of the bedtime routine. Bedtime stories have come such a long way since fairytales like Goldilocks, The Three Little Pigs, The Three Bears, and Little Red Riding Hood.
The Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Toddlers, and Babies
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best bedtime Book for Babies
Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown – Jump to Section
Best Bedtime Book for Toddlers
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton – Jump to Section
Best Bedtime Book About Love
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney- Jump to Section
Best Animal Bedtime Book
Time for Bed by Jane Dyer- Jump to Section
Best Bedtime Story Picture Book
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late by Mo Willems – Jump to Section
Best Bedtime Anthology
Tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Bedtime Stories for Babies
Goodnight Moon
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator: Clement Hurd
Year: 1947
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 4
More info: Over the Moon #2
Plot
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 Kirsten loves it
The soothing, repetitive phrases in this book guide children to sleep. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t read this book at least once in their life. It’s a classic that will always stand the test of time.
Find this book in: Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books / Bunny Books
Ten, Nine, Eight
Author: Molly Bang
Illustrator: Molly Bang
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
I love this counting-in-reverse story that starts with 10 toes and ends with a child tucked in for bed. This award winner has been a classic bedtime story for more than thirty years! The story features a Black father and baby which is sadly a rare site in baby books.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m convinced this story is the reason my son is obsessed with math. The rhythmic counting is soothing and, with the calming illustrations, the perfect story for lulling your child to sleep.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for a 1-Year-Old / Bedtime Books
Llama Llama, Night Night
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2012
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 3
More info:
Plot
This sweet board book focuses on Llama Llama’s bedtime routine, including snuggles with mama, tub time, and putting on his famous red pajamas.
Why Kirsten loves it
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.
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds / Bedtime Books / Llama Llama Books
Bedtime Stories for Toddlers
The Going to Bed Book
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 1982
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
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 Kirsten loves it
Boynton’s books are filled with humor, bright colorful pictures, and wonderful rhymes. I read this book every night to my boys and I can still recite it from memory. It’s a forever favorite.
Find this book in: Best Board Books / 2-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
Author: Sherry Dusky Rinker
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 7
More info: Part of the Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site series
Plot
Little kids love construction vehicles. The giant, funky looking machinery never fails to capture their attention. So obviously, there isn’t a better way to start bedtime than with a rhyming construction book about the giants machines going to bed after a long day at work.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve read this so many times I can still hear myself whisper-reading “Down on the big construction site, the tough trucks work with all their might…” This is one of my favorite books series to gift to new parents! It’s a modern classic.
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Rhyming Books
Steam Train, Dream Train
Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Steam Train, Dream Train #1
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
I absolutely adore this bedtime story. There is so much to look at on every page, and the way it zooms out to be a train in a child’s nighttime room is wonderfully imaginative.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
Everyone in my family loved this story and it’s a frequent bedtime request. It’s a silly tale perfect for bedtime. Bunmi Laditan is the author behind the famed Honest Toddler account.
Find this book in: Best Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Gender Neutral Baby Books
Mitchell’s License
Author: Hallie Durand
Illustrator: Tony Fucile
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
Mitchell drives his daddy like a car to bed every night. Mitchell steers his daddy around the house by tugging on dad’s ears, and he’s a real driving pro.
But one night, Mitchell tries to take a detour to get some “fuel”….at the cookie jar. That’s when the car goes into auto-pilot.
Why Kirsten loves it
I LOVE this story for bedtime with my little guys and I love this for a list of baby boy books. It’s clever and cute and Mitchell’s license photo is adorable. I gave my kids my old licenses to play with after reading this story with them.
Find this book in: Books for a Baby Boys Library / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Author: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2012
Genre: Bedtime Books
Age: 1-3
More info: Book 1 of Llama Llama Series
Plot
As the original book in the Lama Llama series, Llama Llama Red Pajama has a special place in our hearts. It’s the story that introduced us to our pal and his amazing Mama Llama.
In this one, Llama Llama is having trouble falling asleep – something every child can relate to, but his behavior has Mama maintaining a firm but loving routine to help Llama.
Why Jackie loves it
Every child has trouble with bedtime at some point. This sweet book helps kids realize they are not alone. As an added bonus, the book is written in rhyme.
Find this book in: Bedtime Books for Kids / Best Animal Books for Kids / Rhyming Books
Goodnight Football
Author: Michael Dahl
Illustrator: Christina E. Forshay
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Have a kid who is too geared up after the big game? Try reading them this bedtime book about football.
Why Jackie loves it
With rhyming text and lovely illustrations, this bedtime story is a win for any football fan.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Bedtime Stories / Football Books for Kids
Bedtime Stories About Love
Guess How Much I Love You
Author: Sam McBratney
Illustrator: Anita Jeram
Year: 2008
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 5
Plot
I love that this book is about a father and his son. The baby bunny is talking about how much he loves his dad who tells the baby bunny how much he loves him in return. “I love you to the moon and back”. Truer words are hard to find. I cannot think of a more perfect Father’s Day picture book.
Why Jackie loves it
This book coined one of my favorite lines from a book ever “I love you to the moon and back.”
Find this book in: Father’s Day Picture Books / Bedtime Books / Books for a 1-year-old / Rabbit Books for Babies
I Love You, Stink Face
Author: Lisa McCord
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Year: 2003
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Stinky Face series
Plot
his 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!
Why Jackie loves it
This grossly-cute board book is a lovely bedtime story for the little monster in your life.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Bedtime Stories / Monster Books for Kids
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.
Bedtime Stories About Animals
Plot
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 Jackie loves it
The rhyming for language development and lovely illustrations of animals make this a perfect going-to-bed book for babies.
Find this book in: Bedtime Books / Classic Books for Kids / First Year Reading Tips / Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Animal Books for Kids
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Year: 2000
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 3
More info: Part of How Do Dinosaurs?
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is perfect for bedtime, especially for dinosaur lovers. If you aren’t familar with this series, they tackle numerous tricky parenting lessons. If your child likes one of them, they will like them all!
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Good Night, Gorilla
Author: Peggy Rathmann
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
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 Jackie loves it
This wordless picture book is perfect for making up new stories. It’s a creative exercise in storytelling that will delight over and over.
Find this book in: Zoo Books / Bedtime Stories for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-Olds / Wordless Picture Books / Animal Children’s 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.
Bedtime Stories for Kids
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2006
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the Pigeon series
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
You and your child will love reading this book together. Wo Millems wrote the perfect book for a reluctant sleeper!
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Mortimer
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Year: 1983
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
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!
Why Jackie loves it
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.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Bedtime Story Anthologies
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Author: Beatrix Potter
Illustrator: Beatrix Potter
Year: 1901
Genre: Classic Short Story Collection
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
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!
Why Jackie loves it
It is a classic that withstands the test of time. There is nothing cuter than talking animals and the illustrations are beautiful and so realistic.
Find this book in: Best Rabbit Books / Best Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Author: Francesca Cavallo, Elena Favilli
Year: 2016
Genre: Children’s Short Story Collection
Age: 4+
More info: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls #1
Plot
This book is filled with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women throughout history.
Why Jackie loves it
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.
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 5-year-olds
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.
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.
Expert Tip
Reading bedtime stories is such an important part of any nighttime routine. Not only does it create a quiet time for togetherness, but it is a great opportunity for language development. These are some things to consider when choosing a bedtime story.
- Choose a book that you like
- You can read the same book often. It helps create a routine
- Consider your child’s age and choose a book accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bedtime stories important?
There are so many reasons that bedtime stories are important- I could go on forever but, I will try to keep the answer short and sweet.
1. Reading to your child at bedtime creates a wonderful opportunity to create a bedtime routine.
2. Sitting quietly with your child and reading is such a perfect way to end a busy day.
3. Reading aloud is the perfect way to help improve your child’s language abilities.
What is the Best Bedtime Story Ever?
The number one bestselling bedtime story is Goodnight Moon. Is this the best bedtime story ever? That is so hard to say. We love every book on this list and we hope you do too.
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Epilogue:
What are your favorite bedtime stories for kids?
