32 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. These are the best bedtime stories for kids, toddlers, and babies.
We 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 them 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.
*Bedtime stories for kids Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Bedtime Stories for Babies // Bedtime Stories for Toddlers // Bedtime Stories for Kids // Best Read-Aloud // Read-Aloud Books Older Kids
Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Toddlers, and Babies
Bedtime stories have come such a long way since fairytales like Goldilocks, Three Little pigs, and The Three Bears and little red riding hood.
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. Read aloud books are the perfect way to help improve your child’s language abilities.
Best 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
Best Bedtime Stories for Toddlers
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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 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!
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? 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 exercise 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 / 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.
Best Bedtime Stories for Kids
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.
Bedtime Story Anthologies
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!
Why I Like This Book: This is a classic that withstands the test of time. There is nothing cuter than talking animals and the illustrations are beautiful and so realistic.
Appropriate for ages: 3-7
Find This Book In: Books about Rabbits / Best Animal Books
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.
Chapter Books for Younger Kids: Best Read Aloud Bedtime Stories
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
Author: James Howe
Illustrator: Â Lynn Munsinger
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 10
More info: Bunnicula #2
Plot
Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can 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!
Why Kirsten loves it
I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. I recently read it aloud again with my children and they had the exact same reaction I did! You will be busting at the seams with laughter. I highly recommend this one as a bedtime read-aloud during Halloween.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Bedtime Stories
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Year: 1964
Genre: Middle Grade Classic
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Charlie Bucket #1
Plot
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. Step into the wonderful world of Willy Wonka and you’ll never be the same again.
Trigger Warnings
Fatphobia
Why Kirsten loves it
This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With its creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween. I’ve loved this story for a long time, but I don’t love the author. Please be advised that he is a known for incredibly problematic comments about women, Jews, and minority groups.
Find this book in: Best Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for an 8-Year-Old / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Kids Food Books / Books about Candy
The Wayside School Collection
Author: Louis Sacher
Year: 1998
Genre:Middle Grade Short Stories
More info: Book 1 of 4 of Wayside School
Age Range: 8+
Plot
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. Each chapter is about a different student in the school, so they can be read as individual short stories, making them perfect for bedtime reading.
This is the first in a collection of stories about Wayside School. While I recommend you start with this one, each book in the series is just as funny!
Why Kirsten loves it
Not all books from my childhood stand the test of time, but I enjoyed this story even more when I read it to my children. Hearing them giggle through the stories had me smiling. It certainly made for an entertaining bedtime tale.
Find this book in: Short Stories / Bedtime Stories for Kids / Best Books for 10-Year-Olds / Family Audiobooks / School Books
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.
Chapter Books for Older Kids: Best Read Aloud Bedtime Stories
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #1 of 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
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?
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my 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 and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Harry Potter Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Magic School Books / Jackie’s Favorite Books / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Books to Read Aloud
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
Author: Chris Grabenstein
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #1,
Plot
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 Kirsten loves it
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.
Find this book in: Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 10-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Best Puzzle Books
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
Author: Chris Colfer
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Land of Stories #1
Plot
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.Â
Why Kirsten loves it
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 KOTLC fans will love. I loved reading this aloud to my boys when they were little.Â
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities
Tuesdays at the Castle
Author: Jessica Day George
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Tuesdays at the Castle #1
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
If the changing staircases, room of requirement, and secrets passages are your child’s favorite parts about Hogwarts, this is the series for them!
Find this book in: Books like KOTLC / Books like Harry Potter for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Bedtime Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds
Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Wonder #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This is a must-read story for middle schoolers. It is an amazing book about embracing differences, kindness, and being yourself. However, it would also be a wonderful read-aloud book for a younger audience.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Books that Will Make You Cry / Chapter Books to Read Aloud / Family Audiobooks / School Books
Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: National Book Award Winner, Newbery Medal Winner, Holes #1
Plot
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?
Why Jackie loves it
Holes should be on every child’s list. It’s clever and will captivate the attention of any child. Read it and then watch the movie starring Shia LeBeouf.
Find this book in: Books About Camp / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Bedtime Stories for Kids / Ultimate List of Middle Grade Books / Newbery Award Winners
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.
