11 Bedtime Books for Kids

Bedtime Books for Kids

Soothing Stories That Spark Snuggles, Sweet Dreams, and a Peaceful End to the Day

Bedtime is more than just brushing teeth and turning off the lights—it’s a cherished moment to slow down, cuddle up, and connect through stories. The right bedtime book helps children feel calm, loved, and ready to drift off into dreamland.

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite bedtime books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included relaxing routines and gentle questions to help create a peaceful bedtime rhythm. Let me know which bedtime story becomes a favorite part of your nightly routine!

***Disclosure: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you purchase through the link from my blog. Thank you for your support!

Table of Content

Why Read Books About Bedtime?

Bedtime books help children transition from the busy energy of the day into a relaxed and restful mindset.

These soothing stories feature soft rhythms, loving words, and calming imagery. They also give children a safe space to reflect on the day, process their feelings, and know that they are safe, loved, and ready for rest.

Reading at bedtime strengthens bonds and supports healthy sleep routines.

Social Emotional Learning Read Alouds To Teach Diversity
Social Emotional Learning Read Alouds To Teach Diversity
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Let's Create A Calm Down Caddy
Let’s Create A Calm Down Caddy

The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Bedtime

Books read before bed help children feel secure and connected.

Whether it’s a gentle goodnight poem, a tale of quiet friendship, or a dreamy adventure, bedtime books guide kids toward sleep while reinforcing emotional closeness. These stories can also help ease nighttime fears and establish comforting rituals.

Bedtime books encourage a love of reading while wrapping the day in warmth and wonder.

How to Use Books about Bedtime with Children

Here are some gentle ways to make bedtime stories a calming tradition:

  • 🌙 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What was your favorite part of the story? or What do you think the characters will dream about? Keep questions light and sleepy to ease the transition.
  • 🧸 Engage in Soothing Activities: Create a bedtime book basket, use a cozy reading tent or twinkle lights, add a lullaby after story time, or pair books with a favorite plush friend to hug during the story.
  • 📚 Refer Back to the Books: When your child feels anxious or restless, remind them of the calming stories they’ve read. Say: Just like the bear snuggled into bed, you’re safe and ready to rest too.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Encourage consistent bedtime routines across households. Let grandparents or babysitters know your child’s favorite bedtime books, songs, or phrases that help them feel at ease.

Doggie Tales, a coloring book for all dog lovers!
Doggie Tales, a coloring book for all dog lovers!

11 Bedtime Books For Children

Younger Children (Ages 3-6)

Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#1 The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

đź”— View on Amazon
A delightful rhyming tale full of silly bedtime routines and lovable animals.
Activity Suggestion: Create your own “getting ready for bed” picture chart.
Discussion Questions:

  • What do the animals do before bed?
  • What’s your bedtime routine?
  • Why is sleep important?
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#2 I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth

đź”— View on Amazon
A tender story of love and affection between a bear and cub.
Activity Suggestion: Make a heart-shaped “I love you because…” card for someone special.
Discussion Questions:

  • How does the bear show love?
  • What makes you feel loved?
  • How can we show love every day?
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#3 If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul

đź”— View on Amazon
Imagine how animals from around the world might say goodnight—adorably!
Activity Suggestion: Act out animal goodnight kisses with stuffed animals.
Discussion Questions:

  • Which animal kiss was your favorite?
  • How do you like to say goodnight?
  • What other animals could be added?

Kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness quote coloring books for all ages!
Kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness quote coloring books for all ages!

Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)

Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#4 Time for Bed Board Book by Mem Fox

đź”— View on Amazon
A gentle, lyrical lullaby of parents and babies getting ready for sleep.
Activity Suggestion: Match baby animals to their grown-ups in a fun drawing.
Discussion Questions:

  • What bedtime sounds did you hear?
  • Why is a bedtime routine helpful?
  • What helps you fall asleep?
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#5 How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen

đź”— View on Amazon
Giggles guaranteed in this bedtime classic about dino-sized manners and mischief.
Activity Suggestion: Draw your own dinosaur doing silly bedtime things!
Discussion Questions:

  • What happens when the dinosaurs don’t want to sleep?
  • What are good bedtime behaviors?
  • How would you tuck in a dinosaur?
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#6 Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin

đź”— View on Amazon
A poetic dreamscape of animals carrying children into magical worlds.
Activity Suggestion: Make a dream journal with drawings of your nighttime adventures.
Discussion Questions:

  • What dream animal would you choose?
  • Where would they take you?
  • What makes dreams special?
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Daily Growth Mindset and Gratitude Journal For Kids
Daily Growth Mindset and Gratitude Journal For Kids
Daily Kindness and Gratitude Journal For Kids
Daily Kindness and Gratitude Journal For Kids
Daily Mindfulness and Gratitude Journal For Kids
Daily Mindfulness and Gratitude Journal For Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#7 Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

đź”— View on Amazon
A classic bedtime story that gently says goodnight to everything in the “great green room.”
Activity Suggestion: Say goodnight to things in your room tonight just like in the book.
Discussion Questions:

  • What things did the bunny say goodnight to?
  • What would you add to the list?
  • Why do you think this book is so calming?

Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)

Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#8 365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes by Cottage Door Press

đź”— View on Amazon
A treasury of short stories and poems to enjoy one night at a time.
Activity Suggestion: Pick a new poem each night and make it into a lullaby.
Discussion Questions:

  • What kind of story do you like before bed?
  • Did any rhyme make you laugh or smile?
  • How does reading help us sleep?
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#9 Bedtime Favorites by Disney Books

đź”— View on Amazon
A magical collection of bedtime tales featuring favorite Disney characters.
Activity Suggestion: Act out a favorite scene with toys or drawings.
Discussion Questions:

  • Which character’s bedtime story did you like best?
  • How did the characters feel in their stories?
  • What makes bedtime stories fun?

Rainbow Calm Down Corner Resource
Rainbow Calm Down Corner Resource
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#10 Five-Minute Stories by Cottage Door Press

đź”— View on Amazon
Quick tales for busy families or kids who want “just one more!”
Activity Suggestion: Set a timer and see how many stories you can read in 10 minutes!
Discussion Questions:

  • Which short story stuck with you?
  • What makes a story exciting even when it’s short?
  • Do you prefer long or short bedtime books?
Bedtime Books for Kids
Bedtime Books for Kids
#11 A Strange Bird: It’s Good to Be a Bit Different by Michael Engler

đź”— View on Amazon
A bedtime story with a message about being unique and embracing differences.
Activity Suggestion: Create your own “strange bird” with craft supplies.
Discussion Questions:

  • How was the bird different?
  • What made the bird special?
  • How are you wonderfully unique?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
Literacy Workshop Rotation Slides
Literacy Workshop Rotation Slides
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Math Workshop Rotation Slides
Bright Rainbow Station Rotation Slides
Bright Rainbow Station Rotation Slides

What Bedtime Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?

Bedtime books for kids offer comfort, connection, and a gentle close to the day. Whether it’s your child’s first board book or a lyrical picture book favorite, these stories help little ones feel safe, seen, and soothed as they drift into sleep.

Which bedtime story brings peace to your evening routine? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite nighttime reads, cozy reading setups, or dreamy illustrations!

Happy reading!

Prima at LittleYellowStar

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