Our Favourite Bedtime Stories for Children
Motivating little ones to settle down and get ready to sleep can be a big task, but the routine and tranquillity of listening to a bedtime story is sure to encourage even the most excitable young children into a restful slumber.
As well as inspiring sweet dreams, storytelling also offers a wealth of other benefits, including reinforcing parent-child bonding and nurturing creativity. Our top five picks are mostly tailored to little ones, but there is a collection of short stories, Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the Past, that is perfect for early readers to enjoy for themselves.
23 Apr 2024
Little Glow by Katie Sahota
Ages 2–5 years
Little Glow is a triumph of togetherness. The candle flame that flickers in the window, illustrated by Harry Woodgate, narrates the story through its lyrical rhymes, observing a myriad of cultural and religious celebrations from around the world. It’s a wonderful bedtime story for children that is certain to leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart whilst also introducing children to the beauty of diversity.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Ages 2–5 years
Bedtime-story favourite, Goodnight Moon is a delightful picture book. Its simple yet poetic narrative follows a little bunny as he says goodnight to all the things he can see from his room, from a telephone to the moon. A great choice for their early days, the familiar language and sweet illustrations makes the storyline relatable and easy to follow. Why not bring the tale to life with their own cuddly toy joining in too?
Peace at Last by Jill Murphy
Ages 2–5 years
A charming picture book with lovely illustrations, Peace at Last tells the story of a daddy bear who simply can’t get to sleep. A drippy tap, snoring mummy bear and lots of other background noises is something we’re all familiar with as we put our head on the pillow, whatever our age, which makes this story relatable for grown-ups and entertaining for little ones.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Ages 2–5 years
A true classic, Where the Wild Things Are has been a bedtime favourite since it first landed on bookshelves in 1963. Exploring the incredible imagination of a young and courageous boy, the story follows his adventurous daydream to a place full of wild things. At the end of his great adventure, he misses home and comes back to find his supper waiting for him — and it is still hot.
Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the Past by Candice Brathwaite, Ashley Hickson Lovence and Wendy Shearer
Age 6+ years
Celebrating Black heritage, this collection of short stories includes tales about events and key figures from all over the world. A notable addition to this esteemed collection is a story written by seven-year-old Sarah Mirkin, who won a competition to have her story included in the publication — an incredible achievement and well worth a read.
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It’s a tale as old as time, settling down for a good night’s sleep with a book in hand, curled up in the most comfortable sleepwear. And if their pyjamas match the story, then even better!
