Best Kids Bedtime Stories Before Sleep
Bedtime Stories For Sleep
All Time Best Bedtime Stories On Your Kids New Organic Mattress
The bedtime story: it’s a tradition that dates back as long as parents themselves do. If you’ve ever read a little one a bedtime story, or told a tale of your own, you understand. The satisfaction of watching a little one’s eyes grow soft and drowsy is without comparison. Do you need a few new suggestions to help your little one rest? Here are the all time best bedtime stories for kids. You’ll find classics and new stories that will help you and your child share special time together before a peaceful night’s sleep on their new organic mattress.
Title | Bear Snores On
Author | Karma Wilson
Illustrator | Jane Chapman
Ages | Ages 3 to 7
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
Poor Bear… he’s just so sleepy! While each of his furry friends creep into his cave one by one, Bear simply snores on. Then, the party begins! Friends pop popcorn, brew tea and chat in the cozy comfort of Bear’s cave while Bear sleeps soundly. Suddenly, a flake of pepper from the delightful stew awakens Bear with a sneeze. Will his little friends be asked to leave? We’re not going to give it away in this Bear Snores on review!
You and your little one will love the musical lilt of this children’s book about friendship and sharing. Bear is a favorite among early readers, so be sure to check out Karma Wilson’s other books in the series. Bear Feels Sick and Bear’s New Friend are among our favorites!
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Title | Just Go to Bed
Author | Mercer Mayer
Illustrator | Mercer Mayer
Ages | Ages 3 to 7
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
Almost every child knows the plights of Little Critter. Whether he’s feeding snowballs to the dog or hot chocolate to the snowman, Little Critter and his sister simply do the types of things that little kids do. That makes the books all the more endearing to parents and children both. In Just Go to Bed, Little Critter is a cowboy, a robot, a race car driver … anything but a sleeping Critter! His parents tell him over and over to “just go to bed” but children will agree that there are so many better things to do! Even once he’s finally in his pajamas, Little Critter just does not want to get into his bed.
Mercer Mayer is a much-loved author and illustrator of children’s books, most notably the Little Critter collection. As you shop through this Just Go to Bed review, be sure to check out his other books. Children from around 3 to 7 will love this story, but it’s especially a hit with the preschool crowd.
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Title | How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
Author | Jane Yolen
Illustrator | Mark Teague
Ages | Ages 4 to 8
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
How do dinosaurs say goodnight? Does a dinosaur stomp his feet on the floor and shout: 'I want to hear one book more!'? If your little dinosaur lover has trouble getting ready for bedtime, this book will be a lifesaver. After all, dinosaurs don’t slam their tails or pout, or throw their teddy bears all about.
We chose to include a How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight review because this delightful book offers illustrations that will make you grin alongside your child. Sleepy dinosaurs and befuddled parents are captured in vivid colors. We love how your child will learn from this book, too.
Dinosaur names are shown within the illustrations and it’s a terrific early reader book. You and your child will enjoy making up your own rhymes. As with many of the other books on our list, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight is a part of a collection of Dinosaurs books. You’ll love Jane Yolen’s other stories, like How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends.
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Title | Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
Author | Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator | Tom Lichtenheld
Ages | Ages 1 to 6
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
What happens at the end of the day at a construction site? Smiling trucks and friendly machinery are getting ready to wind down for the day. It’s hard work excavating and loading – it’s time to rest and prepare for tomorrow! This Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site review is best for the youngest readers, but you’ll find that kids up to kindergarten age will love the simple, warm pictures by Tom Lichtenheld and the alliterative rhymes crafted by Sherri Duskey Rinker.
Perfect for little girls and boys alike, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site offers a welcome alternative to the furry animals. For more fun, check out the glow in the dark version of this children’s bedtime story.
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Title | If Animals Kissed Goodnight
Author | Ann Whitford Paul
Illustrator | David Walker
Ages | Ages 3 to 7
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
If animals kissed like we kiss goodnight, how would they do it? Like peacock and chick with a fan dance and a kickety high-stepping prance? Or like sloth and her cub: soooo slooowwwww…? Find out in this book, absolutely one of the all time best bedtime books for kids. We’d be remiss to include an If Animals Kissed Goodnight review that this book will allow you to sneak in a little learning.
Your children will learn the names of animals and their babies, as well as how they move. Of course, the underlying theme of this book is that, no matter what species you are, you can always go to sleep knowing that Mom and Dad love you!
Ann Whitford Paul is a prolific writer who’s inspired by her six grandchildren. The prose and cadence of her books will have you and your children drifting off to sleep with a smile.
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Title | Goodnight Moon
Author | Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator | Clement Hurd
Ages | Ages 3 to 7
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
You’d be hard pressed to find a list of bedtime books for kids that doesn’t include a Goodnight Moon review. This book by Margaret Wise Brown is one of the best selling of all time – published first in 1947 it’s truly a classic. Author Brown is since deceased, but she left behind a legacy in this simple, gentle book for little ones.
Goodnight Moon features illustrations that are easy on little eyes, with just a few surprises hidden on each page. Can you find the three little bears sitting in chairs? The two little kittens and the pair of mittens? This is an interactive story to share with your children that offers the perfect amount of stimulation for little minds, but not as much as to cause excitement before bedtime.
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Title | Kiss Good Night
Author | Amy Hest
Illustrator | Anita Jeram
Ages | Ages 2 to 7
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
Kiss Good Night is another classic bedtime book for kids, but for our Kiss Good Night review we’ve chosen this special gift set. Your child will love reading along with you as he holds his plush Sam bear, who just wants a good night kiss! Mrs. Bear and Sam are getting the little one ready for bed. Warm in his pajamas, she tucks him in and brings him a cup of warm milk to settle him in. Sam just won’t go to sleep. Why not? What is Mrs. Bear forgetting? Find out in this snuggly, warm book by Amy Hest.
This book is available in several formats, including a board book for the youngest of readers. Alternatively, download the online version and take Kiss Good Night with you wherever you go.
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Title | Time for Bed
Author | Mem Fox
Illustrator | Jane Dyer
Ages | Ages 2 to 7
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
We simply love the gorgeous illustrations in this bedtime book for kids. Soft lines and watercolor effects make this a gentle book for sleepy eyes, and the lyrics will easily put your little one to sleep. The premise of the book Time for Bed is simple: we’re just saying goodnight to our animal friends. Goose, mouse and cat are among furry companions that, like your child, are snuggling in to bed.
Parents who love this book say it’s not only perfect for bedtime but naptime, too. When your child sees that the rest of the world is awake, simply allow him to share a special naptime with his new friends. Sweet and simple text makes sleepy little children less resistant to afternoon naps.
We do recommend that you opt for the hardcover version of this Time for Bed review. If you choose the board book, you won’t as easily be able to enjoy the wonderful illustrations of animals and their little ones.
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Title | Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey
Author | Emily Winfield Martin
Illustrator | Emily Winfield Martin
Ages | Ages 2 and up
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
For our next book, we’ve chosen something truly magical. Our Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey review might be unexpected. After all, the book doesn’t have the awards other books do, nor does it have the years of history that others like Goodnight Moon boast. However, we know you’re going to love this book. Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey is very understated, even nonsensical at times. However, that’s where the magic lies. As your children drift off to sleep this book will allow them to realize that their dreams can take them anywhere. “You only have to close your eyes.”
The illustrations in Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey are nothing short of surreal. You’ll be transported to a dream land along with your child as you visit magical forests, sip tea with mermaids and fly over herds of dinosaurs. If you must buy one bedtime book for kids, let this be the one.
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Title | Goodnight My Duckling
Author | Nancy Tafuri
Illustrator | Nancy Tafuri
Ages | Ages 2 and up
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
There seems to be a recurring theme in many children’s books: one little dawdling duckling who doesn’t want to go to bed. In this Goodnight My Duckling review, a mama duck paddles along, her babies behind her. One little duck gets distractedly left behind, in true ducking fashion. Will he get home in time to get safely to bed? Who will rescue him?
This Goodnight My Duckling children’s book features simple text and softly elegant pictures. Join Mama Duck and her ducklings as they say goodnight to marshland friends, and follow the story of what happens when one little duck is more interested in friends than bedtime!
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Title | The Going to Bed Book
Author | Sandra Boynton
Illustrator | Sandra Boynton
Ages | Ages 2 to 5
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
Most parents are familiar with Sandra Boynton’s lovable board books and hardcovers, and this The Going to Bed Book review may be one you’re already familiar with. If not, you’re in for a treat! Swinging rhymes and delightful cadences are the soundtrack for a bunch of goofy animals who are taking their time getting to bed! The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton is a must read.
The sun has set not long ago, now everybody goes below. To take a bath in one big tub with soap all over, scrub scrub scrub. Find out what else these animal friends get up to before they finally rock, and rock, and rock to sleep. Your kids will love the simple illustrations that Sandra Boynton has been sharing with young readers since 1974. This is definitely a book you’re going to read over and over.
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Title | A Tiger Like Me
Author | Michael Engler
Illustrator | Joëlle Tourlonias
Ages | Ages 3 to 8
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
This delightful little tiger is wide awake, and he knows he’s the king of the den! There will be no water or soap on his fur, no combs or brushes. Follow this little tiger throughout his day until the very end, when it “gets dark way too soon.” What will the little tiger do when he realizes he’s not so fierce after all?
This charming little book A Tiger Like Me is meant for your young children but adult “kids” will love it too. At the end of the day, there’s nothing like curling up safely with the people you love. Our A Tiger Like Me review refers to an edition that was first published in Germany was translated by Laura Watkinson. It’s sure to become a fast favorite for your bedtime routine.
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Title | What! Cried Granny
Author | Kate Lum
Illustrator | Adrian Johnson
Ages | Ages 3 to 5
Bedtime Book Hardcover Price |
Next on our list is a children’s book titled What! Cried Granny by Kate Lum. Patrick is having his first sleepover with Granny … almost! It’s bedtime, but Patrick doesn’t have a bed! So, as any grandmother would do, Granny goes in the yard and cuts down some trees to make Patrick a bed. But wait! What about a pillow? Read along with your kids as they discover everything that one determined granny will do for her little grandson. What! Cried Granny reviews say the book is perfect to gift to new grandparents, but parents adore the fun illustrations and the antics of little Patrick, too!
Kate Lum is the author of many children’s books, so be sure to check out other popular favorites. We especially love her Princesses series, including Princesses are Not Just Pretty, a story that teaches kindness to little ones.
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Title | Sweet Dreams, Lima Beans
Author | Laura E. Pasternak
Illustrator | Laura E. Pasternak
Ages | Ages 2 to 6
Bedtime Book Paperback Price |
Laura E. Pasternak was inspired by her children to begin a career authoring children’s books. Touched by the hardships of having two homes, Pasternak created The Secret Life of Beans, an online platform for divided families. At the same time, Sweet Dreams, Lima Beans was created and became a favorite of families everywhere.
Our Sweet Dreams, Lima Beans review is perfect for any type of family – whether you’re a grandparent who lives miles away, a parent who’s travelling overseas or simply want your children to know that now matter what they do, you’ll love them. You’ll also fall for the little beans who are the main characters in this book. Featuring sassy beans, gamer beans, musical beans and more, each of your little beans will find herself represented in this book.
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Title | Ten Little Night Stars
Author | Deb Gruelle
Illustrator | Gabi Murphy
Ages | Ages 1 to 5
Bedtime Book Board Book Price |
Last on our list of the all time best bedtime books for children is our Ten Little Night Stars review. This simple little counting book Ten Little Night Stars will ease young readers into sleep as they count stars with rubber duckies and teddy bears. Beautiful in its simplicity, this book is enhanced by cute, soft characters who share their warm smiles with your tiny readers. Children as young as one will love this book, but older kids like to follow cuddly friends through their bedtime routines, as well.
This book makes a wonderful baby shower gift or gift for a newborn. It’s available as a board book, so this little story will last for years.
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Sleep Well On Your New Natural Mattress With These All Time Best Bedtime Stories
There’s nothing as calming as reading a bedtime story to a child. Grandparents, caregivers and parents alike love those final moments before their tiny readers drop off to sleep. Enjoy this list of the all time best bedtime books for children. Sleep tight, little ones!
Shana Thompson is a full time professional writer and editor. Shana has worked extensively in the fields of content marketing, on-page and off-page SEO (guest posts, backlink acquisition), and creative writing. As an experienced pro content writer, Shana has worked on several magazines, publishing companies and marketing agencies. Many recent projects have included everything from nutrition and health services, where a lot of research and citations were needed, to writing about health, sustainable, eco-friendly products.
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