Top Bedtime Books for Kids

Story time with my son just might be my favorite time of the day! Thinking back to my childhood, I loved when my parents would read to us at night. Books like Little Critter, Berenstein Bears, and Winnie the Pooh were just a few of my favorites. Now that I’m a mom, I light up each time E grabs a book and brings it over to me. His excitement is palpable. Although he is still quite young to understand them all, the magic of reading is beginning to grow. He is at the stage currently where he will pick the same book over and over for weeks straight. The only way to get him to choose a new one is to hide the previous and offer different selections. On the other hand, there are days when I read 2 pages and he is “All Done”….ready to move onto more books.

As for what sits inside your library collection, I’m sure MANY of you are with me and have gotten tired of the same old titles that have became so popular….being deemed as, “Must Reads”. Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pat the Bunny, and Curdoroy….just to name a few. Don’t get me wrong, you’ve got to have the classics. BUT, after reading them a few times, I find myself itching for something different and new…a little more creative. I’m always on the hunt for new books….can’t help myself.

So, here are some of our favorites that you can check out at your

local library or purchase through the links below!

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means when you purchase an item by clicking on a link through my blog, Melly Moments receives a small % of the purchase. Your support is genuinely appreciated and allows me to continue blogging!)

To find out more about each book and/or to purchase for your little one or someone you know with kids, click on each book image below. They are listed in no particular order. These books would make great gifts for baby showers, birthdays, or just because!

THE DREAM JAR

Author: Lindan Lee Johnson Illustrator: Serena Curmi

This magical story is a wonderful read for children of any age who experience nightmares. Through beautiful and whimsical illustrations, this book focuses on helping kids get through bedtime issues, specifically having bad dreams. Although the emphasis is on the relationship of two sisters, the overall message is great for any child, boys included. When the main character is scared and nervous to sleep by herself, a dream jar helps her get past her fears! A great activity to go along with this book is making your own version of a dream jar! What a great way to combat those scary nightmares and turn them into pleasant dreams.

THE SLEEPY LITTLE ALPHABET

Author: Judy Sierra Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

This book should be given at every baby shower you attend! It is one of our all-time favorites. My son requested this for at least 3 weeks straight before I had to steer him to other selections, as I practically memorized the entire book and could read it with my eyes closed. This story is just the best. The capital letters, which are the moms and dads, are desperately trying to get their kids (lowercase letters) to get ready for, and, go to bed. From c, d, and e who are taking a bath to o and p who experience bathroom issues, this story will have you smiling from ear to ear and chuckling at the turn of each page. The illustrations are so unique and creative….I’m not sure if it’s me or my son who enjoys this book more! This is another book that lends itself to an adorable art activity. Purchase a cardboard letter from the craft store (most likely the letter your child’s name starts with) and decorate it however you’d like….decoupage, paint, washi tape…any kind of embellishment you can think up! Once your child adds his/her own personal touch, display it in their room on top of a table or dresser.

THE PRACTICALLY PERFECT PAJAMAS

Author: Erik Brooks

A book about a Polar Bear named Percy who wears fun and funky pajamas, only to be judged and criticized by the others for being different. He allows his self worth to be determined by the opinions of his peers. This story provides a wonderful lesson about peer pressure and finding a way to honor individuality. It reminds me of the ELMER series, the books about a patchwork elephant that stands out from his fellow jungle friends. Both of these books send a great message to kids!

THE SLEEP BOOK

Author: Dr. Seuss

Although my son is still a touch young to fully understand the rhyme scheme and fantastic work of this book, we still read it in sections. It is a longer book length wise, but we just break it into chunks. It is such an incredibly clever and charming book. As with almost all Dr. Seuss books, the illustrations are quirky, colorful, wacky….and that just adds to the cute and funny text! As a parent, I love reading all of the silly and goofy made up words and my son gets excited at looking at the illustrations. This is one of my favorite Seuss books and it’s perfect to get your little one ready for bedtime!

THE NUTS: BEDTIME AT THE NUT HOUSE
Author: Eric Litwin Illustrator: Scott Magoon

This book is written by, Eric Litwin, acclaimed author of the popular Pete the Cat series. To begin with, how can you not love this title? If you have young children, preparations for bedtime will automatically, at some point in life, make your home a “nut house”. The antics we take to get kids ready for bed are humorous and exhausting at the same time. I absolutely love the witty tone in this story, with the use of clever puns like Wally and Hazel as two of the characters. While this book may be better suited for older children who could understand these puns and figurative language, it is still a cute story for younger children to enjoy…..and parents most of all will get a laugh out of it!

SNOOZERS

Author & Illustrator : Sandra Boynton

This book is better suited for babies, toddlers, and younger children. I particularly love that the stories are short and simple. Our favorite is the “Pajamas” story, which features different animals attempting to fit into their pajamas, with some that are too tight, need buttons, have a hat to match, or require feet that attach. The “I’m Not Tired” story allows your child to interact and respond. I really enjoy Sandra Boynton’s bedtime books for the simplicity behind them but cute characters that depict going to bed. We also love The Going to Bed book also written by her.

I NEED MY MONSTER

Author: Amanda Noll Illustrator: Howard McWilliam

This book is geared more toward preschool and older age children. I’m super anxious to start reading this with my son when his imagination begins to soar and he better understands that monsters aren’t real. This story creates a wonderful balance of creepiness with laughter and silliness. No worries that this will create or promote bedtime fears with your kid, as it more so helps turn the concept of having a monster under your bed into something exciting, funny, and adventurous! It really has an odd way of diffusing anxiety about monsters in a witty and clever way.

A BEDTIME FOR BEAR
Author: Bonny Becker Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton

Bear is quite a curmudgeon, cranky and set in his ways about what bedtime routine should be like. He wants things done “his way”…until a little mouse comes along and shows him how to become more friendly and adaptable. The relationship between the two characters is enchanting. The pictures are simplistic and not over the top, which allows you to enjoy the message of this story. I really love that a small animal is the one chosen to change the heart of a bigger animal. It shows that strength and wisdom come in all shapes and sizes.

BRINGING DOWN THE MOON

Author: Jonathan Emmett Illustrator: Vanessa Cabban

An endearing book about a mouse who makes many attempts at trying to grab hold of the moon and bring it down from the sky. The other animals try to warn him often that “It’s not as close as it look”, but that doesn’t stop determined, little mouse. I love all the effort he goes through to try and capture/own the beautiful moon. He comes to a realization at the end that is heartwarming. The language in the book paints a beautiful story as wonderful as the illustrations do!

HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY GOODNIGHT?
Author: Jane Yolen Illustrator: Mark Teague

If any of you have ever read the book, Moose on the Loose, then you will certainly love this, too! Both books portray large animals engaging in human like behavior that will have you and your little one giggling at the change of each event. To imagine a somewhat frightening dinosaur getting ready for bed can be quite humorous and kids will surely love this entertaining read!

Are there any other titles that you feel would be a great addition to this list? Please share your experiences with us. I would love to hear some of your child’s favorite books/stories to read at bedtime.

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