Reading bedtime stories is a well-established tradition in many families. It helps children relax and immerse themselves in an imaginary world before closing their eyes for the night. But with so many children’s books available, it can be difficult to choose which one to read. To help you out, we’ve selected the 10 best children’s books to read before bed.
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown This book is a classic of children’s literature. It tells the story of a little rabbit who says goodnight to everything around him before falling asleep himself. Clement Hurd’s soft, soothing illustrations and Margaret Wise Brown’s poetic prose make this a perfect choice for a late-night read.
“Brown Bear, Tell Me…” by Bill Martin Jr. This bestselling book is filled with beautiful illustrations and fun rhymes that will help your child relax before bed. Each page features a different question asked by a brown bear, followed by a simple answer that helps your child learn more about the world around them.
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak This classic book by Maurice Sendak tells the story of a boy named Max who embarks on a fantastical adventure where he encounters strange creatures. The beautifully drawn illustrations and captivating story make this a perfect choice for a late-night read.
“Little Blue and Little Yellow” by Leo Lionni This children’s book is a great choice for younger children. It tells the story of two friends, Little Blue and Little Yellow, who find each other and mix together to become Little Green. The simple yet engaging illustrations and gentle, simple narration make this book perfect for bedtime reading.
“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry This book is another classic of children’s literature that is loved by both children and adults. It tells the story of a little prince who travels from planet to planet and meets strange characters. The beautiful illustrations and poetic prose make it a perfect choice for a late-night read.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle This book is a great choice for younger children. It tells the story of a caterpillar who eats different foods every day of the week until it becomes a beautiful butterfly. The colorful illustrations and page cutouts make this book playful and fun for bedtime reading.
“Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans This book tells the story of a brave little girl who lives in a girls’ boarding school in Paris. The beautiful illustrations and captivating story make it a perfect choice for a late-night read.
“The Book of Stars” by Erik L’Homme: A fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Guillemot, a young boy who finds himself caught up in a war between the stars. The book is filled with magical characters, monsters, and twists that will captivate young readers.
“The Tales of Beedle the Bard” by JK Rowling: A collection of fairy tales set in the magical world of Harry Potter. The stories are funny, moving and full of wisdom, making them perfect for bedtime reading.
“The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen: A classic tale that follows the adventures of a little girl who sells matches on the street. The story is both sad and beautiful, and reminds children of the importance of compassion and empathy for others.