100 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids Recommended by Parents

Reading your child a bedtime story is one of life’s great pleasures. You get to cuddle in, share the story and have some bonding time just before sleepy time. We asked Mykidstime parents to share their favourites, and here are their picks for the best bedtime stories for kids!

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If you’re looking for ideas for new bedtime stories for your child, then we asked Mykidstime parents to recommend their favourites. We have put links to where you can buy these story books online – note, if you buy through our links we may get a small commission.

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Brilliant Bedtime Stories for Kids

#1. A Kitten Called Moonlight by Martin Waddell

A Kitten Called Moonlight is created by an award-winning author and illustrator team.

Charlotte’s favourite story is about a little girl and her mummy who rescue a kitten from the sea. One moonlit night, the story comes true when she finds a little lost kitten by the sea, who she calls Moonlight.

Charlotte loves her story even more because it’s about her!

#2. A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson

‘Wise old man, won’t you help me, please? My house is a squash and squeeze.’

Visit the farm in the brilliantly funny A Squash and a Squeeze, the first ever picture book written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

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#3. ABC by Dr. Seuss

From Aunt Annie’s Alligator to a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, Dr Seuss’ ABC is a fun way to learn and introduces early learners to the letters of the alphabet through an amazing array of crazy creatures.

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#4. Adam’s Amazing Space Adventure by Benji Bennett

In Adam’s Amazing Space Adventure, Angel Adam invites you to go with him on an amazing astronomical adventure, filled with fun, love and wonder.

With bouncing rhythm and out of this world illustrations Adam and his rocket will take you on a never to be forgotten magical adventure where you will meet the planets, surf the cosmos with comet Halley and eat solar saussies in an interstellar cafe.

#5. All The World by Liz Garton Scanlon

All the world is here. It is there. It is everywhere. All the world is right where you are. Now.

Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning till night, All The World is an endearing picture book that affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to warm family connections, to the widest sunset sky.

#6. Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Grace loves to act out stories. Sometimes she plays the leading part, sometimes she is ‘a cast of thousands.’

When her school decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace is longing to play Peter, but her classmates say that Peter was a boy, and besides, he wasn’t black. But Grace’s Ma and Nana tell her she can be anything she wants if she puts her mind to it…

Amazing Grace is a touching book that many children will see themselves reflected in.

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#7. Bambi by Felix Salten

Bambi is the beloved story of a deer in the forest reaches a new generation of readers with a fresh new look. Bambi’s life in the woods begins happily. There are forest animals to play with and Bambi’s twin cousins, Gobo and beautiful Faline. But winter comes, and Bambi learns that the woods hold danger–and things he doesn’t understand.

Then there is Man. He comes to the forest with weapons that can wound an animal. Bambi is scared that Man will hurt him and the ones he loves. But Man can’t keep Bambi from growing into a great stag himself, and becoming the Prince of the Forest.

#8. Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Hendra

Barry the Fish with Fingers is a hilarious tale that kids will love.

Fish come from all over the ocean to see Puffy the Puffer Fish’s amazing bubbles. Big bubbles, small bubbles, square bubbles …they’ve never seen anything quite so amazing, that is until Barry arrives on the scene.

Barry is a fish with fingers and he’s going to put them to good use. The fish are amazed. Life under the sea will never be the same again …

#9. Bear on a Bike by Stella Blackstone

Bear On a Bike transports young readers around the world by bike, train, raft, boat and even hot-air balloon, with a special night-time journey at the end.

As you cycle through the market, sail to an island and fly over the rainbow, you will discover marvellous creatures and see many wondrous sights.

#10. Bears in the Night by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Bears in the Night is a classic children’s book that is perfect for young and reluctant readers, thanks to its clever repetition and use of only 24 words.

Illustrated in full colour, the Bears’ adventures take them in, out, around, and about. It does a good job of combining words and pictures into a slapstick story.

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#11. Before You Sleep by Benji Bennett

Before You Sleep is an affectionate and wonderfully illustrated children’s bedtime story book filled with warmth, love and adventure and embellishes the importance of love, laughter and play within the family.

It is published by Adam’s Cloud, a children’s book publishing company, set up in 2008 by Benji Bennett in memory of his 4-year-old son Adam who passed away in August 2007 from a brain tumour.

#12. Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin and Eric Carle

Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? is a classic picture book, with illustrations by Eric Carle.

Exuberantly coloured artwork and favourite animals make this rhythmic story the perfect introduction to looking and learning about colours.

Each spread leads seamlessly into the next and young children will delight in Eric’s colourful collage animals and simple repetitive language.

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#13. Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

In this moving story told in conversational verse, singer/songwriter Bob Carlisle and his daughter, Brooke, recapture the emotions so eloquently expressed in Bob’s inspiring song, a musical sensation that became a #1 hit.

Butterfly Kisses celebrates the love between fathers and daughters, as well as the shared trust and hope that create this unique and everlasting bond.

#14. Can’t You Sleep Little Bear by Martin Waddell

“I don’t like the dark,” said Little Bear. “What dark?” said Big Bear. “The dark all around us,” said Little Bear.

Can’t You Sleep Little Bear? is a tender account of a sleepless night in the bear cave, Big Bear sets out with all his patience and understanding to show Little Bear that the dark is nothing to be afraid of. More comforting than even the best of lullabies, this bedtime story is destined to become a classic.

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#15. The Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss

Back in 1957, Theodor Geisel responded to an article in Life magazine that lamented the use of boring reading primers in schools.

Using the pseudonym of “Dr. Seuss” (Seuss was Geisel’s middle name) and only 223 words, Geisel created a replacement for those dull primers, and The Cat In The Hat was an instant success.

#16. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is an absolute must-read!

Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger.

Then there’s Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, our hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

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#17. Chester’s Masterpiece by Melanie Watt

Chester’s Masterpiece is another hilarious tale from award-winning author-illustrator Mélanie Watt.

Chester’s finally ready to write his own masterpiece — he just needs to get pesky writer-illustrator Melanie Watt out of the way. Chester’s solo attempts at storytelling are messy, to say the least, but he’s determined to go it alone. But where’s his story going?

After several alternative (but always unhappy) endings, Chester is confronted by a problem he never bargained for. A wry comment on the creative process and how good stories are constructed, this is the most uproarious Chester book yet.

#18. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has been a children’s favourite for more than 30 years!

When all the letters of the alphabet race one another up the coconut tree, will there be enough room? Of course there is always enough room for this rollicking alphabet chant!

#19. Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose by Julia Donaldson

Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose combines Julia Donaldson’s rhymes with Nick Sharratt’s playful illustrations.

“Chocolate mousse!”, says greedy Goose. “Don’t just grab it,” says angry Rabbit. Good manners aren’t on the menu at this meal.

Duck won’t eat his carrots. Moth’s eating the cloth, and Sheep would rather sleep than wash the dishes. Thank goodness some of the animals know how to behave!

#20. Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis

What works from dawn until dusk without a break until it delivers all its freight? A very busy steam engine, which in this rhythmical romp takes young readers on a daily adventure around the mountains, high and steep, and through the valley, low and deep.

Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo is a lovely rhythmic bedtime book to read to younger children.

#21. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Clickety, clack, moo. But the problems really begin when the cows start leaving Farmer Brown notes.

First it was electric blankets…where will it end? And when the animals don’t get what they want they go on strike, of course!

Doreen Cronin’s unusual text and Betsy Lewin’s quirky illustrations make Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type a really hilarious story!

#22. Curious George in the Big City by Martha Weston

Curious George in the Big City is another great tale about this cheeky monkey!

When the man with the yellow hat promises to buy George a holiday surprise during their trip to the city, George decides he wants to give his friend a surprise too.

But it isn’t long before the little monkey’s curiosity gets him into trouble and he gets separated from his friend. Though he has fun seeing the tourist sites and all the sparkling decorations, what he enjoys most is finding his best friend and enjoying the city together.

#23. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

One of our all time favourites, Dear Zoo is a lift-the-flap board book.

The person telling the story writes to the zoo to ask them to send an animal but each animal turns out to be unsuitable. Will the Zoo finally send an animal that they can keep?

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#24. Don’t Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate by Cheryl Hart

When Kate P Green goes for tea with the Queen, she gets more than she bargained for in this hilariously anarchic look at the tricky subject of table manners.

Don’t Dip Your Chips In Your Drink, Kate has stunning illustrations and design from the creator of Smile!, starring Orchard’s new character Sunny McCloud, which perfectly complement this exceptionally funny rhyming story.

#25. Dr Seuss’ Sleep Book

Celebrate sleep with Dr Seuss’ Sleep Book, a classic rhyming good-night picture book.

Van Vleck, a very small bug, is getting sleepy, and his yawn—contagious as yawns are—sets off a chain reaction, making all those around him feel sleepy, too!

With typically Seussian nods to alarm clocks, sleepwalking, and snoring, this charming ode to bedtime will lull listeners (and readers) toward dreamland. Zzzzzzzzzz.

#26. Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough

Watch out! Here comes Duck in Duck in the Truck, a brand new edition of the first book in the million copy bestselling series! This is the tale of a duck in a truck – a truck that was stuck in some yucky brown muck.

A sheep in a jeep and a frog in a bush saw the truck stuck and gave it a push. But the truck stayed stuck! What now, can you guess? Could a goat in a boat get them out of this mess?

#27. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven.

Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken – Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good – powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives.

#28. Five on Treasure Island by Enid Blyton

Five on Treasure Island is the first in the highly popular and enduring Famous Five series by Enid Blyton.

There’s a shipwreck off Kirrin Island! But where is the treasure?

The Famous Five are on the trail looking for clues, but they’re not alone! Someone else has got the same idea. Time is running out for the Famous Five, who will get to the treasure first?

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#29. Giraffes Can’t Dance By Giles Andreae

Gerald the tall giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance …or can they?

Giraffes Can’t Dance is a funny, touching and triumphant story about a giraffe who finds his own tune has been a much-loved family favourite for many years.

#30. Go Dog Go! by Phillip Eastman

From big dogs and little dogs to red, green, and blue dogs, dogs going up and dogs going fast . . . who knew dogs were so busy? And laughter will ensue at the repeated question “Do you like my hat?”

Go Dog Go! has been a go-to favourite for over 50 years, leaving audiences of all breeds wagging their tails with delight.

#31. Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold by Candice Ransom

In the beloved tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the bears are in for quite a surprise when they return home and realise that a curious girl has made herself at home in their cottage.

Children will eagerly continue reading to see what the bears do when they find their dinner eaten all up!

#32. Good Night Lars by Hans de Beer

Good Night Lars is the perfect goodnight book!

Every parent will chuckle in recognition at the familiar nighttime scenario, and every child will feel comforted by this tale of a very restless little polar bear.

#33. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon has been a beloved book for generations of families, and makes the ideal tale for bedtime.

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon.”

And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room – to the picture of the three little bears sitting in chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one – he says goodnight.

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#34. Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson

“Goodnight fire truck, Goodnight train. Goodnight bus and even bigger…Best of all, say goodnight digger!” A little boy says goodnight to all his toys, but who is the favourite? Why, it’s Digger of course!

With a rhyming text and atmospheric illustrations, Goodnight Digger will help your little darling go to bed and stay there.

#35. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

When Sam-I-am persists in pestering a grumpy grouch to eat a plate of green eggs and ham, perseverance wins the day, teaching us all that we cannot know what we like until we have tried it!

With his unique combination of hilarious stories, zany pictures and riotous rhymes, Dr. Seuss has been delighting young children and helping them learn to read for years.

Green Eggs and Ham is written using only 50 words, and is the perfect book to introduce children to the joy of words, reading, and Dr. Seuss.

#36. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

In the classic picture book Guess How Much I Love You, Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare find ways to measure just how much they love each other.

“All the way up to my toes”, “as far as I can hop” and “right up to the moon – and back!”

#37. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first in the bestselling Harry Potter series.

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who are mean to him and make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. (Dudley, however, has two bedrooms, one to sleep in and one for all his toys and games.) Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed forever.

He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

#38. Home Before Dark by Ian Beck

When Teddy’s owner, Lily, accidentally drops him from her carriage, he is determined to make it back to her before bedtime. But that¹s not so easy for a little bear.

Like the warmth of a goodnight hug, Home Before Dark is perfect for sharing with a loved one before bedtime.

#39. Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss

In Horton Hears a Who!, kindly elephant Horton has his work cut out saving the tiny Whos who live on a speck of dust – no one else believes they are there!

But Horton eventually convinces everyone that ‘A person’s a person, no matter how small’!

#40. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen

Fathers and mothers are ready to put their youngsters to bed. But in this book, the youngsters are a wide variety of dinosaurs. So how do dinosaurs say good night?

In the end, young dinosaurs behave a lot like people do: They give a big kiss, turn out the light, tuck in their tails, and whisper “good night.”

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? is perfect for bedtime reading. Children love the laugh-aloud antics of playful Tyrannosaur-sized dinosaur children who stomp and fuss and jump on the bed in this award-winning New York Times bestseller!

#41. How Roland Rolls by Jim Carrey

Winner of a Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award, How Roland Rolls is a story about a wave named Roland who’s afraid that, one day, when he hits the beach, his life will be over. But when he gets deep, he’s struck by the notion that he’s not just a wave – he’s the whole big, wide ocean!

The story shows humanity’s interconnectedness through the metaphor of a wave in the ocean.

#42. I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

I Love You, Stinky Face is a vividly illustrated bedtime story that shows how the unconditional love of a mother can be tested through the relentless questions of her little boy. “But Mama, but Mama, what if I were a super smelly skunk, and I smelled so bad that my name was Stinky Face?”

The imaginative son turns himself into a meat-eating dinosaur, a swamp creature and much, much more before being satisfied with the fact that no matter how stinky he is or how slimy of a creature he could possibly be, he is loved and nothing will change that.

#43. Incy Wincy Spider by Keith Chapman

By the creator of Bob the Builder and the best-selling illustrator of The Crunching Munching Caterpillar, comes this retelling of a favourite childhood rhyme, Incy Wincy Spider.

Follow Incy Wincy Spider as he is blown from animal to animal in this hilarious rhyming storybook and toy set.

#44. Jack and the Beanstalk by Stephen Tucker

As Jack scurried down the beanstalk, the hen squawked anxiously, ‘If that giant gets his hands on us, He’ll eat us for his tea!’. This story of Jack and the Beanstalk, retold in irreverent, playful rhyme that’s perfect for reading aloud.

Illustrated by Nick Sharratt with bright colourful drawings, and with flaps and pop-up surprises on every spread, this book is ideal for young children.

#45. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

James and the Giant Peach is a children’s classic that has captured young reader’s imaginations for generations.

An enormous escaped rhinoceros from London Zoo has eaten James’ parents. And it gets worse! James is packed off to live with his two really horrible aunts, Sponge and Spiker.

Poor James is miserable, until something peculiar happens and James finds himself on the most wonderful and extraordinary journey he could ever imagine…

#46. Kipper’s Snowy Day by Mick Inkpen

Kipper’s Snowy Day is a fantastic book from the famous Kipper series.

Kipper loves the snow and when he sees great white flakes tumbling down one morning, he can’t wait to be out enjoying himself.

Kipper’s friend Tiger isn’t nearly as good at snow games as Kipper is, because of his silly, woolly clothes – but they still manage to build a wonderful snowdog.

#47. Koala Lou by Mem Fox

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