Best Short Bedtime Stories: Top 11 Picks for 2024
Looking for the perfect short bedtime stories to whisk your little one off to dreamland? We’ve got you covered! When picking books for our ultimate list, we focus on stories that spark imagination, feature lovable characters, and have just the right mix of adventure and comfort. From classic tales to modern favorites, these books are sure to become bedtime staples in your home.
On this list:
11 Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This classic has been putting kids to sleep since 1947. The simple rhymes and soothing pictures make it perfect for bedtime.
10 Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A wild adventure that wraps up with a cozy return home, making it a great pick for bedtime. The illustrations are legendary.
9 The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Full of humor and charm, this book turns bedtime routines into a fun read. It’s short and sweet – perfect for sleepyheads.
8 Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
This heartwarming tale of a father and son’s love for each other is ideal for a tender bedtime moment.
7 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
The repetitive text and colorful pictures in this book make it a favorite for bedtime. Kids will love chiming in.
6 Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
This story of a little llama struggling to sleep alone is both relatable and adorable. Plus, it has great rhymes.
5 Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
A witch and her cat on a flying broom make for a magical bedtime story. The rhyming text is a delight to read aloud.
4 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Follow a caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly. The simple text and vibrant illustrations make bedtime fun and educational.
3 The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
A mouse talks its way out of trouble with a made-up creature. Full of wit, it’s a fun bedtime read for kids and adults.
2 The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This simple tale of a boy exploring snow captures the magic of childhood. Its calm narrative is perfect for bedtime.
1 Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
This book combines tacos and dragons, two things that kids love. It’s funny, light-hearted, and great for a bedtime giggle. The illustrations are bright and engaging, making it a hit with little ones. This is the best one because it adds laughter to bedtime, which can help kids relax and end the day with a smile.
