7 Best Short Bedtime Stories Books to Read in 2024

Discover enchanting short bedtime stories like 'Goodnight Moon' and 'The Complete Book of Stories' to captivate your dreams.
Goodnight Moon coverThe Going to Bed Book coverDream Animals: A Bedtime Journey cover

Choosing the perfect short bedtime stories book can be as tricky as getting a kid to eat broccoli! We know that bedtime is when little imaginations run wild and gentle dreams take flight. Our top 7 short bedtime stories books bring enchantment and calm to the end of your day. We focus on tales that tickle the imagination, soothe the soul, and sometimes even make you giggle. These books offer a warm hug before dreamland and promise not to extend bedtime beyond what’s reasonable (sorry, kids!). So, snuggle up and let’s explore the best in short bedtime stories.

On this list:

7 Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon cover

  • Genre: Children’s Literature
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1947
  • Pages: 32

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We chose this one because it’s a classic. This book offers simple and rhythmic storytelling, perfect for toddlers. It’s the one most of us grew up with, and it still works its magic today. Kids love the soothing words and cozy illustrations.

6 The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

The Going to Bed Book cover

  • Genre: Children’s Literature
  • Formats: Board book, Kindle
  • Year released: 1982
  • Pages: 14

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This is a hilarious choice! The animals in the book do what we do before bed, sometimes even better. The illustrations and humor make bedtime a fun affair.

5 Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin

Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey cover

  • Genre: Children’s Picture Book
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 32

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We picked ‘Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey’ because it’s beautifully illustrated and takes children on a whimsical journey, perfect for peaceful sleep.

4 Aesop’s Fables for Children by Milo Winter

  • Genre: Children’s Literature
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1919
  • Pages: 96

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Packed with morals and lessons, these fables teach while they entertain. It’s like hiding vegetables in pasta sauce! Kids learn without even knowing it.

3 The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The Gruffalo cover

  • Genre: Children’s Literature
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1999
  • Pages: 32

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A mouse’s journey in the woods, evading predators with wit. We picked this for its clever plot, rhythm, and lovely illustrations.

2 Bedtime Stories for Kids by Uncle Amon

Bedtime Stories for Kids cover

  • Genre: Children’s Literature
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 230

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This one’s an absolute gem for its wide variety of short bedtime stories. It’s full of tales that enchant and engage young minds.

1 The Complete Book of Stories by Unknown

The Complete Book of Stories cover

  • Genre: Children’s Literature
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2021
  • Pages: 150

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This book packs a punch with diverse and vibrant short bedtime stories that cater to every mood. It’s the ultimate choice because it doesn’t just stop at telling a story; it pulls you into a whole new world each time you read. One night you’re on a pirate ship, the next, you’re in a magical forest. We love how this book encourages imagination and stretches the boundaries of a child’s mind, turning bedtime into an exciting adventure every night.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!