Best Short Bedtime Stories of 2025: Top 5 Picks

Explore our top picks of short bedtime stories to ensure every night ends on a delightful note for everyone.

Goodnight Moon coverThe Going to Bed Book coverThe Gruffalo cover

Finding the perfect short bedtime stories can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fear not, we’ve done the legwork for you! We focused on charm, creativity, and just the right touch of whimsy when picking our top five stories. These tales promise to captivate young minds and gently usher them into a world of dreams. Fasten your seatbelts as we explore classic and modern gems that make bedtime the best time!

On this list:

5 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 adore this classic gem because it has been a nighttime staple for millions. The story’s rhyming charm and gentle pace make it the perfect bedtime companion.

4 The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

The Going to Bed Book cover

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

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This fun little book makes bedtime an adventure with its quirky characters and amusing narrative. Boynton’s style brings giggles before the kiddos drop off to dreamland.

3 The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The Gruffalo cover

  • Genre: Picture Book
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1999
  • Pages: 32

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A delightful tale with clever rhymes and a brave mouse. It’s a charming story that keeps young minds spellbound before sleep, while parents appreciate its delightful cadence.

2 Olivia by Ian Falconer

Olivia cover

  • Genre: Picture Book
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2000
  • Pages: 40

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Olivia’s vibrant personality and antics are beautifully captured in Falconer’s illustrations. This book is a bedtime hit offering imagination and fun, making it a cherished favorite.

1 Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are cover

  • Genre: Children’s Book
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1963
  • Pages: 48

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Chosen as the best for its universal appeal, engaging narrative, and breathtaking illustrations. ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ offers a magical journey that inspires imagination and warmth, crucial for bedtime. We love how it balances adventure and comfort, making it an all-time classic. Sendak’s masterpiece has the power to soothe restless little minds while still injecting a dash of adventure. This book revolutionized children’s storytelling, turning bedtime into a voyage of imagination, with a gentle return home.

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!