Time for Bed? Not Yet! First, a Story…

A list of some of the Lions’ favorite bedtime stories for children

As parents, we know the magic of a good bedtime story. It’s not just about winding down; it’s about fostering imagination, building vocabulary, and creating precious moments of connection. For our 2-5 year olds, who are blossoming with curiosity and wonder, the right book can make all the difference.

But with so many incredible titles out there, where do you begin? We’ve curated a list of the best bedtime stories, broken down into three categories, to help you fill your child’s evenings with literary joy.

The Classics: Stories We Know

These are the comforting, familiar tales that we heard at home growing up. For your little one, they can be a window into your childhood – a way that children often love to connect with their parents.

• “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd: This quintessential bedtime book is a gentle, rhythmic ode to saying goodnight to everything in the “great green room.” Its calming repetition and soothing illustrations are perfect for lulling little ones to sleep.
• “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle: More than just a story, this vibrant book is a journey of discovery, introducing numbers, days of the week, and the miracle of metamorphosis. The interactive die-cut pages are a delight for small hands.
• “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle: With its simple, repetitive text and bold, colorful illustrations, this book is a fantastic tool for early literacy, helping children recognize colors and animals while enjoying a playful rhythm.
• “Corduroy” by Don Freeman: The heartwarming tale of a little bear in a department store searching for his lost button is a beautiful story about belonging and finding a friend who loves you just the way you are.
• “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram: This tender story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare expressing their boundless love is a perfect sentiment for ending the day, reminding children of your affection.

The Moderns: Books Your Kids Can’t Put Down

The world of children’s literature continues to evolve, offering fresh perspectives and engaging narratives that resonate with contemporary families. These books are popular for good reason!

• Anything by Julia Donaldson, particularly “The Gruffalo” or “Room on the Broom”: Donaldson’s rhyming stories are beloved for their clever wit, memorable characters, and engaging read-aloud quality. Her books often feature charming illustrations by Axel Scheffler.
• “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry: This charming tale of a friendly truck and his farm animal friends teaches about kindness, helping others, and the power of teamwork. Its gentle rhymes and repetitive sounds make it a favorite.
• “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney: A relatable story for any parent who has dealt with bedtime anxieties, this book perfectly captures a child’s separation worries with humor and warmth, ultimately reassuring them that Mama Llama always comes back.
• “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems: A master of interactive storytelling, Mo Willems invites children to be part of the narrative as they tell the persistent (and hilarious) pigeon “No!” It’s a guaranteed giggle-fest before bed.
• Books featuring popular characters like Bluey or Ms. Rachel: If your little one is obsessed with these beloved screen characters, their corresponding books can be a great way to transition from screen time to story time, offering familiar faces and gentle narratives.

The Timeless: Eternal Cornerstones of Bedtime

These are the literary giants of children’s literature – books that have shaped generations, influenced countless authors, and hold a significant place in cultural history. Reading these to your child is sharing a legacy.

• Anything by Dr. Seuss (e.g., “Green Eggs and Ham,” “The Cat in the Hat”): Dr. Seuss’s whimsical rhymes, imaginative characters, and playful language are not only entertaining but also foundational for developing phonological awareness and a love for words.
• “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak: A masterpiece of emotional complexity, this Caldecott Medal winner explores a child’s anger and imagination, offering a powerful journey of self-discovery and the comfort of returning home to love.
• “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson: This simple yet profound story celebrates the boundless power of imagination, as Harold draws his own world into existence with a purple crayon. It inspires creativity and problem-solving.
• “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats: A groundbreaking and beloved book for its gentle portrayal of a child’s delight in a winter wonderland, “The Snowy Day” won the Caldecott Medal and is celebrated for its diverse representation and timeless charm.
• “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper: The enduring message of perseverance and self-belief, embodied by the plucky little engine who believes “I think I can,” has inspired generations to tackle challenges with optimism.

No matter which category you choose from, the most important ingredient in any bedtime story is the shared experience. Your voice, your snuggles, and your presence make any book the “best” bedtime story. Happy reading!