The Best Books to Read at Bedtime by Age and Stage

A delightful hide-and-seek story that follows Bearry as he plays his favorite game before bedtime. Little readers will love spotting Bearry in all the unexpected places he hides, making this interactive story a perfect wind-down activity. This story also helps show that calming our bodies down and thinking through our emotions is far more helpful in stressful situations.

Written by Max Greenfield (which you likely know from his role in New Girl), this gentle, reflective book guides little ones through a series of relaxing thoughts and affirmations, helping them to soothe their minds before drifting off to sleep. It’s the perfect way to encourage mindfulness and end the day on a peaceful note.

Perfect for curious kids, this book turns bedtime into a fun, thought-provoking experience. Packed with fascinating questions and whimsical illustrations, it’s designed to spark imaginations and inspire a sense of wonder (and hopefully fun dreams) right before sleep.

Featuring beloved Pixar characters like Buzz Lightyear and Dory, this bedtime storybook is a collection of short, sweet tales that are perfect for winding down. Each story is just the right length to keep little ones engaged while easing them into dreamland.

A celebration of nighttime routines and family traditions, this book follows a little girl as she gets ready for bed, including the important task of putting on her bedtime bonnet. It’s a loving look at cultural rituals that makes bedtime feel special and inclusive.

Zara’s messy room leads to a big bedtime challenge, and her journey to clean up is filled with laughs and lessons. Kids will relate to Zara’s struggle and cheer her on as she finds a creative solution that makes bedtime a breeze.

A beautifully illustrated adventure that takes little ones on a journey through nature, encouraging them to appreciate the wonders of the wild world before bed. This book is a perfect mix of calming prose and captivating imagery.

This inspiring bedtime book encourages kids to think about the day they’ve had and all the ways they can be brave, adventurous, and kind tomorrow. It’s a wonderful way to end the day on a positive, motivational note.

With its playful rhymes and adorable illustrations, this book makes getting ready for bed a fun-filled event. Toddlers will love the rhythmic text and cozy scenes that make bedtime feel like a celebration.

Join Bluey and Bingo on a sweet and sleepy journey through dreamland. This charming picture book captures the warmth of bedtime snuggles and the magic of dreaming big, perfect for any Bluey fan.

A classic bedtime tale that follows Llama Llama as he learns to handle his bedtime fears. This book’s catchy rhymes and relatable story about nighttime separation make it a favorite for toddlers everywhere.

A charming and funny tale that turns bedtime routines into a giggle-filled adventure. Boynton’s signature humor and delightful illustrations make this a must-read that toddlers will want to hear again and again.

The Little Blue Truck is back, and this time he’s helping his animal friends find their way to sleep during a cozy rainstorm. With gentle rhymes and lovable characters, it’s the perfect book for calming down after a busy day.

A tender story of a little hare and his parent, expressing their love for each other in the sweetest ways. Its simple, endearing message of love makes it a timeless bedtime favorite for young children.

This sweet counting book follows a bedtime routine filled with hugs and kisses. Toddlers will enjoy counting along as each goodnight kiss brings them closer to sweet dreams.

A gentle bedtime book that takes toddlers on a nighttime journey across Sleepy Hill. With its soft illustrations and calming text, it’s perfect for helping little ones settle down for the night.

Designed for the youngest readers, this high-contrast board book features simple illustrations and gentle text to soothe babies at bedtime. It’s perfect for engaging newborns’ developing eyesight while creating a calming bedtime routine.

A heartwarming story that captures the bond between parent and child with tender words and beautiful illustrations. It’s a sweet choice for sharing love and cuddles at bedtime.

This collection of nursery rhymes and short tales is perfect for introducing babies to the joy of reading. The diverse stories and rhythmic text make it a great addition to any bedtime routine.

A sweet, pun-filled board book that compares a parent’s love to various adorable animals. Its playful rhymes and charming illustrations make it a fun, heartwarming read before bed.

This playful bedtime board book follows a group of dinosaurs who are just too sleepy. Boynton delivers humor and catchy rhymes in a way that’s sure to coax a smile before bedtime.

This adorable board book follows Baby Sloth’s slow and sleepy journey to bed. With soft, soothing illustrations and simple text, it’s perfect for winding down with little ones.

Brown’s enchanting story highlights the importance of creating a sense of security, peace and imagination, as well as comforting bedtime routines in a child’s life.

Introduce your little one to inspiring tales of extraordinary women with this board book edition of the popular series. Each story is simplified for the youngest readers, making it a bedtime read that’s both empowering and soothing.