Bedtime routines are one of the most important routines you can have in your home. It sets the tone for the evening by providing kids with a calm and relaxing environment to help lull them to sleep.
Part of any great bedtime routine is a sweet or interesting story to read to your kids. Sometimes it's not always easy to find just the right book which is why I've curated this list of 26 unique and interesting books for bedtime.
1. Seriously, Just Go to Sleep, by Adam Mansbach
This story is perfect for when you've had enough of the bedtime struggle. From the author of "Go the F-K to Sleep," this more tame version of the story is appropriate to read to kids, but still packed with all the candid, real, and hilarious aspects of trying to put toddlers to bed.
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2. 5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas, by Jimmy Fallon
If there is any time when it's harder for kids to fall asleep, it's around the holidays. They're amped up with sugar, excitement, and the anticipation of Santa. Jimmy Fallon tells this adorable story along with beautiful illustrations of what it's like to go to bed the week before Christmas.
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3. When the Sky Roars, by Katie Weaver
Another time when kids may struggle to fall asleep is when it's storming outside. If you've ever woken up to a child shoving themselves under your covers as thunder rolls in the background, you'll appreciate how this bedtime book option explains away the scary sounds of a storm that keeps kids awake.
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4. 365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes
A whole year of bedtime stories? Yes, please! This fantastic book has all the classic favorites as well as some new ones you may not have heard before. Your kids will not get bored with all the options available to them in this anthology.
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5. Goodnight Tractor, by Michelle Robinson
If farming is in your family, or you simply have a little one crazy about agriculture, this is a book recommendation you'll love and cherish. This sweet little tale gives kiddos the chance to say goodnight to all of the farming equipment and farm animals before drifting off themselves.
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6. Disney's 365 Bedtime Stories, by the Disney Group
Another year of bedtime stories, but this time, for Disney lovers! Old classics and new favorites will introduce your kids to the tales and stories of Disney.
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7. Bedtime Blessings & Prayers for Brave Boys, compiled by Barbour Staff
Christian families of boys will appreciate this fabulous book of devotions for boys ages five and older. It gives them interesting topics to ponder on before bed and instills the idea of taking time for prayer.
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8. Bedtime Blessings and Prayers for Courageous Girls, compiled by Barbour Staff
Need a girl's version instead? This is a nightly routine they will love. Devotions, prayers, and scripture just for girls will help them sleep in peace.
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9. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen
This board book comes to life in its hilarious illustrations as a dinosaur depicts the typical things toddlers do before bedtime. Dinosaur lovers and kids of all ages will adore hearing this one over and over.
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10. Star in the Jar, by Sam Hay
When the stars come out at night your kids will love hearing the tale about this little boy who finds a star and reluctantly has to return it to where it belongs.
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11. Twenty Yawns, by Jane Smiley
Lucy is exhausted after a long and exciting day at the beach. Help your kids drift off into a peaceful sleep like Lucy with this sweet story.
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12. Sleepy Baby Samurai, by Andrew Zeller
Sleepy Baby Samurai is a clever book about a little boy who cannot sleep. The tale of him wandering through magical paintings and adventuring with dragons will have your kids dreaming quickly.
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13. Sloth Wasn't Sleepy, by Kate Messner
The relaxation secrets that Mama Sloth shares with her little one are real mindfulness strategies that you can use to help your kids get to sleep each night. This book tackles the unrealistic fears and anxieties many kids battle with at bedtime.
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14. Time for Bed, by Mem Fox
This beautifully illustrated book of rhythmic words is a perfect bedtime book. It creates a warm and comforting feeling through the text and quietly soothes little ones to sleep.
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15. Bedtime for Bad Kitty, by Nick Bruel
Like your kids, Bad Kitty has plenty of energy to spend. This is a funny little book that many kids can relate to and offers some great giggles before bedtime.
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16. The Little Book of Bedtime, by Zach Bush
Kids do not often understand the importance of bedtime and routines. This excellent book explains just that and gives them ideas on ways to relax and get ready for this most important part of their day.
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17. Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
Goodnight Moon is a bedtime book classic that is read at bedtime everywhere. It is the perfect generational book to gift new parents as it lulls children to sleep with its quiet poetic text and soothing images.
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18. The Giving Snowman, by Julia Zheng
Help your children fall to sleep with this lovely book focused on gratitude and kindness. Perfect for winter, the snowman and a few sweet forest creatures will captivate little ones in this charming tale.
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19. Tucked in the Barn, by Agnes Green
Another poetic gem, kids will fight themselves to stay awake for this story. They will not want to sleep until they hear about the little girl and how she tries the beds of all of her friendly animals in the barn.
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20. Bedtime Meditation for Kids
This book for children ages four to eight helps kids learn how to self-soothe and relax their bodies before bedtime. With a little guidance from loving parents and some practice, kids will be able to get to sleep using meditations for bedtime.
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21. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, by Rebel Girls
Start your baby girls young with this bedtime story book that introduces them to strong, amazing women who have made a difference in our world. This will easily become a classic bedtime book for any little girl in your life.
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22. Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book, by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss is a well-known author who rhymes about everything - even sleep. The covers of this book enclose a tale of the yawning phenomenon, where one yawn breeds another and passes it from person to person.
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23. On the Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman
Another classic you'll want to pass from generation to generation is this adorable tale of unconditional love. It will not only provide a sweet and gentle story for little ears but give your kids the affirmation of your love for them.
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24. The Napping House, by Audrey Wood
The napping house is a great book for bedtime but be prepared for your children to wait until the story is over to nod off because this hilarious little tale is one they will not want to miss.
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25. Is God Still Awake? by Sheila Walsh
When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, children can learn that they can lay their fears and worries aside. Is God Still Awake? teaches children about prayer, and answers a big question that a small girl has.
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26. I Love You Dear Star, by Kurt Silvers
If you have kids that are going through a loss or tough time, this may be the perfect book to ease their minds at night when there are no distractions to help them through.
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