Hi fellow moms! As I’m sure you know, bedtime with toddlers can often be more of a battle than a routine. While getting your little one to actually go to sleep is challenge enough, it’s also important to choose engaging stories that will ease them into dreamland without too many tears or tantrums. Over the years of putting my own kiddos to bed, I’ve discovered some real gems of children’s books that seem to do just the trick. So, I thought I’d share my kids favorites for each age, that I found they were engaged in the most, and asked for over and over. I hope you find some bedtime books that they enjoy too on this list that will help make bedtime a smoother transition each night. Ready to cozy up and dive in? Let’s get started!
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Best Bed Time Books For 1 Year Olds
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Brown, is filled with rhymes and rhythm that is perfect to settle your toddler down for the night.
I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt, is a fun tale of a mother’s love for her son.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. This cute little tale about a bunny who is trying to describe to his mom how much he loves her.
I Love You to The Moon and Back, by Amelia Hepworth. A heartwarming story about how much a mamma bear loves her baby bear, and all the way she shows her love.
10 Kisses Before Bedtime, by Danielle Mclean. Different families put their littles ones to bed. And they each give a bedtime kiss before lights are out.
Dinosaur, Dinosaur Say Goodnight, by Tiger Tales. Each page shows an adorable dinosaur in a stage of bedtime.
Best books for 2 year olds
Bedtime For Baby Sloth, by Danielle Mclean. Can mommy sloth get baby to bed?
The Wonderful Things You Will Be, by Emily Martin. This book has such a wonderful message about growing up to be anything you want to be.
Good Night Gorilla, by Peggy Rathmann. This wordless book leaves the mind open for interpretation and great discussion. There are surprises to be seen on every page.
Good Night, I Love You by Caroline Jayne Church. With inquisitive rhymes, this book will surely get your toddlers ready for a good nights sleep.
If Animals Kissed Good Night, by Ann Whitford Paul. This adorable rhyming book images how each animal would fall asleep at night if they did what we did before going to sleep.
A Bedtime For Bear, by Bonny Becker. A story about a bear who needs it to be quiet, but his friend mouse keeps making noises.
Best Bedtime Stories For 3 Year Olds
Good Night Little Blue Truck, by Alice Schertle. Little Blue Trucks friends are afraid of the storm and need a place to sleep that’s warm.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?, by Jane Yolk & Mark Teague. A delightful story about how dinosaurs go to sleep.
Bedtime for Peppa. Peppa and George are getting ready for bed, but before they go they need to do their bedtime rituals.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site is an adorable night time book about construction vehicles coming to an end of their day and going to bed.
I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb. A beautiful story about the love between a parent and child.
Night Night, Little Digger (a touch- and- feel book). Perfect if your little ones loves construction machines and vehicles.
Best Bedtime Stories for 4 Year Olds
I Love You Mommy by Little Hippo Books. Baby bear describes all the wonderful reasons he loves his mama bear.
How To Put Your Parents to Bed by Mylisa Larsen. A funny book about helping your parents go to bed.
The Berenstain Bears In The Dark is a story about being afraid of the dark. Papa bear has a bunch of ideas to help sister bear go back to sleep.
You’re The Star in My Sky by Susanna Leonard Hill. This book encourages children to be anything they want to be, and the hope and wishes their parents have to make their dreams come true.
When A Monster Dreams by Cat Gayle. This cute little books help kids to see that monsters aren’t scary, they’re just like you and me!
Just Go To Bed by Mercer Mayer. We all know our little ones do not want to get ready for bed. Little Critter doesn’t either!
Conclusion
Bedtime can be a challenging time for both parents and toddlers. However, with the right bedtime stories, it can become a cherished routine that brings you and your little one closer together. From classic favorites to new and exciting reads, there are endless options when it comes to choosing the best bedtime books for toddlers. So whether you’re looking for beautifully illustrated tales or fun and interactive stories, this list has got you covered. So grab a cozy blanket, snuggle up with your child, and get ready to explore the magical world of storytelling.
And if you have any other favorite bedtime books for toddlers that weren’t mentioned in this post, feel free to share them with us in the comments below, I love to hear about new and other books to try!
Happy reading everyone!
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I'm 40 years old and a mom of 2 three year olds and a first grader. I am also a Special education teacher. My passion has always been to help people, which is why I started this blog.