Top Ten Bedtime Stories for Young Kids

Reading your young child a story at bedtime is part of a relaxing routine, and helps build the foundation for a love of learning and reading. There are so many books to choose from, though, and it's hard to weed through them all to find the best ones. Here is a list that my kids have helped me compile of the best bedtime story books out there.

1. "Goodnight, Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown
This has been a favorite in our household from the first time we read it. The young bunny, in his bedtime routine, says goodnight to all his familiar friends in his room. My kids still say 'goodnight, moon' some nights before bed.
Amazon: Goodnight, Moon

2. "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney
When Little Nut Brown Hare is getting sleepy, he tells Big Nut Brown Hare just how much he loves her. What he doesn't count on is how much Big Nut Brown Hare loves him back. Such a precious story.
Barnes and Noble: Guess How Much I Love You

3. "Good Night, Gorilla" by Peggy Rathmann
This one always leads to giggles... the zoo guardsman checks on the zoo animals before heading to bed. First up was the gorilla cage, where the gorilla swipes the keys and lets out all the animals - who follow the guard home and climb into bed with him.
Amazon: Good Night, Gorilla

4. "Pajama Time!" by by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton is a huge hit around here. This book was definitely no disappointment as far as our favorite author goes. The cute story details a pajama party in Boynton's usual fun style.
Barnes and Noble: Pajama Time!

5. "Time to Say Goodnight" by Sally Lloyd-Jones
It's bedtime in the forest, and all the animal mommies are getting their babies ready for bed. The cute animals and sweet story make it a children's favorite.
Amazon: Time to Say Goodnight

6. "Goodnight, Lulu" by Paulette Bogan
If your child likes the 'what if' game, this book will certainly be a big hit in your house. Lulu the chick plays the what if game at bedtime, and her mommy comforts her.
Amazon: Goodnight, Lulu

7. "How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jane Yolen
This cute rhyming book follows the "How Do Dinosaurs" series with the clever rhymes and behavioral lessons.
Barnes and Noble: How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

8. "Llama, Llama Red Pajama"
Baby llama is all about drama, and this book is no exception. Baby llama gets worried at bedtime, and his mom has to come to his rescue to comfort him.
Barnes and Noble: Llama, Llama Red Pajama

9. "To Sleep With the Angels" by H. Elizabeth Collins
A sweet story about a little girl and her special angel. It's a story that's comforting and touching.
Barnes and Noble: To Sleep With the Angels

10. "The Goodnight Train" by June Sobel
Cute bedtime story for all train-loving kids, taking them on an express trip to dreamland.
Amazon: The Goodnight Train