Bedtime with kids can be stressful, but the perfect bedtime story can make your night, sending your kiddos off to dreamland with ease. There’s also no better way to bond and decompress from the day than sharing a story you both will enjoy. We’ve rounded up a few stand-out bedtime stories to make your nighttime routine dreamy. Cuddle up, and read on!
1. Everybody in the Red Brick Building, by Anne Wynter
Here is our favorite new read for night-night time that will be a repeat story for many bedtimes to come: Everybody in the Red Brick Building is a new modern classic bedtime story for ages 4-8 from debut author Anne Wynter and award-winning illustrator Oge Mora. It offers a fresh, urban take on bedtime stories. Everybody in the Red Brick Building celebrates our differences and the multitude of sounds that lull city children to sleep.
The noises of neighbors, pets and sirens maybe not be the sounds that your kid listens to as their head hits the pillow, but they resonate with all kids and provide fun opportunities for chiming as the story sweetly unfolds. This new classic bedtime book has a rhythm so perfect it’s an irresistible read-aloud. As noisy as the story becomes, by the end everyone in the red brick building is asleep… and hopefully soon you will be, too.
Add Everybody in the Red Brick Building to your shelf today!
1. The Nice Dream Truck, by Beth Ferry & Brigette Barrager
When bedtime is near, you might be in luck. You might get a visit from the Nice Dream Truck!
Sample your choice of sweet dreams—from astronaut to making-the-shot and more—all served by a truck that flies on moonbeams. You may choose to swim; you may want to fly, there’s an endless assortment of flavors to try!
The Nice Dream Truck is sure to add a fun twist to your bedtime routine and reminds us that there are as many ways to dream as ice cream flavors to taste.
Get it here.
3. Looking for a Jumbie, by Tracey Baptiste
New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste and acclaimed illustrator Amber Ren take readers on a romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore. "I’m looking for a jumbie, I’m going to find a scary one." But Mama says jumbies exist only in stories. So Naya sets out on a nighttime adventure to find out for herself. No such thing, say the friends she makes along the way. But Naya is sure that jumbies are real. Some have big mouths. Or thick fur. Or glowing skin. Or sharp teeth. Kind of like her new friends.…
Looking for a Jumbie is a gentle, bouncy, and creepily fun read-aloud inspired by traditional Caribbean tales.
Get it here.
4. Pete the Cat & the Bedtime Blues, by James and Kimberly Dean
This award-winning series is just plain fun—even for bedtime! Pete the Cat and his friends are having so much fun playing and surfing in the sun, they don't want the day to end. Pete has an idea—how about a sleepover? Groovy! As the night gets later, it's time for bed. This cool cat needs to catch some ZZZs, but Pete's friends aren't ready to go to sleep just yet. Then Pete has another idea—a bedtime story! But will it work? The musical text and comforting repetition are perfect for drifting off to sleep. Freebie alert: Free door hanger included!
Get it here.
5. Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
This one is a classic and for good reason. Reading its poetic words and taking in its sweet illustrations are the ultimate bedtime vibe: In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.
Get yours here.
Get a copy of our favorite bedtime read, Everybody in the Red Brick Building, today!
Wishing you all sweet dreams!
—Jamie Aderski
