48 Empowering & Inspiring Bedtime Stories for Kids of All Ages

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Once upon a time, there was a parent.

A parent searching for bedtime stories for kids that would entertain and delight their babes.

Now this parent searched high and they searched low, but they just couldn’t find that perfect tale.

Some were too long, others too short… that goldilocks zone remained far, far away.

Sound like a familiar story?

Whether you’re searching for fairies, funny or fantasy, here’s your guide to the best bedtime stories for kids. Help your babies drift off to dreamland with these classic (and not-so classic) ideas.

In this article: 📝

Why are bedtime stories for kids important?
How do you find a good bedtime story?
Are bedtime stories appropriate for a six-year-old?
How do I tell my kids about bedtime stories?
What is the best bedtime story?

Why are bedtime stories for kids important?

Bedtime stories aren’t just a lovely way to end a day.

There are so many benefits for you and your child.

Even 5-minute bedtime stories build positive bonds that last a lifetime.

As they grow up, your little ones probably won’t remember the details of the stories you tell them, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.

As well as reinforcing your relationship, bedtime stories for kids introduce the joy of reading and imagination.

They’ll link loving, caring feelings with books and carry this into their teens and later life.

You’re also teaching your child new words, characters, and ways of looking at the world — so they can express their own emotions better too.

How do you find a good bedtime story?

No matter how many stories you’ve told, whether it’s six or 600, you’ll quickly get a feel for what stories your children enjoy.

Start by thinking about what they usually respond best to.

Do they love tales with clear morals or fantasy-world creations full of dragons and monsters?

To then find a good bedtime story (no matter what genre), start with your local bookshop.

Bookstore staff are always happy to advise, and they’re super knowledgeable.

Also chat to other mamas and papas for their tips, and don’t forget the most important person — your child.

Have you actually asked them what stories they’d like to hear?

Whether it’s princesses, aliens, or animal adventures, chances are they’ll have their own (strong!) opinions.

As well as bookstores, there are some useful online collections of paid and free bedtime stories for kids.

Check out these websites for ideas:

Story Berries – a large collection of free bedtime stories, nursery rhymes, and poems.
Soper Books – paid subscriptions giving access to award-winning stories for all ages.
Stories to Grow By – a wonderful array of free bedtime stories and learning sheets.
Tell a Tale – an e-magazine focusing on India’s rich tradition of children’s storytelling.
Story Dino – lots of short bedtime stories for kids, written by a single mother with love.
Bedtime Short Stories – with useful options to sort by age, topic, and language.

Are bedtime stories appropriate for a six-year-old?

Absolutely!

Bedtime stories are appropriate for children of any age.

It’s all about finding a story that’s right for their interests and vocabulary though.

For instance, a toddler might only be able to focus on 5-minute bedtime stories.

Older children might appreciate longer, classic tales.

What’s right for one child will be completely wrong for another… so if your little one isn’t enjoying a particular story, don’t worry.

Storytime is meant to be fun for everyone (including you), so it’s always fine to take a break and try again another night.

How do I tell my kids about bedtime stories?

The best way to tell your kids about bedtime stories?

Just tell them a great bedtime story!

An important part of bedtime stories for kids is the way you tell it.

So if your child clearly loves a particular bit of the story, don’t be scared to ad-lib.

Give extra details on people and places to really build a picture in their mind.

And of course, plenty of fun voices, movement, and facial expressions really bring a story alive.

It’s all about having fun together, and enjoying the process as much as your little ones.

What is the best bedtime story?

No two children are the same. So there’s no one “best” bedtime story.

It’s best to think about the genres and styles your child enjoys, and then find age-appropriate tales to match.

As a rule, though, the best bedtime stories have characters your child relates to.

They’ll often bravely overcome some kind of challenge, giving your little one a positive, reaffirming message just before bedtime.

Oh, and a great story will have just a little excitement and suspense (but not too much!), so they stay engaged… but nod off to sleep soon after.

With this in mind, here’s a list of some of the best bedtime stories for kids with rough suggestions for age.

Sitting comfortably? Let’s begin…

Terrific toddlers bedtime stories

Sandra Boyton, Pajama Time! – a fun book to get your little ones into their jim-jams.
Dr. Seuss, Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book – aimed at sweet dreams for little ones.
Judith Kerr, The Tiger Who Came to Tea – a girl called Sophie and a rather hungry tiger.
Michael Rosen, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – a fun and whimsical classic picture book.
Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon – all about sweetly snuggled, small children.
Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo – a modern classic full of woodland magic.
Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar – with plenty of interaction for fidgety customers.
Little Tiger Press, I Love You to the Moon and Back – a celebration of parent-child love.
Jane Hissey, Old Bear – a much-loved teddy bear lost and found again.
Helen Nicoll, Meg and Mog – a super fun illustrated tale, full of witchy business.

Bedtime stories for kids 5-8 years

Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat – a tried and tested classic full of madness and mayhem.
Tove Jansson, The Moomins – unusual, enjoyable, and beautifully illustrated tales.
Rudyard Kipling, Just So Stories – hundred-year-old tales that still pack a punch.
Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are – magic, adventure, and discovery.
Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox – or any Roald Dahl for that matter. Well, we love it.
A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh – loved by children and adults all over the world.
Michael Bond, A Bear Called Paddington – a lovable bear searching for kindness and the odd marmalade sandwich.
Enid Blyton, The Magic Faraway Tree – three children living next to an enchanted wood!
Ellen Mills, Never Stop Dreaming – inspiring short stories to motivate your ambitious little one.

Bedtime stories for kids 8 and above

Ted Hughes, Iron Man – a moving story full of mystery, suspense, and morality.
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter – the series needing no introduction, which will keep your children entertained for months.
C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia – a magical book series children never forget (we haven’t!).
Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl – A sci-fi fantasy series full of criminal masterminds, fairies, and unforgettable characters.
Roald Dahl, The Big Friendly Giant – just enough humor, sentimentality, and suspense to keep them hooked.
Michelle Magorian, Goodnight Mr. Tom – one of the most powerful and touching children’s books ever written.
Lewis Carrol, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – a surrealist classic loved by children and parents alike.
Lisa Thompson, The Goldfish Boy – a life-affirming story of hope and friendship triumphing over loneliness and fear.
Sophie Anderson, The House with Chicken Legs – a fantastical tale of destiny and adventure.

Classic Bedtime stories for Kids

Don’t forget the classics! You’ll find loads of versions of these classic bedtime stories for kids online, all tailored to different lengths and age groups.

A word of warning though… original Brothers Grimm tales (such as Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood) have some pretty gruesome endings.

So it’s definitely worth doing some research beforehand, to avoid any tears before bedtime.

Beauty and the Beast – a magical story of friendship and acceptance.
Cinderella – a young girl who discovers dreams really do come true.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears – how will she get comfy for bed?
Hansel and Gretel – a suspenseful tale of sibling adventure.
Pinocchio – recognizing the importance of honesty, bravery, and truth.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – who’s the fairest of them all!?
Rapunzel – a lovely tale of friendship, courage, and freedom.
The Ugly Duckling – a beautiful story of self-acceptance and kindness.
The Sword in the Stone – full of magic, bravery, and knightly adventure.
Jack and the Beanstalk – a fun favorite that kids still love.
Puss in Boots – especially fab for families with feline friends.
The Little Match Girl – a touching Hans Christian Anderson classic.
Little Red Riding Hood – a classic bedtime story for kids, if a little scary.
The Happy Little Prince – a favorite of us at Team Peanut.
The Velveteen Rabbit – a story about becoming real.
The Pied Piper of Hamlin – a traditional German fairy tale.
Rumpelstiltskin – another classic that’s a little scary at times, but you know what your child will enjoy.
Aesop’s Fables – lots of stories you’ll remember, with important morals for your little one.

And there are two books that we absolutely love as bedtime stories for kids, written by two mamas who met on the Peanut app, Marie Stillerwijk and Tia Bell (one of their characters is even called ‘Little Peanut’!):

And The Sparks Flew – a story of friendship, love, and support.
I Will Carry You – perfect to send your little one drifting off to a dream-filled sleep.