17 Best Bedtime Stories for Toddlers 2-5 Years Old
Bedtime is a special time for all families in their younger years. Chaotic, sure. Stressful, yes. But still magical, as they want to spend time with you and can't wait to snuggle up with one of the best bedtime stories for toddlers.
Make your bedtime routine something special with a touch of fairy tales or one of the classics. This will ultimately lead to a good night's sleep for everyone involved. I am looking at you, tired parents!
Set your little boy or girl up for success by reading them a fun bedtime story at the end of the day. It is a wonderful way and a great choice to drive home a love of reading for young readers as well.
Here are 17 awesome bedtime stories for toddlers broken down into easy-to-find categories so that you find the new favorite book you are looking for!
27 Beautiful Bedtime Stories for Toddlers
Classic Bedtime Stories
Goodnight Moon: A timeless classic by Margaret Wise Brown, "Goodnight Moon" is a soothing bedtime story for young children that takes young readers through the ritual of saying goodnight to various objects in a cozy room. With its simple yet lyrical text and calming illustrations by Clement Hurd, this great book has been a favorite for generations, providing a comforting routine for children as they prepare for sleep. It will become your child’s new best friend bedtime story!
The Runaway Bunny: Written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd, "The Runaway Bunny" is a lovely tale of a little bunny who imagines running away from home, only to be reassured by his mother's unwavering love and determination always to find him. Filled with gentle reassurances and beautifully illustrated scenes, this book celebrates the unconditional bond between parent and child, making it a lovely choice for bedtime reading from an early age.
The Full Moon at the Napping House: A beautiful sequel to Audrey Wood's classic "The Napping House," "The Full Moon at the Napping House" follows the characters from the original story as they try to sleep under the glow of a full moon. With its rhythmic text and captivating illustrations by Don Wood, this book offers a whimsical and enchanting journey via a picture book through a nighttime adventure, perfect for sharing with little ones at bedtime.
The Going to Bed Book: Sandra Boynton's "The Going to Bed Book" is a playful and engaging bedtime story that follows a group of animals as they go through their nighttime routine aboard a ship. From brushing teeth to putting on pajamas, this book combines humorous rhymes with vibrant illustrations to create a delightful bedtime read that will have children eagerly anticipating their own bedtime rituals and lead to early readers in no time!
Sweet Dreams Curious George: This beautifully written and illustrated book is about Curious George preparing for bed with his usual curiosity and mischief. George's bedtime routine is filled with fun and adventure, from brushing his teeth to saying goodnight to his friends. With its colorful illustrations and simple text, "Sweet Dreams Curious George" is the perfect way to wind down and say goodnight to your little one while sharing an important part of the day— the importance of a bedtime routine!
Fairy Tale Bedtime Stories
Five Minute Stories - Over 50 Fairy Tales + Stories: This collection is a fun collection of quick yet enchanting tales perfect for bedtime or any time! With over 50 stories to choose from, it offers a variety of fairy tales and other classic stories that can be enjoyed in just a few minutes. Each of the little stories is carefully selected to grab young imaginations and spark a love for storytelling.
Fairy Tales Treasury: A Timeless Collection of Favorite and Classic Fairy Tales Stories for Children: Dive into the magical world of fairy tales with this timeless collection. Featuring beloved classics like "Cinderella," "Snow White," and "Sleeping Beauty," this collection is sure to become loved by your little ones for its enchanting stories and beautiful illustrations. From princesses to magical creatures, each tale is a timeless masterpiece that will grab children's imaginations and is a great way to end the night. Each short story is perfect for little readers!
Folk Tales from Japan: Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales for Children: Dive into the rich folklore of Japan with this intriguing collection of fables, myths, and fairy tales. From magical creatures to heroic adventures, these stories offer a glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition while entertaining and educating young readers. With its engaging storylines and beautiful illustrations, this book will spark curiosity and wonder for all young kids! This is a classic bedtime book for a reason.
Cinderella and the Furry Slippers: Tying in the beautiful melodies of the Cinderella story introduces readers to a charming tale of kindness and friendship. When Cinderella's glass slippers go missing, she goes on a whimsical adventure with her furry friends to find them. With its wonderful pictures and heartwarming message, "Cinderella and the Furry Slippers" is a perfect bedtime story.
The Gingerbread Man Loose at The Zoo: Follow the mischievous Gingerbread Man as he explores the zoo in this lively and humorous adaptation of the classic tale. From riding on the backs of animals to outsmarting the zookeeper, the Gingerbread Man's antics are sure to keep young readers entertained from start to finish. With its playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, this book is a wild and whimsical adventure for children of all ages. All of the short bedtime stories featuring the Gingerbread Man are fun for reading time!
Fairy Tale Pets: Join a whimsical cast of characters as they head out on magical adventures with their pets in this beautiful collection of fairy tales. From flying unicorns to talking frogs, each story celebrates the special bond between humans and animals while weaving in elements of fantasy and imagination. With its delightful tales and enchanting illustrations, "Fairy Tale Pets" is sure to capture the hearts of young readers everywhere. Take your child to a new place every single night with these story books!
Interrupting Chicken: In this hilarious tale by David Ezra Stein, a little chicken can't help but interrupt her father's bedtime stories with her own imaginative twists. From fairy tales to fables, each story takes an unexpected turn thanks to the little chicken's enthusiastic interruptions and is anything buy a traditional bedtime story. With its witty humor and playful illustrations, "Interrupting Chicken" is a laugh-out-loud read that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the power of imagination. Let it be the first book you grab from this list!
Board Book Bedtime Stories
The Pout Pout Fish and the Bed Time Blues: Dive back into the underwater world with the beloved Pout-Pout Fish as he faces the bedtime blues in this bedtime story by Deborah Diesen. With its colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes, this book follows the Pout-Pout Fish as he discovers the soothing power of bedtime routines and the comfort of a goodnight kiss. Perfect for helping little ones overcome their own bedtime blues and drift off to sleep with a smile.
Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site: Join the hardworking trucks of the construction site as they wind down for the night in this sweet bedtime story by Sherri Duskey Rinker. From crane trucks to cement mixers, each vehicle prepares for bed with its own unique routine, making this book a favorite for little ones who love big trucks. With its calming text and cozy illustrations, "Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site" is the perfect way to end the day and say goodnight to your little builder.
I love you to the Moon and Back: Journey through the night sky with this heartwarming tale of love and adventure by Tim Warnes. As Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other, readers are taken on a magical journey filled with twinkling stars and cozy cuddles. With its gentle text and enchanting illustrations, "I Love You to the Moon and Back" is a touching tribute to the bond between parent and child that will warm the hearts of readers of all ages.
If Animals Kissed Goodnight: Explore the tender moments between parent and child in this adorable bedtime story by Ann Whitford Paul. From pandas to giraffes, each page imagines how different animals might share a goodnight kiss with their little ones. With its sweet rhymes and charming illustrations, this book is perfect for snuggling up and sharing a bedtime kiss with your own little one.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: Say goodnight to a new generation of trailblazing women with this empowering collection of bedtime stories by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo. From astronauts to activists, each story celebrates the achievements of extraordinary women who have changed the world. With its inspiring narratives and vibrant illustrations, "Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls" is sure to spark the imagination and empower young readers to dream big and follow their own path.
