10 Favorite Storybooks for Your Toddler’s Bedtime Routine
One of the most common parenting advice that we often hear is how important it is to maintain a consistent bedtime routine for our kids. Experts recommend that routines should be established as early as possible to help kids create a connection between routines and falling asleep.
But… that’s easier said than done!
Getting toddlers to bed can be about as easy as dragging an avid shopper away from a 90% off sale. 🙂 If you can relate, then you may want to try reading storybooks to your toddlers at bedtime.
Storybooks are a great way to enhance your child’s language skills. They promote parent-child bonding as well!
Here are 10 favorite bedtime storybooks that you can read to your toddler to help them calm down and get ready for bed. (Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.)
1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
In this children’s classic literature, author Margaret Wise Brown combined the soft poetry of the words and the soothing illustrations to make this the perfect book to lull your toddler to sleep. Goodnight Moon is a must for every children’s bookshelf.
2. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker
This book is perfect for little hands. With the soothing story, rhyming text, and vibrant illustrations, even your most active little one will want to turn off their engines and drift off to sleep. It’s an absolutely perfect book for truck-loving toddlers everywhere.
3. Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
This hilarious and charming book from award-winning author, Peggy Rathmann, about a mischievous gorilla who isn’t quite ready to go to sleep yet, is sure to be a hit for your toddler’s bedtime routines.
4. Goodnight Truck by Sally Odgers
Goodnight Truck is a picture book that tells how trucks and other vehicles say good night. With its captivating art and rhyming words, this book will surely drive its way to your toddler’s heart.
5. The Going-to-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Your toddlers will surely have lots of fun as you read about a joyful and silly group of animals getting ready for sleep. This classic children’s story is perfect for winding down the day and finally going to sleep.
6. Love You, Hug You, Read To You! by Tish Rabe
Looking for a book that will foster parent-child bonding while instilling the love for books? Love you, Hug You, Read to You! is exactly what you’re looking for. This comforting board book demonstrates unconditional love and the joy of reading together.
7. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
To put it simply, this book is all about love, how far love will reach and how deep will it go. This book is perfect for teaching your kids how to show their love and the importance of telling people that you love them.
8. The Sleep Book by Dr. Seuss
Bedtime has never been more fun with Dr. Seuss’ The Sleep Book! With this classic rhyming picture book, your toddler will surely catch a case of the yawns in no time. This is the perfect bedtime story that will have the most reluctant readers laughing, and the most unwilling sleepers snoring.
9. Little Sleepyhead by Elizabeth McPike
This cozy little book will surely get your kids ready for bed as they listen to adorable rhyming words and charming illustrations that show sleepyheads tired from the day’s activities. Cuddle up with your little ones and get ready for a sweet nighttime send-off.
10. The Goodnight Train by June Sobel
All aboard the Goodnight Train! With calming words and creative illustrations, this book will definitely take your toddler on a fantasy ride that’s guaranteed to make even the most reluctant sleeper snuggle up.
Having go-to storybooks can help your toddler make the transition to bedtime. Does your toddler have a favorite book? Share with us in the comments!
Recommended reading: How to read to your toddler, and what to expect
