Books for bedtime

There’s nothing quite like a lovely story before falling asleep. These books are sure to be a great bedtime read for any toddler or younger child will enjoy.

  • I Heart Bedtime (Martha and the Bunny Brothers)

    by Clara Vulliamy 

    2013 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
  • It’s Time to Hush and Say Good Night

    by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat 

    2024 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Follow a father and child in an imaginative journey towards bedtime. Based on traditional Indian lullabies, this rhyming book is ideal for bedtime. A feast for the senses.

  • Shhh… Good Night

    by Nicky Benson, illustrated by Thomas Elliott 

    2019 0 to 4 years 

    • Picture books

    The animals in the forest are finishing their day and settling down to sleep – it’s time for quiet and time for dreams. A beautiful, lyrical, lullaby of a book that’s perfect for soothing little ones into sleep.

  • Not Sleepy

    by Mama Makes Books, illustrated by Paula Bowles 

    2026 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books

    This very sweet board book will make the bedtime routine fun for all little dinosaurs! Includes surprise pop-ups and a flap to lift. Perfect for babies and toddlers.

  • Guess How Much I Love You

    by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram 

    2014 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics

    This modern classic is a wonderful story about love between a child and a parent, which is never too early to share with your baby. The repetitive text lends itself perfectly to a soothing bedtime read.

  • Baby, Sleepy Baby

    by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank 

    2022 0 to 4 years 

    • Picture books

    This soothing picture book lullaby celebrates the beautifully tender moments that families share with their sleepy babies at bedtime.

  • Mockingbird Song

    by Carol Thompson 

    2012 0 to 7 years 

    • Board books
    • Classics
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A beautiful retelling of the classic lullaby.

  • Bedtime for Little Digger

    by Smriti Halls, illustrated by Sue Hendra 

    2026 2 to 4 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    It’s bedtime for all the little diggers, cars, dumper trucks, buses, helicopters and planes: but will the little yellow digger manage to get to bed on time? A lovely transport-themed rhyming bedtime book.

  • Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear?

    by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Barbara Firth 

    2013 2 to 4 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Little Bear just can’t get to sleep because he is afraid of the dark. A timeless classic that will soothe children’s fears.

  • Peace At Last

    by Jill Murphy 

    2007 2 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    The hour is late and Mr Bear is tired. But he just can’t sleep – however hard he tries, all he can hear are the noises in the house.

  • The Good Night Garage

    by Tori Kosara, illustrated by Meg Hunt 

    2024 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A perfect rhyming bedtime book for little ones – especially children that love trucks, cars and big vehicles.

  • Coorie Doon: A Scottish Lullaby Story

    by Jackie Kay, illustrated by Jill Calder 

    4 to 5 years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    The gentle, lovely and poetic book is a wonderful celebration of Scots dialect and traditional Scottish lullabies. It’s also a beautiful celebration of love and family, all dreamily illustrated in stunning watercolour. 

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