Tag Archives: Bedtime Stories

Go-To Stories for your Children’s Bedtime Bliss

Picture this: it’s that cozy time of the day when your little one’s energy starts to wind down, and the soft glow of bedtime is upon you. What do you reach for to make bedtime magic happen? We’re talking about those all-time favorite children’s bedtime storybooks that have been melting hearts and creating sweet dreams for generations.

It’s not just the stories themselves, though; creating the perfect bedtime atmosphere involves more than just words on a page. It’s about snuggling up in comfy pajamas, sharing giggles, and building a soothing routine that sets the stage for a night of restful sleep. These moments are when you and your child can bond, dream, and let imaginations run wild, all while ensuring a peaceful night’s rest. So, join us as we explore these beloved bedtime tales that have become cherished companions in countless homes.

One bedtime classic that’s as timeless as it gets is “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. This book, born in 1947, has been tucking kids into bed for ages with its soothing rhymes and comforting illustrations. Its secret sauce? Simplicity! The book’s repetitive, gentle words and the act of saying goodnight to everything in the room make it the ultimate bedtime ritual.

Now, let’s hop over to “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. Max, our wild-spirited hero, sets sail to an island inhabited by, well, wild things! The imaginative journey and whimsical illustrations have been capturing young hearts for over 50 years. It’s a bedtime must-read that sparks adventure in kids’ dreams.

If you fancy a chuckle with your nightly read, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” by Mo Willems is a hoot. Willems’ interactive style lets your little one take charge and tell that sneaky pigeon to hit the hay. The pigeon’s hilarious bedtime antics will have your child giggling, and it’s a relatable read for parents, too.

Speaking of imagination, “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson is a real gem. Harold, the young artist, uses his trusty purple crayon to draw his way into marvelous adventures. It’s a story that encourages kids to embrace their creativity and think outside the box—a perfect bedtime tale for budding dreamers.

Adding to this fantastic lineup is “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney. This heartwarming tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare’s expressive declarations of love is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

For a modern classic, check out “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This clever mouse creates a tall tale about the Gruffalo to outwit potential predators. It’s a witty and heartwarming read, and your kids will love playing along with the story’s fun patterns.

In a world full of screens and busy schedules, these books offer a moment of serenity and togetherness. They create a magical space where you and your little one can bond, dream, and let imaginations run wild. Whether you take the recommendations above or have your own favorites, bedtime stories are the glue that holds generations together. These stories weave unforgettable memories, sprinkle stardust in your child’s dreams, and create a cozy cocoon of love and joy that makes bedtime something everyone looks forward to. So, grab your favorite book, snuggle up, and let the bedtime adventures begin! 🌙💤

Bedtime Stories

 

by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Reading books before bed can be one of the best habits. It’s a great way to wind down from the day for kids and adults alike. Kids love to climb into their pajamas and snuggle in for a bedtime story!

Once you start the habit, they’ll look forward to it each night and it’ll become a great routine. Not only is it great bonding time but it’s also known to boost brain development in kids too.

Here are some of our favorite kid’s books:

It’s Too Soon by Nigel McMullen

It’s too soon for bedtime! After all, Anna hasn’t taken a bath, or brushed her teeth, or listened to a bedtime story. Good thing Anna knows just what she needs to do to get ready for bed.

Bear Snores On

Tuck kids of all ages into bed with this charming tale. Some animals stop by the bear cave to warm up, but even after tea is brewed and corn is popped, the bear snores on! What will Bear do when he wakes up to find his cave full of uninvited guests having a party without him? Karma Wilson’s lyrical text and Jane Chapman’s warm illustrations make Bear Snores On a perfect read-aloud to be enjoyed over and over again. (A children’s Book-of-the-month club featured selection.)

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams & William Nicholson

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs  by Judi & Ronald Barrett

What were your favorite bedtime stories? What do your kids love to read? Share with us below!

Photo Credit: The Real Estreya via Compfight cc

Bedtime Stories We Love

The bedside lamp is turned low, the covers form a cushy fortress of wool and knitted quilt, and the air is electric with anticipation. In a few moments, our parents or older relatives will crack the spine of our favorite bedtime story, opening a portal into a world we will never forget. No matter how old we become, the stories that are read to us as children remain in our memories until we pass those stories on to our children, forming a generational tapestry of imagination.

So it is with “Goodnight, Moon,” one of the most beautiful bedtime stories ever written. With spare, elegant prose, and lush illustrations that invite you to linger in the pages of the book long after you have fallen asleep, “Goodnight, Moon” is the story of a bunny rabbit who wishes every item in the house a good night’s rest. Simple, yet affecting, this book was originally published in 1947, and remains a staple of nighttime storytelling.

While still on a bunny rabbit theme, the adventures of “Bunnicula” are excellent bedtime fare for the slightly older child. The amusing stories of a vampire bunny, as told by the family’s dog Harold, will encourage kids to develop not only their imaginations, but their sense of humor and adventure.

Picture-based books, especially those that feature glossy, full color photographs or renderings of fantastic ancient cultures, will enrich a child’s dreams, and invigorate the desire to explore. “See Inside an Egyptian Town” features detailed cross-sections of ancient Egyptian dwellings, palaces, and pyramids. Nothing is more exciting than the sensation of being able to peer into the past, especially when that past involves such magnificent monuments and artifacts as ancient Egypt.

Despite the fact that the “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” was deemed to be suitable bedtime reading for the characters of the grandfather and grandchild in the television series “Mad Men,” analytical historical texts should not necessarily be employed as a way to put children to sleep. However, more complex fictional fare, such as Madeline L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time” can make for quite exciting bedtime reading for exceptionally advanced children. A child will never forget the experience of reading an entire novel, night by night.

No matter the specific book, bedtime stories instill in us a feeling of being loved. To read, and be read to, is an experience that stays with us long after the lights have been turned off.

Here are a few of our featured bedtime stories just for kids:

Bear Snores On is a sweet story about a bear who just loves to sleep $16

It’s Too Soon is about a little bunny who isn’t quite ready for bed $14.95

Little Quack’s Bedtime is about bedtime for Widdle, Waddle, Piddle, Puddle and Little Quack  $14.95

The Life of Pajamas is about how one very special pair of pajamas spends the day $11