TODDLER
16 Bedtime Books to Lull Your Little One to Sleep
These tried-and-true bedtime tales are perfect for those last moments before drifting off to sleep.
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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PARENT PICKS
Bestsellers
TODDLER
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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Bestsellers
Storytime has to be the sweetest part of the bedtime routine. What is better than cuddling up with a picture book that helps our little ones slow down, relax and ease into dreamland?
These 16 tried-and-true bedtime books are perfect for those last moments before drifting off to sleep—warm, soothing and sometimes silly, for going to bed with a smile on your face.
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All the animals, from sheep to geese, are snuggling down with their mamas. Tender bedtime rhymes soothe like a lullaby and the beautiful illustrations are an invitation to sleep in this bedtime book.
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This classic bedtime book comforts kids by saying goodnight to—and demystifying—each object in the bedroom, from chairs to a picture of bears.
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You cannot go wrong with a Sandra Boynton board book. Here, she imagines a boat full of friendly animals going about their bedtime routines (gotta brush those teeth!) before rocking gently to sleep.
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Another Boynton favourite turns bedtime into a party complete with song and dance moves. But do not worry, the after-party takes place in dreamland.
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In this bedtime book, a tricky gorilla steals the zookeeper’s keys and lets all the animals out of their cages. When the zookeeper’s wife discovers the animals napping in her bedroom, she gently leads them home so they can all get a good night’s sleep.
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The reader is entrusted with a very important and difficult job—do not let the pigeon stay up late! The crafty pigeon will use every excuse and stall tactic, so it will not be easy, but it will be funny.
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Patient Mr. Panda reminds his animal friends to follow the steps of their bedtime routines, like taking a bath and brushing teeth. Sloth and skunk make excuses, but cheerful Lemur sticks to the plan. (Let us all be like Lemur.)
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What better way is there to say goodnight than with tons of kisses? Count down from '10 little kisses on teeny tiny toes' and learn body parts and numbers along the way with this sweet bedtime book.
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Are you more of a hugger? This day in-the-life of a busy bunny is chock full of hug breaks, especially at bedtime!
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Cement mixers and crane trucks have bedtimes too in this popular bedtime book about things that go.
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Everyone’s favourite toddler tiger wants to play, but it is time for bed. Dad gently moves Daniel through bath, teeth, PJ’s, story and a song until he is too sleepy to protest anymore.
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Your little one falls asleep to the sound of your loving affirmations, like 'I love you like mice love cheese! I love you like vines love trees!' in this bedtime book for babies.
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A little owl resists bedtime, claiming he is not remotely tired—despite all evidence to the contrary. Sound like anyone you know?
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A little boy imagines himself as a robot powering down at bedtime. It is hard to stop jumping and beeping, but by 'turning off' each body part, he can finally achieve sleep.
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For littles with the wiggles, learning these gentle and poetically expressed yoga poses is a great way to settle in for bed.
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A hilarious twist on the traditional bedtime story has our child narrator sending her exhausted and haggard looking parents to bed, which requires taking away their computers, magazines, TV and cell phones. 'Remain calm. Do not negotiate,' she advises. Sounds familiar.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
