Between announcing it's bedtime and your little ones falling asleep, every parent may find their evening routine, shall we say, a little unpredictable. Whether you're dealing with the 'witching hour', or an overstimulated toddler, here at Ladybird, we understand the challenges.
One easy addition to your evening routine is to share a bedtime or even a pre-bedtime story and we have collated some of the most soothing and sleep-inducing books to share. From books designed to countdown to sleep to learning how to get ready for bed with their favourite TV characters, we have a book for every little reader.
Explore the full list or click on the links below to suit your child's favourite format.
Picture books
The countdown to bedtime is on, and this new title in the bestse lling Ten Minutes to Bed
Combining a fairy-tale-themed story and beautiful illustrations that grow darker as we progress through the sleepy countdown, Ten Minutes to Bed is the perfect story to help little ones drift off to sleep.
Recommended reading age: 2-5 years old
As many parents may attest, bedtime can be troubling, especially for autistic children , no matter how tired they are. So this bedtime story from the award-winning TV show Pablo , written by autistic writers and based on their own experiences, may be the perfect book for bedtime.
In Goodnight Pablo , Pablo and his friend Wren are scared of the dark and are worried that if they fall asleep they’ll disappear. Luckily, their friends Noa, Draff, Mouse and Llama show them they don’t need to be frightened as everyone will still be there in the morning. Even Tang who can’t stop snoring!
Recommended reading age: 3-5 years old
Perhaps one of the most tear-inducing episode to date from Bluey, Sleepytime is the story of Bingo's determination to do a 'big-girl sleep' and wake up in her own bed. Mum reminds her though, ‘…I’m always here if you need me’. It’s not long before Bingo is in dreamland but whilst she’s there, those in the real world are struggling to get some rest…
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years old
Bean’s had a busy day but now he needs to rest. Can you help Ms Rachel settle him down for the night? Enjoy the rhymes, soothing songs and comforting story, perfect for helping littles wind-down and have a sound and snuggly sleep.
Follow along as Ms Rachel and Bean say good night to the day while working through their tried-and-tested, bedtime routine chart. From tidying up and popping bath bubbles to picking pyjamas and singing songs, Ms Rachel’s charming story makes going to bed the best.
Recommended reading age: 2-5 years old
Poor Chilli thought she had put the kids to bed and had an evening to herself but Bluey is struggling to fall asleep, so she agrees to read one final bedtime story. Just as they have settled down to read their book, Unicorse appears and brings nothing but mayhem with him! From chewing loudly to interrupting the bedtime story, it seems unlikely Bluey will ever go to sleep. Will she and Mum be able to deal with this unicorn’s annoying antics?
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years old
Our favourite Squirrel Club members are getting ready for bed as they've had a long day playing with Duggee's little nephew Duggly who has come to visit. But Duggly won’t go to sleep! So, it’s up to the Squirrels to share all the different ways they fall asleep. Can the Squirrel's handy tips make your little ones get to sleep too?
Recommended reading age: 2-4 years old
There are many fantasy world's to explore in this best-selling series but we had to give a shout-out to this fun-loving dragon duo. In just ten minutes, dragon siblings Flicker and Flash are meant to be settling down for the night. But that’s easier said than done when there’s so much fun to be had soaring through the skies. Follow along as Flicker and Flash spot a lost egg that needs to be reunited with its mother and rush to return home before bedtime!
Recommended reading age: 2-5 years old
