As parents, we are always looking for ways to make bedtime more fun and engaging for our kids. Here are 11 bedtime stories for kids that you can read with your little ones at night. To help them fall asleep faster. These books are all great choices. Because they have beautiful illustrations, simple vocabulary, and simple sentences. They’re perfect for young children who may be struggling with reading on their own yet. To know more about the context just scroll down here.
According to experts, reading to children helps them understand words, their meanings and the kind of pronunciation they involve. There are many children that are unable to process phonetics in a manner which is expected by their parents, as well as their teachers. This is why parents need to invest in phonics books to improve the sound to symbol recognition. While this is not something that every child needs, some might benefit from the same.
Best Bedtime stories for kids!!!
Everyone knows that reading children’s books is one of the most powerful tools. You have at your disposal when it comes to raising creative, curious, intelligent kids. The right book can ignite their imaginations and inspire them. To dream bigger than they ever thought possible. Below you will find some fascinating bedtime stories for your kids.
1. Beauty and the Beast:
Beauty and the Beast is a fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. This fairy tale is about a girl called Belle and a handsome young prince. This is a beautiful and famous bedtime story for kids and adults too. It’s about a French merchant who lost his way in the forest one day. He finds a castle where he meets with them and they offer him food, shelter, etc. He agrees to stay here as long as they like.
Then soon realizes that this place is not a house, it’s a beasts’ place. So he has to complete three tasks before going out of this place. One day the beast allows him to return home to spare his life. If he brings something for him after one month. One day the beast allows him to return home to spare his life. If he brings something for him after one month. There is a daughter Bella in his family who helped the merchant to prepare the gift for the monster.
As one of the best-known fairy tales in traditional cultures across the world. It has inspired numerous adaptations, including film, stage, and television versions. It’s a good bedtime story to read with your kids before going to bed. And it has great illustrations too.
2. The Ant and the Grasshopper:
A fable about a grasshopper who spends the summer playing and having fun. While the ant works hard to store food for winter. When winter comes, the grasshopper has nothing to eat. And learns that working hard in life is always better than just playing all day long.
This story takes place during a hot summer season. The grasshopper spends most of his time playing outside with other insects. While the ant works hard storing food for winter. And he makes fun of them. Because they’re working so hard all summer long. While he is having fun and relaxing. Then winter comes, the grasshopper has nothing to eat.
And then goes over to the ant’s house to see if he can stay with him. But the ants make it very clear that there’s no room for him at their place. Since he didn’t take care of himself as they did. And he learns his lesson when winter comes and a grasshopper knows the value of hard work. This is the perfect bedtime story of teaching kids about the value of hard work and saving time.
3. The Boy who cried wolf:
This is a traditional fable that teaches children about determination and perseverance. The moral of the story is that kids should not give up when they face challenges. The Boy who cried wolf is a fascinating bedtime story for your kid’s life lesson.
The boy lives with his mom and dad in a small house. He likes to play jokes on people. Being a shepherd, he is sometimes bored. So, when his friends pass by the field. Where he takes care of his sheep, he often makes up stories. Just for fun. The wolf arrives at the door, but the boy’s repeated lies make him think twice about eating him up.
Then, when the wolf finally does show up for real. The boy shouts from the top of his voice for help. No one comes to his rescue because everyone thinks he is joking as usual. The wolf eats all the sheep the boy is not believed in and ends up as his lunch. This story has been passed down through generations and its message stands strong even today.
4. Midas and the Golden Touch:
If you asking for the list of best bedtime stories for kids. Then this story will always have a place in any list. This bedtime story is about the Midas and Greek God. Greek God blessed him because of his work. And he made a wish that he would be touched should turn into gold.
But his wish has a condition that whoever touches him will be turned into gold. The food, clothes everything turn into gold. And one day while consoling him, his daughter also turns into gold. And the wish becomes the greedy sin of Midas. This is an amazing bedtime story for kids. It teaches the value of things and good deeds.
5. The Ugly Duckling:
This is one of the most famous best bedtime stories for kids. This is a classic story about an ugly duckling who lives with Hermit. And he was bullied by the animals because of his looks. Everyone used to tease him because he was not like them. And tried their best to get away from them.
But one day the mother swan notices his ability while flying in the sky. He also has the power and speed of flying so she tells him to follow her. And she takes him to the farm and finally, he looks like a swan, not an ugly duckling anymore. This is really an amazing bedtime story because it comes with inspiring illustrations. This bedtime story is especially great for 2-4 years old kids.
6. The Hungry Mouse:
This is the story of a mouse who keeps on growing his desires. The mouse was very hungry and searches for food everywhere, inside the drawers, in the kitchen, etc. While he keeps on increasing his hunger day by day. Until he reaches a point that everything around him is eaten up by this out-of-control desire. But he cannot find anything.
One day when he was lurking near the flour jar. Drops of the dough fell on the floor and made a shape like cheese. The mouse ate it thinking that it was cheese. But the story continues with many fun adventures of the little mouse. A good bedtime story for kids who are demanding and keep increasing their wants every day. It teaches them to control their desire and never lose their hunger.
7. Cinderella:
This is another classic fairy tale bedtime story for your baby girl. This story is about a girl named Cinderella. She was treated very badly by her stepmother and stepsisters after the death of her biological mother. One day there was a ball, to which everyone was invited but Cinderella had no dress. Suddenly, a fairy godmother appeared.
She used her magic to make Cinderella’s dress and glass slippers look like they did before. She took a pumpkin and turned it into a carriage and mice into horses. But she had to go home before midnight. Because the magic would wear off. When Cinderella arrives at the ball the castle prince was fell in love with her. This is one of the most adventuring and magic fairy tales. This story would be perfect for your child before going to bed.
8. Aladdin and the Magic Lamp:
This is another classic bedtime story for kids. And it’s about a boy named Aladdin and a magic lamp. It contains short sentences and attractive illustrations. That will capture the attention of your kid easily. Aladdin was an unemployed poor boy who lived in his broken home with his mother and sister.
One day he decided to steal from this cave after seeing the magic lamp. He rubbed this lamp and a powerful genie appears to fulfill his wishes. Aladdin uses all these wishes to help the poor people around him and finally becomes the sultan. So, it’s a nice story to teach the lesson of using power for good. And would be perfect adventures story for your child.
9. Goodnight Moon:
Goodnight Moon is a classic children’s book by Margaret Wise Brown. This is a classic bedtime story about an anthropomorphic bunny. He says good night to everything in its bedroom. Until he finally goes to sleep himself. In the end, a soothing voice comes on and sings him a lullaby.
The book has been on many best-selling lists and features drawings of simple, recognizable things. Like a red balloon and some kittens. With very short phrases and beautiful pictures. This is probably one of the most popular bedtime stories ever created.
10. Snow-white and the Seven Dwarfs:
This is the perfect fairy tale bedtime story for your child. Snow White, the beautiful daughter of the queen, lives with her stepmother. One day, when Snow White is at home alone. A huntsman passing by offers to take her picture. The wicked Queen discovers this and she orders the hunter to kill Snow White. And bring back her heart.
On his way to complete his mission, the huntsman finds himself unable to harm Snow White. He tells her of the Queen’s jealous heart and they flee together leaving behind a trail of jewels. The Queen, at home, consults her magic mirror who tells her that Snow White is still alive with the help of seven companions. The Queen immediately sets out on her journey to kill her stepdaughter. But she failed. This fairy tale story would tell your child about the values of friendship, love, and commitment.
11. The very Hungry Caterpillar:
The very hungry caterpillar is one of the best bedtime stories for kids. There are many lessons to learn from this book. This is one of those lovely bedtime stories with pictures, for kids. It has proven that you can achieve success no matter how long it takes.
When you work really hard at something, there is nothing that can stop you. The story begins with a little caterpillar who eats too much and grows bigger and bigger. On his journey, he meets other insects and eventually forms a cocoon around himself for sleep. Until it pops out of its cocoon as a beautiful butterfly.
How to make storytime more interesting?
To make things more interesting, ask your child questions before and after you read a book together. While reading the book, tailor your voice to match different characters’ personalities and emotions. Here are some tips for a mother to make storytime more interesting at night.
- 1) Engage the children by inviting them to make predictions throughout the story. For example, ask them what they think will happen next or what they think might have happened before this.
- 2) Share a favorite song during a lull or to speed up a slow part of the story. This suggestion also includes making up your own tune. As you go if you’re unsure of which song fits best with the mood of the story. Remember that kids respond well to repetition, so you can use that too!
- 3) Use quotes from books as an opportunity for prediction. And asking kids what they think will happen next given those quotes.
- 4) You can also act out story characters and take up different voices.
- 5) Ask children questions about the story as you go along, so they can interact with what they hear.
- 6) Take your child to the library regularly. There are serval stories for kids and you can also get some ideas of their interest.
- 7) Buy a range of different children’s books that appeal to your kid and his or her interests.
- 8) You can also introduce stories from different cultures to widen their tastes.
- 9) Encourage them to read on their own sometimes so they learn independence in reading.
What makes a good bedtime story?
What makes a good bedtime story is a personal choice. Some people prefer stories with lots of action. While others find these stories too stimulating and want a calmer story. Either way, the key to having a good bedtime story is one where the child can visualize themselves.
As part of the action unfolding in front of their eyes. Put yourself in the character’s place for this step. The protagonist should be someone you identify easily with. So that your mind takes on their persona during imagining of events. Which unfold throughout the whole sequence. It works best when what they experience feels true to your life experience. The best stories for children are ones that help them understand their world. Give your child a sense of belonging and comfort.
When you read to your child at night, the right book can make all the difference. The book should be easy for young readers to follow along. The vocabulary should be simple and never condescending. It’s helpful if there are beautiful illustrations that help bring the story to life in a kid-friendly way, too. As part of the action. A good book should cast a spell on your child and transport them to another world while they drift off to sleep.
The Conclusion!!
Therefore, studies have shown that reading to your kids before bedtime helps them sleep better. Reading books with a positive message or story will help children grow up feeling loved and supported. Which can lead to more success in life.
There are so many wonderful stories out there for little ones of all ages. But we’ve narrowed it down to 11 bedtime stories for kids. Read through our list below and choose one based on what you think your child would enjoy most. We hope this gives you some ideas to share the love of reading with your children tonight. And you enjoyed reading some of these fascinating bedtime stories for kids.
