25 Most Popular Bedtime Stories of All Time
Original published by Van Winkle's, a new website dedicated to smarter sleep & wakefulness, published by Casper.
For all you new parents, we pulled together this compilation of children’s classics, plus one or two recently minted new favorites. We drew from diverse and noteworthy sources, including Time, Children’s Books Guide, Flavorwire and the American Library Association.
From rambunctious pigs to feuding crayons, kid-lit is brimming with endearing characters and charming stories. Get started tonight.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Originally published in 1947, this iconic board book tells the story of a little rabbit’s bedtime routine, the importance of rituals and the sweet innocence of early childhood.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Winner of the 1964 Caldecott Medal for Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year, Where the Wild Things Are is the story of Max, an imaginative little boy who misbehaves so badly that his mother sends him to bed without supper. But then his bedroom mysteriously transforms...
Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
This classic picture book is about a bunny’s imaginary game of hide and seek and the devoted mother who finds him every time.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A small caterpillar emerges from his egg and begins to eat everything in sight. Soon, he is no longer small. This tale of science and gluttony is a colorful and bold affirmation of the wonder and beauty of nature. Added bonus: It helps kids learn the days of the week.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, and Lois Ehlert
An alphabet with attitude, a coconut tree and a madcap adventure make this lyrical rhyming book a modern classic. Published in 1989, this delightful story of mayhem makes learning letters an unforgettable experience.
Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
This charming story of a wayward peddler and the monkeys who steal his caps will have you cheering for the monkeys’ shenanigans and the peddler’s efforts to outwit them. In print for more than 50 years, Caps for Sale is a timeless classic.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
A magical tale of a cat in a hat and two kids home alone has made learning to read a hilarious joy for generations. Zany verses, simple repetitions and truly unforgettable characters transform a dull rainy day into an adventure your kids won’t forget.
The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
In this unique coming of age story, Babar has a gift for finding the silver lining in a sky of dark clouds. Though his life is marked by the sad death of his mother, this endearing elephant finds his way to being crowned King of the Elephants.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
A somewhat controversial tale, Silverstein’s book tells the story of a boy and an apple tree. At first, the boy uses the tree for shade and this makes the tree happy. However, as the boy grows, his demands soon take everything the tree has to give. A cautionary tale, or a testament to unconditional love? You decide.
Corduroy by Don Freeman
A department store bear, a missing button and the little girl who saves him have charmed readers for decades in this toy-comes-to-life story.
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a high-energy, over-the-top rambunctious kid — er, pig — who is good at singing 40 very loud songs and wearing people out. The true genius of this charming book are author/illustrator Falconer’s artwork, which visually set up each punchline.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Rhyming text and quirky drawings bring Madeline, the spunky French girl who is afraid of nothing — not even the tiger in the zoo — to life.
Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
In this award-winning picture book, a young boy learns to be open to new — and sometimes frightening — experiences, all couched in the security of his dear Nana’s love.
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
First published in 1958, this book tells the story of how ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved. The first book in what has become a Paddington empire: books, toys and, yes, even a movie, will charm your youngsters.
The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
Beautiful watercolors and a text based on universal truths turns this story by Tolstoy into a modern fable for young readers. If only Nikolai can find the answers to his three questions, he will know how to be a good person.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
It was a terrible day, everything went wrong, right down to the lima beans for supper. How is a kid supposed to cope? Well, he might think about going to Australia, but he may also be glad to know that everyone has a bad day now and again. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible Very Bad Day has been earning the sympathy of readers since it was first published in 1972.
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Getting ready for bed has never been so much fun. Boynton’s iconic illustrations and lively text turn the simplest tasks — like brushing teeth and taking a bath — into a joyful, silly celebration.
Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth
One by one, three siblings visit their new neighbor, a panda named Stillwater. He tells each a story, inviting the children to consider the world and their perceptions from a different angle. This Caldecott Honor book addresses philosophy from a child’s perspective.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
A naughty rabbit gets into trouble in the garden, but still manages to find his way home safely.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Just as the beautiful princess is about to marry her prince, an evil dragon smashes her castle, burns all her clothes and prince-naps her beau. She’s clever enough to rescue the prince, but when things don’t turn out as expected, she finds she’s clever enough to rescue herself. A girl-power tale for the ages.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Armed with just a crayon, Harold draws a rich and vibrant landscape. A joyful story of the power of imagination.
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
This 1945 Newberry Honor winner is about a young Polish girl in a Connecticut school who is ridiculed for wearing the same faded dress every day. When the bullies don’t back down, this gentle tale explores what it means to face the moral dilemmas of childhood and stand up for what’s right.
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Rich with humor, this story illuminates the sentiment that the love between parent and child is endless. You’ll likely find yourself repeating to your child: “I’ll love you forever/I’ll like you for always/as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.”
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
A timeless masterpiece, this classic tale follows the whims of Christopher Robin and his lovable stuffed friends, including a slow-moving bear named Pooh.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
A clever tale of the boy who wants to color and a box of crayons on strike. Because when orange and yellow are feuding, and beige is tired of playing second fiddle to brown, all sorts of hilarity ensues.
Honorable Mention: Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
Because everyone does. And because young children find the subject riveting , and hilarious, and love saying the word. Science and humor will make for a lot of laughs.
