“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” –Dr Seuss

When we read to our children, there are a huge number of benefits such as helping to promote brain development and imagination, teaching our children about language and emotions and it can strengthen your relationship with your child just to name a few. 

In relation to bedtime, reading bedtime stories as part of your child’s consistent and predictable bedtime routine becomes a much-loved wind-down time to prepare your little ones in getting ready for bed. Not only do they relish in having their parents’ full, undivided attention, it is a great addition to their bedtime routine which reinforces the strong signal that sleep is just around the corner. 

You may have your own favorites, but if you were wanting some more ideas on some true classics, here is a list of our family’s bedtime favorites. 

1. The Gruffalo By Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

"A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.

A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good."

A really fun story walking further into the deep dark wood, there is a quick-thinking mouse who comes face to face with an owl, a snake and a hungry Gruffalo.

2. We’re going on a bear hunt By Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury

A great family adventure, there are lots of fun noises to explore that our girls love to join in with. There is a lot of anticipation leading up to finding a big bear.

3. The day the crayons quit By Drew Daywalt

Annabelle’s #1 favorite book! I’ve lost count how many times we’ve read this book but the language used, tone of voice and humor makes our girl giggle. The illustrations are completely relatable and it is such a fun imaginative story that also makes our girls love playing with their crayons even more.

4. Green eggs and ham By Dr Seuss

Who doesn’t love Dr Seuss?? One of the best children’s authors of all time, this classic takes me back to my own childhood. The clever storyline and use of words is always makes this one such an enjoyable read.

5. The paper dolls By Julia Donaldson & Rebecca Cobb

This beautiful book was gifted to our daughter Annabelle for her 2nd birthday from her Aunty Rachel. It is also her cousin Stella’s favorite book too. This truly is a heart-warming book that for me is a bit of a tear jerker. Such a beautiful story of a little girl and her mother and the adventures that they have with their very own paper dolls. 

6. The Snail & the whale By Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

It’s no surprise that this is another household favorite of ours being such fans of The Gruffalo. The same author Julia Donaldson write a beautiful story about a friendship and adventure between a snail and a whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins. After disaster strikes, the snail saves the day! 

7. The tale of Peter Rabbit By Beatrix Potter

It is hard to believe that this beautiful book was first published in 1902 and still is a classic in so many households today nearly 120 years later. Beatrix Potter is regarded as one of the world’s best-loved children’s authors of all time and it is no wonder after you turn the pages of this lovely book. 

Happy reading!