Inside: Looking for the best bedtime story books for toddlers? Try our favorite toddler-approved bedtime books! These adorable books are sure to be instant favorites in your house, too.
My happy place is curled up with a book with my squeaky-clean-fresh-out-of-the-tub babies in my lap.
You too? I knew we’d be friends 🙂
Y’all, there is nothing like the heaviness of your child laying on your chest as you read to them. And when you add in the yummy smell of baby soap on their fresh fuzzy heads… please. That’s a little slice of heaven!
Maybe it’s to soften the memory of a crazy day. Maybe it’s so we can get some snuggles in before another busy day tomorrow, but we mamas love to read bedtime books to our little ones.
But not just any books.
We want bedtime stories that allow us to pull our babies closer, remind them how big our love is, and reassure them that no matter what happens, we’ll meet back here…same place, same time tomorrow for a cozy bedtime book.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Of course, I only recommend products that I know and love!
I’ve put together a list of some of our best bedtime story books for toddlers. I think you’ll find some old favorites, and hopefully some new favorites, too!
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- Help for Toddler Bedtime Battles
Update: I originally wrote this post when my son was a toddler. Now that he’s older and we also have a daughter, we’re finding that we still go back to these favorite books over and over again! I say all this just to tell you… if you’re looking for the best bedtime story books for toddlers that will stand the test of time, you’ll love these options!
God Bless You and Good Night
This sweet, vibrantly colored picture book features baby animals and their parents going through cozy bedtime rituals. Read along as the animals take a bath, have a snack, and snuggle in for bed. The illustrations are stunning and have a certain warm and fuzzy feel to them. My kids love to make the animal sounds as they turn the pages. (What sound does a hedgehog make? anyone?) Click here for more info…
Guess How Much I Love You
This one’s a classic of course, but on our bookshelf we have a board book version. Little Nutbrown Hare (doesn’t that name just roll off your tongue beautifully?) tries to show how much he loves Big Nutbrown Hare. This is where the classic line “I love you to the moon and back” was born. Guess How Much I Love You is just one of those books that gets better with time. My son loved this book when he was a baby, and now my daughter adores this book as well. It an heirloom book, for sure! Click here for more info…
The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes
I searched for a while looking for a good children’s Bible. It’s hard to find a balance between Biblical accuracy and age-appropriateness. Whereas some versions only skim over certain more famous narratives, what I love about this version is that it includes pretty much every major story. I’ve read through our copy so many times that the cover is literally falling off. Reading a Bible story before bedtime is a great way to review the day and help your toddler relate his behavior and the events of the day to God’s Word. This Bible is a great addition to your toddler bedtime routine! Click here for more info…
Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo
Oh I adore this little book! We received this one as a gift from Grandma, and it’s been a favorite for months and months. A little toy engineer takes his train on an adventure through the bedroom. It’s got one of the best opening lines I’ve ever read: “Sun’s up, morning’s here! Up and at ’em engineer!” The illustrations are rich and complex with lots of hidden treasures. My son loves searching for the tiny mouse in the city. The rhymes are rhythmic and just beg to be read aloud. This one’s a winner for sure. Click here for more info…
The Going to Bed Book
You just can’t go wrong with Sandra Boynton. This book features whimsical illustrations and lyrical yet silly rhymes any toddler will love. A mashup of eclectic animals brush their teeth, put their pajamas on, and engage in other nightly chores before rocking to sleep in a delightfully tiny boat. My only hang up with this book is why on earth would these silly animals exercise after taking their baths? What mother in her right mind would permit such foolishness? In any case, my kids love reading this book and acting out the various bedtime steps as they arise. Click here for more info…
We love a good bedtime book around here. There is something extra snuggly about the little ones when it’s bedtime. Do you have any favorite bedtime story books for toddlers?
Goodnight, Moon is very special.
Hi! I’m Julie too! I LOVE your blog. Just discovered it today. I feel like you’re my spirit mommy blogger. Can you tell me if this was your first post? Or does it just not go back any farther? Thanks!
Thanks so much! What a sweet thing to say 🙂 You’re right, this was my very first post! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter, I send out weekly emails full of more helpful and inspiring mama tips. Blessings!