We are re-posting this blog from 2020 with some updates and new resources for bedtime stories. 

Reading bedtime stories is a cozy way to end to a child’s day. In addition to all the other benefits of reading aloud, reading stories at bedtime helps establish a bedtime routine and can help children – and parents – get a better night’s sleep.

This primary teacher featured in the video below explains some benefits of, and some tips for, reading bedtime stories to the children in your life.

For more tips on reading bedtime stories, read:

• 6 top tips for sharing a book at bedtime – from BookTrust
• 7 tips for bedtime reading from a children’s sleep expert – from Barefoot Books
• How to Read a Bedtime Story – from Reading Rockets
• The Importance of Reading Bedtime Stories to Big Kids – from Scholastic

Children like to choose their bedtime stories. Here are some ideas for books you might want to have available:

• 8 Great Bedtime Books for Babies and Toddlers – from the New York Times
• 9 Great Bedtime Books for Preschoolers – from the New York Times
• Bedtime With Brightly: Book Picks and Tips for Every Age – from Brightly
• The Best Bedtime Stories for 3- to 5-Year-Olds – from Brightly
• Sleep Tight! 6 Board Books for Bedtime – from School Library Journal
• When Lullabies Fail | Books to Soothe at Bedtime – from School Library Journal