Pre-K
The Best Bedtime Stories for 3- to 5-Year-Olds
by Dena McMurdie
Bedtime is my favorite time of day, and not because my little noise-makers will soon be asleep. I love it because bedtime is when we do all our reading. Not only does it give us much needed bonding time, it also gives us the chance to learn new things and talk about the books we read.
Whether your kids need to unwind, bond, or have a few laughs before they start making Z’s, these titles are a great addition to their bedtime routine.
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Warm and Fuzzy:
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All the Lost Things
Have you lost your eyesight? How about your memory? Perhaps you’ve lost your homework, your keys, or your sense of humor. This is a simple, beautiful story of a young girl who makes a selfless decision to change her world for the better.
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The Wonderful Things You Will Be
This book is a hope-filled promise for childhood. Nobody else can do what your child can do, so snuggle up and celebrate their individuality together; it's a beautiful thing.
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Waiting
This is a story of five toys, each waiting for something. The pig waits for the rain, the owl waits for the moon, and the rabbit just likes waiting. Gently funny and utterly charming, Waiting is a book that kids love reading over and over.
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Extra Yarn
A little girl finds a magic box of yarn and uses it to change the town she lives in. With a gentle message of selflessness, this beautifully illustrated book has delighted parents, children, and critics alike.
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Fun and Interactive:
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No Yeti Yet
Two little boys go on a yeti hunt, but neither one of them suspects the yeti is also hunting them. If your kids are in the mood for something fun, this is a wonderful bedtime read.
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Where's the Dragon?
Do you believe in dragons? Grandpa does, and he’s out to prove their existence to little George as well. The pages of this book are full of hidden dragons, embossed and raised to guide little hands in their hunt for the elusive creatures.
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Touch the Brightest Star
Swipe the sky, pat a deer, and make a wish upon a star. Kids become part of the story as they interact with this sweet bedtime book.
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The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep
This one is more interactive for parents than for kids — it was written specifically as a bedtime read-aloud and uses repetitive language patterns designed to lull young ones to sleep.
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Great for Bonding:
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Mighty Dads
This much-needed addition to the world of picture books comes from beloved author Joan Holub and talented illustrator James Dean, creator of Pete the Cat. It's a celebration of the relationship between dads and their little ones.
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How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight?
Be prepared to dole out lots of kisses after you’ve read this charming book. It isn’t new to the bedtime scene, but it's sweet, comforting, and a great addition to any child’s library.
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Baby Penguins Everywhere!
A lonely penguin finds a magic hat that produces baby penguins. Soon, the penguin is too busy to be lonely. Melissa Guion’s simple text and spare illustrations depict the joyful chaos of family life.
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To Learn Something New:
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My Little Book of Life Cycles
Bedtime can be educational and fun when you introduce nonfiction into the mix. This book features the life cycles of animals like penguins, sea horses, and kangaroos. Large photos and fact captions make this book perfect for preschoolers.
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An English Year: Twelve Months in the Life of England’s Kids
Do your kids want to travel? Introduce them to their friends across the pond! An English Year is part of a series of books that explore the traditions and customs of other countries.
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National Geographic Little Kid's First Big Book of Dinosaurs
Kids that like dinosaurs will never get enough of this book. I’ve read it to my kids several times and they always ask for more. It has big, beautiful photos and tons of facts about dozens of dinosaurs.
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Good for a Laugh:
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Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
Bedtime (or anytime) is a good time for a Mo Willems book. They are simple, easy to understand, and outrageously funny. Kids especially love the books about Pigeon and his wild antics.
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Mr. Tiger Goes Wild
Mr. Tiger is getting tired of the uptight city he lives in. He decides to be different, but ends up taking things too far. With stunning illustrations and quick humor, this book is bound to become a bedtime favorite.
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The Day the Crayons Came Home
Even if you haven’t read The Day the Crayons Quit, now is the perfect time to add the sequel to your bedtime stack because your kids will want to read this hilarious book every night.
Do you or your kids have a favorite bedtime book? Let us know in the comments!