Bedtime stories are typically associated with helping children fall asleep and creating a comforting sense of ritual to bedtime. However, they have important applications for both children and adults alike. Reading bedtime stories to a child has been shown to spark imagination, increase cognitive development, and foster an emotional bond between the recipient and the reader. This is especially true when the bedtime stories are read aloud. Bedtime stories are proven to help people of all ages fall asleep faster!
Reading to a child from a young age can increase their love for books. Adults who pick up nightly reading before going to sleep experience boosted creativity, decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and better empathy skills relative to their non-reader counterparts. Adding a quick reading into your nighttime routine can be greatly beneficial in many ways. Most adults don’t share the same love for books as children. This can be suggesting that the positive effects of this nighttime routine translate well into adulthood.
Below are our selections of bedtime books for all members of the family, as well as tips on how to tell a good bedtime story.
Bedtime Stories for Babies
Feminist Baby – Loryn Brantz
This delightful read provides children ages 0 to 2 years with a welcoming introduction to feminism and the importance being in tune with feelings
Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown
This acclaimed children’s classic sparks creativity in fledgling readers through its use of imaginative alliteration and playful rhyming, which makes it all the more fun to read aloud.
They All Saw a Cat – Brendan Wenzel
This beautifully-illustrated bestseller incites curiosity and awareness in children by walking them through the daily life of a cat.
Bedtime Stories for Toddlers
A Book of Sleep – Il Sung Na
This picture book gently prepares toddlers for bedtime through its masterful depiction of an owl’s journey through the nighttime skies.
Sleep Book – Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss uses his trademark captivating storytelling and the power of rhyme in this classic bedtime story that easily lulls young minds to the land of ‘Zzzs.’
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site – Sherri Duskey Rinker
This is a must-read if your elementary school-aged kid loves trucks. This fun book expands the vocabulary and knowledge of the budding truck enthusiast through its idyllic imagery of a construction site after dawn.
Red: A Crayon’s Story – Michael Hall
The simple yet poignant story uses heartwarming humor and colorful illustrations to introduce young readers to the importance of staying true to personal identity.
Bedtime Stories for Your Girlfriend
The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks
A rare contemporary classic, this post-World War II love story set amid the backdrop of the coastal Carolinas is sure to incite a good cry, as well as remind readers of the gripping power of love found and love lost.
The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
Centered on a marriage that experiences unique difficulties resulting from time travel, this riveting novel invokes many philosophical questions that make for great conversations over coffee the next morning.
Beauty and the Beast – Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
This iconic and widely-recognized French fairy tale of a beautiful young woman and an intimidating beast is one for the ages.
Bedtime Stories for Seniors
The Nine Billion Names of God – Arthur C. Clarke
This innovative science fiction work tells a story of monks on a mission to use modern technology to uncover all the possible names of God. Its digestible short story format makes it hard to put down – but who says you can only read a good book once?
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – James Thurber
This brilliant short story uses humor and wit to introduce readers to the imaginary alter ego that lives in a man’s head.
The Tuesday Night Club – Agatha Christie
Page-turning narration and twists and turns make this real-time dinnertime murder mystery a standout for some engaging bedtime reading.
How to Tell a Good Bedtime Story
The ambiance is key to effective bedtime storytelling. Create a restful mood with lighting adequate enough for reading yet dim enough to prepare the eyes for nocturnal slumber. You could consider a comforting bedtime drink, like hot chamomile tea, to set the mood.
If you are reading a story to a loved one, do your homework and read the story once. This helps you become acclimated to the best tone to use in order to give the best delivery of the story. Do not be afraid to authentically embody the characters and use different voices to convey emotion. Avoid being too over the top, however, as this may confuse the person to whom you are reading.
Make sure the story is in an appropriate length for bedtime reading. An illustrated picture book should be enough to send your toddler off counting sheep. Aim to read a chapter or two at a time to older children to add punctuation and build out the plot with time. If your child asks for the same book repeatedly, invite deeper insight by creating a conversation about the characters.
Finding the Best Mattress for a Good Night’s Sleep
Turning the pages of a solid nighttime read is just one way to ensure a restful night of sleep. Securing a quality mattress is the next essential step. TheMattressReviews.com provides a comprehensive directory of online reviews on the different mattress brands and mattress comparisons to guide consumers like you in purchasing the best mattress for their needs. Whether you are looking for the best affordable mattress or best mattress for side or back sleeper – we are here to help!
Ending
Bedtime storytelling is a wonderful way for children to develop their imaginations and cultivate critical thinking. Those who care for them are encouraged to make book selections that range from classic standbys, like the Berenstain Bears, to those penned by newer contemporary authors. Watching their young minds come to life as they peruse the stories, they are read is a precious gift.
With a plethora of titles suited for all age groups and preferences, there is no reason why this ritual should end with childhood. Whether they are in the mood for a thriller after dark or a captivating romance, adults can gently set the tone for sleep and put to bed the stresses of the day by delving nightly into a thought-provoking novel of their choice.
