Bedtime Stories @ Sussex County Library System

Countless reports depict the importance for children to have a set routine for bedtime. A bedtime routine for kids usually consists of three or four activities. Reading and/or sharing books is an excellent example of an activity with many benefits such as it could boost cognitive development, vocabulary, and early literacy while providing a calming, screen-free routine that reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality.

This list has been created and features calming, rhythmic, and cozy tales designed for sleep routines and are available through the Sussex County Library System.

Source: 4 Benefits of Bedtime Reading for Younger Kids. (n.d.). Www.scholastic.com. https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/reading-before-bed-children.html

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Updated March 10, 2026
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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Awake, Asleep
Lukoff, Kyle/ Alam, Nadia (ILT).
Paper Book
A rhythmic, meditative read-aloud about the extraordinary beauty found in babies' and toddlers' everyday moments, written by Stonewall and Newbery Award-winning author, Kyle Lukoff--now available as a board book! A kiss, a blink, a dawn, a break. A yawn, a peep, a stretch,...
Goodnight moon
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight...
Buenas noches a todos
Boynton, Sandra
Paper Book
Prepararse para dormir es superdivertido en este icónico libro de la autora e ilustradora Sandra Boynton. Este cuento clásico para la hora de dormir, donde un alegre y travieso grupo de animales se da un baño, se cepilla los dientes y termina por irse a la cama, es ideal para...
Goodnight moon
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight...
Goodnight, goodnight, construction site
Rinker, Sherri Duskey.
Paper Book
As the sun sets in the big construction site, all the hard-working trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest so they'll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play.<...
How to Make a Bedtime
McKinlay, Meg.
Paper Book
A delightful bedtime story, and a classic-in-the-making, from award-winning creators Meg McKinlay and Karen Blair. Meg McKinlay and Karen Blair celebrate the bonding rituals of bedtime with this delightful story. A sloshy bath, soft pyjamas, finding teddy, a song for singing,...
In my heart : a book of feelings
Witek, Jo
Paper Book
Celebrate feelings in all their shapes and sizes with In My Heart: A Book of Feelings, a New York Times bestseller full-color, interactive picture book from author Jo Witek and illustrator Christine Roussey Part of the Growing Hearts series! ...
Little Owl's night
Srinivasan, Divya.
Paper Book
A unique twist on a bedtime story, this gorgeously illustrated book is the perfect comfort for any child who's curious about what goes on at night. It's evening in the forest, and Little Owl has just woken up from his day-long slumber to watch his friends enjoying the night....
Llama, llama red pajama
Dewdney, Anna.
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER . Llama Llama learns to face the bedtime blues in this charmingly written picture book classic, perfect for sending little ones off to sleep. Llama, Llama red pajama waiting, waiting for his mama. Mama isn't coming yet...
The snowy nap
Brett, Jan
Paper Book
In this instant winter classic, Jan Brett's Hedgie tries to stay awake so he doesn't miss out on all the snowy fun his friends are having. A chill is in the air, and as Hedgie trundles around the farm all his friends tell him of the winter-time fun he will miss as he hibernates-...
I wish you more
Rosenthal, Amy Krouse
Paper Book
Celebrating 10 years in print and more than 1.5 million copies sold! The #1 New York Times bestselling children's book that's full of endless good wishes--making it the perfect gift for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, holidays, and more. ...

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