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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Buenas noches, Luna
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room--to the picture of the three little bears sitting in chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one-...
The going to bed book
Boynton, Sandra.
Paper Book
Getting ready for sleep is tons of fun in this iconic board book from author and illustrator Sandra Boynton. This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush and brush and brush...
Goodnight moon /
Brown, Margaret Wise,
Paper Book
In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room--to the picture of the three little bears sitting in chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one-...
Goodnight, goodnight, construction site
Rinker, Sherri Duskey.
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times bestselling children's book and beloved bedtime story! As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hardworking trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and...
It's time to sleep, my love
Metaxas, Eric.
Paper Book
As comforting as a soft blanket and warm as a goodnight hug, Eric Metaxas's lullaby It's Time to Sleep, My Love is delightfully brought to life by bestselling artist Nancy Tillman (On the Night You Were Born), whose illustrations celebrate the wonders of the natural world, and...
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-...

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