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

Updated March 10, 2026
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Bonsoir lune
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
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...
Bonsoir lune
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
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.<...
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...
I wish you more
Rosenthal, Amy Krouse.
Paper Book
Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant, inspirational book for kids of endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for...

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