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 June 15, 2026
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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Awake, asleep
Lukoff, Kyle
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. A kiss, a blink, a dawn, a break. A yawn, a peep, a stretch, awake! From sunup...
Buenas noches, Luna
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
This high-quality Spanish-language book can be enjoyed by fluent Spanish speakers as well as those learning the language, whether at home or in a classroom. En este cuento clásico de la literatura infantil, adorado por generaciones de niños, la poesía que encierra su texto y la ternura de...
Close your eyes
Banks, Kate
Paper Book
A little tiger takes an imaginative journey The little tiger lay on his back in the tall grass. "Close your eyes, little tiger," said his mother, "and go to sleep." But the little tiger is worried about what sleep might bring. His mother...
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 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, Bruce
Higgins, Ryan
Paper Book
Mother Bruce's family of mice and geese will do ANYTHING to get out of going to sleep in this hilarious and all-too-relatable bedtime story. It's bedtime in Soggy Hollow. But Bruce's family of mice and geese would rather watch late-night monster movies than go to sleep.
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...
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...
A Monstrous Bedtime
Wilson, Kerilynn
Paper Book
Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award Shortlist Oregon Book Award Finalist "Thoroughly charming. A creature feature worthy of every child's nightly routine." --Kirkus Reviews Bedtime routines are important for a good night...
Papa's home
Soman, David
Paper Book
Spend a day with an irresistible father and child, riding the ups and downs of the emotions that come before a parent goes away, and discover the deep comfort of learning that Papa's love is strong, no matter where he is. With art that strikes an enchanting balance between classic...
Sleepy toes
McNeil, Kelli
Paper Book
A head-to-toe goodnight story that prepares little ones for sleep! Are your toes getting sleepy? So very, very sleepy? All day long they wiggle along -- wiggly, wobbly toes. But now it's time to get some rest, so tomorrow we can be our best!...
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. Since its publication...

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