Why Screen-Free Bedtime Matters
A screen-free bedtime routine filled with bedtime stories for toddlers and preschoolers doesn’t just make evenings calmer, it helps children hear and learn thousands more words than they would from screens.
The National Literacy Trust highlights that children who are read to regularly develop stronger language skills, richer vocabularies, and a deeper love of books. This early exposure to words is a powerful predictor of later success in school and beyond. In fact, a study by Ohio State University found that children who are regularly read to are exposed to millions more words than those who aren’t. That’s millions of opportunities to grow their imagination, confidence, and communication skills – all tucked into a cosy bedtime story.
Think of bedtime reading as a nightly investment: every story is a deposit into your child’s future vocabulary bank. By choosing stories over screens, you’re not just creating a peaceful bedtime filled with bonding and better sleep, you’re planting seeds of curiosity and giving your child the gift of language that lasts a lifetime.
25 Short Children's Stories
1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Igloo Books Ltd
A soothing, familiar rhyme that’s been sung for generations, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star invites you to sing, play, and bond together at bedtime. Babies will love the gentle rhythm and sparkling imagery of this board book, which is perfect for winding down before sleep.
2. That’s Not My Pirate…
Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells
Part of the much-loved That’s Not My… series, this tactile board book invites toddlers to explore textures while following a cheerful pirate adventure. The simple, repetitive text makes it easy for little ones to join in, while preschoolers enjoy spotting the playful details in Rachel Wells’ illustrations. It’s a fun, interactive choice for a screen-free bedtime routine, encouraging curiosity, language development, and giggles before sleep.
3. Dear Zoo
Rod Campbell
An interactive life-the-flap board book that toddlers will adore lifting the flaps and being surprised by the animals hiding there. It has a playful rhythm, making it a lively yet calming bedtime choice.
4. Maisy Loves Bees
Lucy Cousins
Bright, bold, and full of charm, Maisy Loves Bees introduces little readers to the wonders of nature. Toddlers will enjoy the colourful illustrations and delight in following Maisy’s cheerful adventure with her buzzing friends. It’s a gentle, engaging choice for a screen-free bedtime routine, encouraging curiosity about the natural world and ending the day with a smile.
5. Pop-Up Peekaboo! Numbers
DK
An interactive board book that makes learning numbers fun, Pop-Up Peekaboo! Numbers combines sturdy flaps with bold pop-ups to keep toddlers engaged. Little ones will love the surprise element of each page, counting along, and spotting familiar objects. It’s a playful board book that blends early learning with giggles, turning bedtime into a moment of discovery as well as calm.
1. The Gruffalo
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
With its clever rhymes and memorable characters, The Gruffalo is a bedtime favourite that keeps preschoolers engaged without overstimulating them. The rhythmic storytelling makes it easy to read aloud, and the mouse’s cleverness inspires kids to think creatively.
2. The Smeds and the Smoos
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A heartwarming, rhyming tale about love and acceptance, The Smeds and the Smoos is perfect for bedtime. The gentle repetition and sing-song rhythm keep toddlers engaged, while preschoolers delight in the colourful characters and imaginative world. It’s a joyful way to end the day, showing children that stories can be both fun and meaningful, and that reading together is the best kind of screen-free adventure.
3. The Large Family Collection
Jill Murphy
These warm, funny tales about an elephant family mirror everyday family life from bedtime routines and busy mornings to sibling squabbles! Children can relate to the familiar situations, while parents will enjoy the gentle humour. They’re short enough for weeknights, but rich enough to encourage a love of stories.
4. Peace at Last
Jill Murphy
A gentle, relatable story about Mr Bear trying to find a quiet place to sleep. Its soothing rhythm and familiar family setting make it ideal for winding down at bedtime.
5. The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Judith Kerr
This playful classic turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. The tiger’s unexpected visit delights children, while the simple narrative makes it easy for toddlers to follow. It’s a sweet story for a screen-free bedtime.
6. Mog the Forgetful Cat
Judith Kerr
Mog’s gentle, everyday adventures are perfect for bedtime. Whether she’s getting into mischief or simply being her lovable, forgetful self, toddlers enjoy the simple language and preschoolers connect with the warm family setting.
7. Stick Man
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A lively rhyming adventure about a stick who just wants to get back to his family tree. It’s a heartwarming, screen-free adventure bedtime story that blends humour, resilience, and a reassuring ending, perfect for ending the day with smiles and cuddles.
8. Room on the Broom
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A fun, rhyming adventure about friendship and teamwork. The repetition and rhyme make it engaging for toddlers, while preschoolers enjoy the imaginative characters. It’s a lively way to end the day, encouraging kids to see reading as a joyful bedtime activity.
9. Elmer
David Mckee
Elmer is a timeless bedtime story that celebrates individuality, kindness, and joy. With its gentle humour, vibrant illustrations, and uplifting message, Elmer is the perfect bedtime read for children, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and drift off with happy, confident dreams. With so many stories to choose from, Elmer guarantees bedtime will always be full of colour, laughter, and heart.
10. Kipper Stories
Mick Inkpen
Kipper’s gentle adventures — whether celebrating birthdays or exploring with friends — are short, sweet, and relatable. The stories capture the small joys of childhood, making them great for winding down at bedtime; they’re the kind of stories that feel like a cosy hug at the end of the day.
11. Giraffes Can’t Dance
Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
A joyful, rhyming story about finding your own rhythm, Giraffes Can’t Dance is full of fun and encouragement. Toddlers will love the bouncy rhyme and colourful jungle animals, while preschoolers connect with Gerald the giraffe’s journey of self-confidence and perseverance.
12. Doctorsaurus
Emi-Lou May and Leire Martin
Get ready to giggle as you race around with Doctorsaurus to help the poorly dinosaurs feel better. Doctorsaurus is a lively, screen-free bedtime read that ends the day with laughter, showing kids that books can be just as entertaining as any screen.
13. Guess How Much I Love You
Sam McBratney
A tender, timeless story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, this gentle book celebrates the boundless love between parent and child. Preschoolers will enjoy the playful back-and-forth of “guessing” how much love can stretch while engaged with the sweet illustrations. It’s a comforting, screen-free bedtime read that wraps children in warmth and reassurance.
14. Tabby McTat
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Another purr-fect bedtime story from Julia Donaldson. Tabby McTat is a heartwarming children’s book that blends catchy rhymes, lovable characters and a gentle message about friendship and belonging. If you’re searching for a bedtime story that’s cosy, memorable, and guaranteed to spark sweet dreams, Tabby McTat is a whisker above the rest.
15. The Baddies
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Looking for a bedtime story that’s equal parts spooky and silly? Julia Donaldson’s The Baddies is a laugh-out-loud picture book where a ghost, witch, and troll compete to be the nastiest villains around, only to be outsmarted by a clever little girl. With its catchy rhymes, bold illustrations, and empowering twist, this is a bedtime read that reassures children that even the scariest characters can be defeated with courage and wit.
16. Mr. Men and Little Miss
Roger Hargreaves
Bedtime stays endlessly entertaining with the Mr. Men and Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves. With over 90 titles featuring characters like Mr. Happy, Little Miss Sunshine, and Mr Tickle, these short, colourful stories are perfect for winding at night. Each book introduces a new personality with a simple, humorous adventure that children love, while parents appreciate the gentle morals tucked inside. Whether you’re reading about kindness, silliness, or bravery, there’s always another Mr. Men or Little Miss ready to make bedtime fun.
17. Taxi, Go!
Patricia Toht and Maria Karipidou
Taxi, Go! is a rhyming picture book that takes kids on a lively ride through the city with a cheerful taxi cab. Perfect for ages 2-5, this read-aloud adventure combines catchy rhymes, colourful illustrations, and everyday excitement to keep little ones entertained before lights out. With its playful, “Stop… Go!” refrain and bustling city scenes, Taxi, Go! is a delightful choice for parents who want short, engaging stories that make bedtime both fun and calming.
18. Julia Donaldson’s Book of Names
Julia Donaldson and Nila Aye
This bedtime story celebrates children in the most magical way. Julia Donaldson’s Book of Names, illustrated by Nila Aye, is a rhyming picture book inspired by the author’s encounters with young readers. Set in a transforming bookshop, it groups names into playful verses alongside vibrant illustrations, making bedtime both cosy and enchanting. Ideal for parents who want a short, screen-free story that sparks imagination and reassures children that their names — and their stories — truly matter.
19. Sam Sheep Can’t Sleep
Russell Punter and Stephen Cartwright
Looking for a quick, screen-free bedtime read? Sam Sheep Can’t Sleep is a charming Usborne Phonics Reader that helps children practice early reading skills while enjoying a playful story. With its simple rhymes, friendly animal characters, and gentle humour, this short book is perfect for winding down at night. Parents will love how it supports phonics learning, while kids enjoy the fun of helping Sam Sheep finally drift off to sleep — just like them!
20. Bluey: Bedroom
Bluey
Want the magic of Bluey at bedtime without turning on a screen? Bluey: Bedroom brings the beloved TV show’s warmth and humour straight to the page. In this playful picture book, Bluey and Bingo transform bedtime into an imaginative adventure, just like in an episode, but here, it’s all about reading together. With colourful illustrations and the same cheeky charm kids adore, Bluey: Bedroom feels like watching Bluey unfold in your hands, making it the perfect short, screen-free bedtime story for families who love the show.
Sweet Dreams Start with Stories
Bedtime doesn’t have to be rushed, it can be the highlight of the day. By choosing short, screen-free stories, you’re not only helping little ones drift peacefully into sleep, you’re also building memories, sparking imagination, and nurturing a love of books that lasts a lifetime.
With 25 sweet stories to explore, you’ll never run out of ways to make weeknights special. So keep the lights low, the devices off, and let storytime be the gentle bridge between busy days and sweet dreams.
