10 Relaxing Books to Help Kids Drift Off to Dreamland

Kids love being read to before bedtime, but some stories are more sleep-inducing than others. These charming picks are all calmly paced to help kids power down and relax. The picture books -- both classics and more recent releases -- have the soothing rhythm and repetition that little kids love, and there's even a classic chapter book with an adventure kids can follow bit by bit over several nights. For more great books for little ones, check out our Best Books for Toddlers and Read-Aloud Books

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? Poster Image
BOOK

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

age 2+

As reassuring as a goodnight hug.

By: Martin Waddell (1988)
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site Poster Image
BOOK

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

age 2+

Charming bedtime book is magic for truck lovers.

Goodnight Moon Poster Image
BOOK

Goodnight Moon

age 2+

Ultimate going-to-bed book has stood the test of time.

By: Margaret Wise Brown (1947)
The Runaway Bunny Poster Image
BOOK

The Runaway Bunny

age 2+

Sweet, imaginative story makes little ones feel secure.

By: Margaret Wise Brown (1942)
The Quiet Book Poster Image
BOOK

The Quiet Book

age 3+

Cute graphics and simple words prepare kids for bedtime.

By: Deborah Underwood (2010)
Thank You and Good Night Poster Image
BOOK

Thank You and Good Night

age 3+

A perfect charmer of a bedtime book; the real deal.

By: Patrick McDonnell (2015)
Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book Poster Image
BOOK

Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book

age 4+

Sends youngsters off to sleep with a chuckle.

By: Dr. Seuss (1962)
The Full Moon at the Napping House Poster Image
BOOK

The Full Moon at the Napping House

age 4+

A rhythmic, snappy charmer of a bedtime book.

By: Audrey Wood (2015)
Steam Train, Dream Train Poster Image
BOOK

Steam Train, Dream Train

age 4+

Jolly animals load a train in this dream of a bedtime book.

Stuart Little Poster Image
BOOK

Stuart Little

age 6+

Excellent bridge from chapter books to novels.

By: E.B. White (1945)