3 Best Bedtime Books for Kids: My Daughters’ Favourite Storytime Picks in Autumn 2025
- gigglesproutshub
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Introduction
Bedtime is so important in our home. The lights go soft, the house finally quiets down, and my girls snuggle close waiting for a story. Sometimes we giggle through silly bedtime stories for children, other nights we read in whispers until their eyes get heavy. These little moments have become our favourite family storytime ritual, full of warmth, calm, and imagination.
So if you’re looking for the best bedtime books for kids that you’ll actually enjoy reading again and again, here are a few of our family favourites. Stories that have comforted, calmed, and made us laugh together.
1. Today I’m Strong by Nadiya Hussain & Ella Bailey
This heartfelt story follows a little girl who faces a tough day at school when others aren’t kind. With the help of her imaginary tiger, she finds the courage to stand tall and be proud of who she is. It’s a gentle reminder that even on bad days, we all have inner strength waiting to shine.
💛 Why my girls love it:
They love spotting the tiger on each page and always cheer when the little girl finds her courage; it makes them feel brave too. My older daughter came home one day and told me her friends stood in front of the bike and didn’t let her play. She was sad but didn’t say anything. I reminded her of this story, how the little girl found her courage (her tiger!) and spoke up. She thought for a moment and said, “Mommy, I’ll try next time.”
Parent’s Tip:
I love reading this one after a tricky day at school or the playground. It opens gentle chats about feelings and kindness and reminds me that courage often starts with the smallest “I’ll try next time.” It’s a beautiful storytime book for kids about confidence and kindness.
This story always reminds my girls (and me!) how brave we can be, even on tough days. If you’d like to add this empowering bedtime story to your collection.
2. Chirri & Chirra by Kaya Doi
A beautifully whimsical tale about two curious girls, Chirri and Chirra, who explore a magical forest on their bicycles. Along the way, they stop for tea in a forest café, taste warm bread from a raccoon’s bakery, and stay the night in a white woodland hotel where they listen to an orchestra under the stars. The story feels like a soft daydream – gentle, kind, and full of wonder.
💛 Why my girls love it:
They get lost in the dreamy illustrations and whisper along with the story. It’s our calm-down favourite before bed. I usually end by softly singing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star as they drift off.
Parent’s Tip:
This one is our go-to on slow evenings. The rhythm is soothing, the artwork is magical, and it’s a lovely way to help little minds unwind before sleep. It’s one of our favourite autumn bedtime books to end the day with calm and smiles.
3. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
A funny, light-hearted story about a squirrel who is convinced someone is stealing his leaves until wise Bird helps him realise it’s just the season changing. It’s silly, bright, and full of charm.
💛 Why my girls love it:
They burst out laughing every time Squirrel panics and shouts, “Bird! Bird!!” and always yell, “It’s not stolen!” before I even turn the page. Now that it’s autumn and the leaves have turned yellow and red, it feels extra perfect to read together.
Parent’s Tip:
I love reading this one snuggled by the window when the leaves start falling outside. It’s funny and full of giggles, but it also helps little ones understand change, especially when the seasons turn. This storytime book for kids always ends with laughter.
This one always fills our evenings with laughter (especially when Squirrel starts to panic!).
💤 Our Bedtime Reading Routine
After dinner and bath time, enough bedtime is important. It’s the time to let my girls calm down, digest the day, and get ready for sleep. Usually, we have about 30 minutes before putting them to bed. My older daughter picks one to three books, one for me to read and one for daddy. The little one just flips through the pages of the book she chooses.
Reading together before bed has become our way to slow down, talk, and connect. It’s never perfect. There’s usually someone wiggling or asking for water... but it’s always the coziest part of our day. These little family storytime ideas have turned ordinary nights into special moments.
💡 Mom’s Tip:
Keep a small basket of bedtime stories for children by the bed so it’s easy to grab, even on tired nights. Rotate the books every few weeks; it keeps storytime fresh and exciting without needing to buy new ones all the time.
Why Autumn Bedtime Books Matter
Bedtime reading isn’t just about stories; it’s about slowing down, laughing together, and ending the day with something soft and familiar. These autumn bedtime books have filled our nights with giggles, calm, and connection, and I hope they do the same for your family too.
What are your kids’ favourite bedtime books? I’d love to discover new ones. Share them in the comments or write to me at GiggleSproutsHub@gmail.com so we can keep our storytime circle growing.
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