Establishing and maintaining a bedtime routine for young children is essential. After they've brushed their teeth and put on their pajamas, it's good for little ones to have a little extra time to wind down before going to sleep. That's why story time is so important. And the perfect way to make this time of relaxation and calm a part of your child's routine every night is through audio bedtime stories.
How should you introduce audiobooks into your child's bedtime routine? Get them excited about bedtime by selecting stories to listen to that are both engaging and soothing. Before long, your kids will think of audiobooks at bedtime as a treat they can look forward to at the end of an energetic day.
Since the goal is to get children to fall asleep, consider sticking with familiar titles. You'll notice a lot of books on this list are classics, fairy tales, lullabies, and myths that your child probably already knows. If there's too much suspense or the unknown involved in the story you're listening to, your child might feel compelled to stay awake all the way to the end rather than resting. Repetition is great for this very reason—children will find comfort in stories they've heard again and again. So, if there's a listen on this list that your child loves, don't be afraid to play it for them many times. Here are just a few of the best bedtime audiobooks for kids from ages two through nine.
This article was originally created for the US market.
Best bedtime audiobooks for kids ages two and younger
Repetitive language can be soothing, especially for young children. So, It's no wonder that Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle's cherished classics remain a perennial favorite with toddlers. This wonderful compilation brings together the first three Bear books—Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?; Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?—and the newest addition, Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? Academy Award-winning actress and mother Gwyneth Paltrow narrates all four stories with warmth and humor.
This audiobook might not be a storybook in the strictest sense, but songs certainly tell their own stories. Lullabies are the perfect way to get small children to fall asleep. In this collection of bedtime songs and lullabies, available exclusively from Audible, you get more than 45 minutes of calming music perfect for sleepy time. (And best of all, this one's included in the Audible Plus Catalog, so it’s free with your membership!)
Best bedtime audiobooks for kids ages three to five
Once upon a time ... Yes, a classic fairy tale can be the perfect listen before bedtime. Actress Meg Ryan narrates Red Riding Hood, one of the most cherished stories in children's literature. This modern version, complemented by original whimsical music performed by Art Lande, is sure to captivate listeners ages four and up. As a bonus, it comes packaged with a second fairy tale, also wonderfully retold by Tom Roberts and read by Meg Ryan, Goldilocks.
Speaking of magical ... Is there anything more dreamlike than wandering about a city on a beautiful snowy day? This audiobook version of Ezra Jack Keats's cherished Caldecott Medal-winning classic conveys that sense of joy and magic through the eyes of a little boy. Quincy Tyler Bernstine's gentle narration captures young Peter's wonder as he explores a city that seems brand new after the first snowfall.
Peppa Pig is a very lively character! And just like energetic little ones, she needs her sleep. When bedtime rolls around, skip right ahead to Episode 6 of Peppa Pig's Play-A-Long Podcast. Peppa and George are having a sleepover at Granny and Grandpa Pig’s house, but they’re NOT tired! Relax and listen along as Peppa and her family gently guide your child through brushing their teeth with a song, winding down with a story, and settling in for a full night’s sleep with lots of wonderful dreams.
Written and narrated with warmth by Ella Swan, Dinosaur Bedtime Stories for Kids encourages relaxation and tranquility at the end of a busy day. The gentle themes of friendship, bravery, and exploration will lull children into a peaceful state of mind, helping them drift off to sleep feeling safe, happy, and content. Bringing the ancient giants to life through soothing narratives, this audiobook invites little boys and girls to embark on a whimsical journey and ease into slumber.
Best bedtime audiobooks for kids ages six to eight
Tired of the nightly struggle to get your child to sleep? Listening to The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep might be the answer. When Roger the Rabbit can't sleep, Mommy Rabbit takes him to see his Uncle Yawn, who always knows how to help. This audiobook features the same story read by two different but equally gifted narrators, Roy McMillan and Rachel Bavidge, so you can pick which voice works best for your child. And if this bedtime story helps your child drift off easily, Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin has written more books using new sleep techniques and soothing language, including The Little Tractor Who Wants to Fall Asleep.
Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends are universally beloved characters for a reason, and the 10 stories in this audiobook will bring your little ones closer to all their favorites, while also lulling them to sleep. Narrator Peter Dennis is the only audiobook reader endorsed by the real-life Christopher Robin, author A.A. Milne's son, who wrote, "Peter Dennis has made himself Pooh's Ambassador Extraordinaire and no bear has ever had a more devoted friend. So if you want to meet the real Pooh, the bear I knew, the bear my father wrote about, listen to Peter."
Beatrix Potter's amazing universe of animals dressed in human clothing has taught and entertained children for generations. In this charming collection, award-winning narrator Katherine Kellgren lends her virtuoso voice to 21 classic adventures of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Benjamin Bunny, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and more. Your child will be delighted while easing into sleep, night after night.
Best bedtime audiobooks for kids ages nine and older
Esperanza Rising is the award-winning story of Esperanza Ortega, who grows up in a life of privilege on her family's ranch in Mexico. She assumes she'll one day take over her mama's position and preside over all of El Rancho de las Rosas. But when tragedy strikes, Esperanza and Mama are forced to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. Actress Trini Alvarado narrates this book with a soothing voice that's perfect for engaging listeners and gently lulling children to sleep.
The Weirdies, written by Michael Buckley and narrated by award-winning actress Kate Winslet, is the perfect bedtime story for children (and adults) who love A Series of Unfortunate Events and Edward Scissorhands. The Weirdie Triplets—Barnacle, Garlic, and Melancholy—have been left behind and now must fend for themselves entirely. But that's easier said than done when up until now, their every need has been tended to by a staff of 200 live-in housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, launderers, brass polishers, shoe shiners, snow tenders, and rug beaters. Even putting on their clothes and brushing their own teeth is a mystery to them. Yes, the Weirdie Triplets have a lot to learn about the world. But at least they have one another.
Looking for a longer story to listen to with your older kids—one that they can gradually work through every night before bedtime and one that you can enjoy as well? Performed brilliantly by Rob Inglis, this audiobook version of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is sure to satisfy. Bilbo Baggins loves quiet evenings in his snug hobbit hole, and he imagines he'll live out a peaceful life in Hobbiton. But when the wizard Gandalf arrives, bringing with him tales of the great wide world, Bilbo grows restless, and soon he finds himself on an unforgettable adventure with a band of dwarves searching for treasure. Along the way, Bilbo even faces off against a treacherous dragon named Smaug.
Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons is an excellent audio story for children, included with your Audible membership. Like The Hobbit, it's a great choice for kids who want a story they can listen to over the course of several evenings. 14-year-old Viva Durant is the youngest detective in New Orleans, and she's determined to solve a mystery involving hidden treasure. Along with your kids, you'll be mesmerized by how this story immerses listeners in the culture, history, and music of this vibrant city. Performed by award-winning narrator Bahni Turpin, this audiobook also features original jazz music.
