It’s dark and cold and gloomy. Sometimes it’s hard to settle little ones down for sleep. A great bedtime story can make all the difference. Here is a collection of some of the best and newest picture books for bedtime, geared primarily for ages three through seven unless otherwise noted.
Bedtime Kisses, by Elisabeth de Lambilly and uniquely illustrated by Melisande Luthringer, is a charming board book for babies and toddlers that’s cleverly designed. The layered pages feature different baby animals snuggling to sleep with their parents, beginning with smaller animals like squirrels and gradually moving to larger ones, ending with a father and child. It’s a gentle and loving way to wind down the day.
A Sound in the Night, by Maria Coco, is a wordless story about a girl and her dog on an overnight camping trip. When they hear a mysterious sound in the dark, they’re surprised by what they discover. The expressive artwork makes it easy to read emotions on both faces. Illustrated with black colored pencils and grease pencils, this book invites young readers to retell the story in their own words.
The Dreams I’ll Dream Tonight, by Sarah Ruhl and illustrated by Sally Deng using colored pencils, acrylic paint, and digital media, is a truly glorious book. The expansive, full-spread illustrations fill each page with beauty, while the rhyming text creates a soothing rhythm that gently lulls children toward sleep. This is a stunning book from beginning to end.
Moon Sailors, by Naomi Woodward and gorgeously illustrated by Rachel Gregg using watercolor, gouache, pencil, pen, and digital collage, is a calming story about two siblings and their cat. Together they dream of the ocean, the sky, and reaching for the moon. The lyrical language flows effortlessly, carrying readers through dreamlike images that promise peaceful, buoyant sleep.
Oh So Sleepy Head to Toe, illustrated by Maria Gabriela Carna, is a tactile board book designed for the youngest readers. Each page features something soft to touch, from a lamb’s woolly fleece to a dog’s cozy blanket and a yawning lion’s furry mane, making bedtime interactive and comforting.
Ms. Rachel and Bean and the Bedtime Routine: Encouraging a Calm and Comforting Good Night, by Ms. Rachel and Mr. Aron and brightly illustrated by Monique Dong, combines story, songs, and practical tips to help babies and toddlers settle down for the night. Helpful guidance appears at the back of the book, along with a tear-out bedtime routine checklist poster for caregivers to use.
The Mixed-Up Owl, by Marlena Sowa and illustrated by Joanna Lorho using pencils, colored pencils, and paint, follows an owl who wonders why all the forest animals sleep at night. As he meets different creatures during the day, he tries to solve the mystery of their routines. A delightful surprise awaits near the end, making this an excellent bedtime read for young children. 
Himalayan Nights, by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal and vividly illustrated by Kamala Nair, explores the majestic Himalayan mountains as day fades into night. Two children journey through breathtaking landscapes filled with reflecting lakes, snowcapped peaks, and rich details that invite both wonder and learning.
Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob, by Huw Aaron, is a funny, rhyming story that begs to be read aloud. Green, slimy blobs, along with vampires, werewolves, and other creatures, must all get ready for bed. From brushing teeth to putting on pajamas and listening to bedtime stories, these monsters become surprisingly relatable through colorful, playful illustrations.
The Pink Pajamas: A Story of Love and Loss, by Charlene Chua, tells a tender story about a young girl who loves when her aunt sews her new pajamas. When the pink pair isn’t quite right, her aunt lovingly promises to make another. But illness changes everything, and the child finds a meaningful way to honor her aunt with love and respect. The bright illustrations are created with ink and digital color.
Hansel and Gretel, retold by Stephen King and beautifully illustrated by Maurice Sendak, is a priceless reimagining of the classic fairy tale. King crafted his retelling around Sendak’s illustrations, originally created for a Humperdinck opera. The result is a mesmerizing and richly detailed story, with full-page artwork that brings the tale to life, especially the radiant sunlight breaking through the clouds when the children reunite with their parents.
