Bedtime should be a fun bonding time for you and your child (although we all know the struggle it can be). Reading to your toddler before bed can help them settle in and give them more quality time with you that they’re craving. This in turn can help settle them and ease the bedtime transition.
But what books should you be reading to your child? It’s important to pick a book thats both engaging and interesting to the child. Books with language that is too simple or a story line they’ve heard a thousand times before can have the opposite effect, they may disengage, get rowdy and disrupt bedtime.
Children who are 2-3 years old are ready to move past simple stories and move on to more complex stories. Pictures should still dominate the page but you should notice the paragraphs of text increasing slightly from their baby board books. Throughout my career as a daycare teacher and nanny with toddlers and preschoolers, I’ve developed a great list of books that toddlers are sure to love.
Here is my list of my personal favourite books to read to toddlers.
1) Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin
Dream Animals is a wonderful and whimsical book that shows how each child falls asleep and their “dream animal” (or beloved stuffy) comes to life and brings them to a magical dreamland where they have their own little adventure. The book is beautifully illustrated and has more complex language to help engage and expand your child’s vocabulary while still being short enough to engage. The cadence of the book follows a rhyming singsong that makes it fun to hear (and easy to read over and over). Emily Winfield Martin also has other beautifully written and illustrated books like “The Wonderful Things You’ll Be” and “Day Dreamers” that are just as amazing as this book. Ill caution you if your child tends to be fearful and you’re not ready to introduce mythical creatures just yet maybe avoid Day Dreamers.
Why I love it for bed: Dreamy whimsical images and overall sleep theme.
2) The Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
The Bear Snores On brings children along with bear and his friends while the woodland creatures have a gathering, while bear hibernates. It touches on emotions and allows space for children to have empathy and understanding for the characters. It also touches on problem solving and collaboration, two excellent skills to introduce to toddlers. The theme is light and the images are detailed, friendly and enticing to toddlers and adults alike and the cadence makes it easy and fun for you to read. Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman also have many other books in the bear series that cover a wide range of childhood topics.
Why I love it for bed: Beautiful imagery and overall sleep theme.
3) The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton is a classic author that I read growing up. My mom bought me this book as a toddler and i’ve bought this book for every toddler ive ever worked with. Follow these fun simply drawn animal characters as they go about their (wacky) bedtime routine. The language in this book is quite simple, i often recommend it for infants as well but can still be enjoyed well into the toddler years. If you’re reading this book as part of your bedtime routine i suggest pairing it with another (or a few) Sandra Boynton classics. Just be sure to stick to the ones with calmer themes (But Not The Hippopotamus, But Not The Armadillo, Happy Hippo Angry Duck, Barnyard Dance) and avoid the ones that encourage animal noises or are a bit too silly and exciting for bed time.
Why I love it for bed: Fun for toddlers and adults to read, overall sleep theme.
4) Red is Best by Kathy Stinson
Red is Best is a beloved book that takes you through Kelly’s daily routine. This strong willed toddler is in love with the colour red and she’s going to tell you about it. This book covers themes of independence, preference and pure childhood joy. Perfect for those toddlers who just know what they love and love what they know. It has a great cadence despite the lack of rhyme and is a fun easy read for younger toddlers.
Why I love it for bed: The character Kelly appeals to toddlers and images are non-stimulating.
5) We’re Going On a Bear Hunt by Michael Rossen & Helen Oxenbury
We’re Going On a Bear Hunt is a family classic. Follow this family as they hunt for a bear together, problem solving along the way. This book has fun sounds and simple but beautifully drawn illustrations. It has fun themes of family bonding and simple problem solving and perseverance, all wonderful things to introduce to your toddler while still having some lighthearted fun.
Why I love it for bed: Encourages family fun and silliness, images are non-stimulating.
6) Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site by Sheri Dusky-Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld
This is a wonderful bedtime book for your construction vehicle loving toddler. Follow the little excavator as they finish up work for the day and say good night to all other construction equipment. It is an easy and fun read with a rhyming cadence and detailed images that will definitely capture and hold your toddlers attention.
Why I love it for bed: Overall sleep theme and great images.
7) Jamberry by Bruce Degen
Jamberry is a wonderfully whimsical classic that follows the misadventures and fun of a bear and a boy as they go around collecting berries. The fun nonsense words and inviting illustrations are sure to intrigue your toddler (especially if they love berries) The cadence also makes it pretty easy and fun to read.
Why I love it for bed: Beautiful and simple images, simple and fun storyline
8) Welcome Dark by Charis St. Pierre
Welcome dark is a beautifully illustrated book full of darker images that are perfect and calming for bedtime. Wander through the city and the forest as the world settles into nighttime. This is a great book to help settle any toddler into bedtime. Simple words and themes make it really easy to read and enjoy. This book can also be used for older toddlers and preschoolers to help tackle any fear of the dark by understanding and normalizing it.
Why I love it for bed: Nighttime theme and helps toddlers explore the world of nighttime (that they don’t usually get to see).
9) Moonlight Prance by Serena Gingfold Allen
Moonlight Prance is a magical nighttime book that takes children through the world of nocturnal animals. The images have a black background with a beautiful pop of colour that makes them the right amount of engaging and calm for a nighttime book. Toddlers will love learning about the curious nocturnal animals that roam through the night.
Why I love it for bed: Overall nighttime theme, beautiful yet calming illustrations.
10) I Took the Moon For A Walk by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay
This whimsical book brings you and your toddler along for an unconventional moonlight walk. The beautiful and soft imagery makes it perfect for a nighttime story and teachable moment for your toddler. This book introduces concepts of moon phases, and nocturnal animals and insects.
Why I love it for bed: Overall nighttime theme, soft imagery
Dont love my picks? Thats ok! Learn how to pick your own bedtime story book that suits you and your child.
The Practical Nanny 
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