Reading stories to kids at bedtime is a generations-old tradition that has stuck around for many reasons. Not only is it a great way to calm your children down so that they'll actually fall asleep, it's also a wonderful bonding activity that will bring you closer together. Plus, it might just give your little ones a life-long love of books. If you're looking for a new tale to add to your bedtime rotation, check out these ten fantastic options that feature everything from science to animals to candy gargoyles. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Reading bedtime stories to your children not only acts as a fun bonding activity, but the visual nature of these books also helps stimulate their imaginations. These short tales typically try to teach kids morals and values, such as the importance of forgiveness and being kind to others. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of ten fantastic bedtime stories for kids. Take note that this list is done in no particular order.
First up, at #1, we have "Under My Hijab" by Hena Khan, with illustrations by Aaliya Jaleel. Told from the perspective of a young Muslim girl, it follows her as she describes the women in her life and the different ways they wear their hijabs. It's a lighthearted and informative book that celebrates the titular headscarf and how Muslim women and girls personalize theirs depending on their professions and hobbies.
Next, at #2, is "Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty, with illustrations by David Roberts. At the age of three, the eponymous young girl shows an affinity for science that causes her to ask everyone questions about everything she encounters. One day, while conducting her usual experiments, she notices a foul odor in her house, and she's determined to find its source. It's an empowering story that encourages children to think critically, and it introduces them to the basic scientific method, which they can use to solve everyday problems.
At the age of three, the eponymous young girl shows an affinity for science that causes her to ask everyone questions about everything she encounters.
At #3 is "Three Little Monkeys," written by Quentin Blake and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark. It's about Hilda Snibs and her pet monkeys, Tim, Sam, and Lulu. Whenever Hilda leaves the house, her three pets cause mischief and make a huge mess. One day, she returns home to see that everything seems fine, except her monkeys are nowhere to be found. Now, she has to figure out where they went and why her house is uncharacteristically clean.
Next up, at #4, we have "Bear and Bunny" by Daniel Pinkwater, with illustrations by Will Hillenbrand. It revolves around two close friends, a bear and a bunny. While out in the woods, the bunny suggests that they look for a pet that they can take care of together. The story follows them as they search for the perfect pet, reflecting on their friendship and singing songs along the way.
At #5 is "Andy and Sandy's Anything Adventure." Written by Tomie dePaola and Jim Lewis, with illustrations by the former, it features Andy and Sandy, two best friends who are polar opposites of each other. When they come across a box full of old costumes, they decide to play dress-up and try on as many outfits as they can. This is the second book in their series about the two friends, and it's mainly targeted towards early readers.
Written by Tomie dePaola and Jim Lewis, with illustrations by the former, it features Andy and Sandy, two best friends who are polar opposites of each other.
Next, at #6, is "The Legend of Candy Claws" by Aurelio Voltaire, with illustrations by Shamine King. It revolves around a gargoyle who's treated as an outcast because of his appearance. Despite this, he finds solace in taking candy from bullies during Halloween and giving it away to good little children on Christmas. It's a heartwarming tale that aims to teach kids not to bully others.
At #7 is "Parable Treasury" by Liz Curtis Higgs, with illustrations by Nancy Munger. This book is a collection of Higgs' "Parable" series, which consists of different stories based on the four seasons. They all revolve around a farmer and his family as they plant crops throughout the year, and each tale aims to teach children about the importance of faith. At the end of each story, the author includes bible verses that further explain the lessons being taught.
Next up, at #8, we have "A Big Day for Baseball" by Mary Pope Osborne, with illustrations by A.G. Ford. It's the 29th entry of Osborne's "Magic Tree House" series, which mainly revolves around two siblings, Jack and Annie. Their magic tree house takes them to all sorts of times and places, and in this story, they're whisked away to Brooklyn in the year 1947. There, they become batboys in a very special baseball game.
There, they become batboys in a very special baseball game.
At #9 is "A is for Ayiti" by Ibi Zoboi, with illustrations by her husband, Joseph Zoboi. It's an alphabet book that explores the culture and traditions of Haiti. It's part of a series of children's stories written by Haitian authors selected by One Moore Book, which is a company that publishes educational literature featuring underrepresented cultures.
Finally, at #10, we have "The Carnival Caper." Written by Steve Brezenoff and illustrated by Marcos Calo, it's a part of their interactive "Field Trip Mysteries" series, which mainly revolves around a group of friends named Sam, Egg, Gum, and Cat. In this choose-your-own-adventure book, readers follow the young detectives as they try to figure out who stole the electronic cards that serve as carnival tickets. There are twelve possible endings to the story, and kids will surely enjoy seeing how all of them play out.