Your Basket is Empty
Bedtime stories can be comforting and exciting and can help improve a child’s literacy. Being read to regularly can improve vocabulary but also a child’s patience and imagination. Whether you’re reading a story to a young child or someone a little older, here is our list of favourite bedtime stories.
In the nursery of the three Darling children, Wendy, John and Michael, a strange visitor appears – Peter Pan, a mischievous boy who spends his never ending childhood in the magical realm of Neverland. He spirits the Darling children away with him to this place where many wonderful adventures are had. Filled with magic and wonder, this beautifully illustrated classic is the perfect bedtime story to transport your children all the way to Neverland alongside its characters.
From deepest, darkest Peru to Paddington Station, this marmalade-loving bear has been on quite a journey. Taken in by the Brown family, and aptly named Paddington due to where he was found, he begins a new life in London. Despite his good intentions, young Paddington is prone to mishaps! If your child loves the first book then this collection of five stories will certainly keep them entertained for many nights to come! In all of his stories, Paddington is a wonderfully compelling character and a favourite bedtime story companion!
Animals appeal as much as magic when it comes to bedtime stories. Even better when there are both! Kenneth Graham’s exciting tale of Mole, Rat, Badger and the eccentric Toad has captured the imaginations of children – and adults – for generations. From riverbank to open road, these endearing characters embark on many exciting adventures – and misadventures! One of the most popular works of the twentieth century, this witty and whimsical fantasy is utterly irresistible, especially this edition with stunning illustrations by Ernest H. Shephard!
Magical bedtime stories have proved particularly popular with children for generations. One such tale is Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Carroll spins a wonderful story all about Alice and her adventures in the madly fantastical Wonderland. Wonderful wordplays, nonsensical poetry and quirky characters add to the fun! Though the book does cover some more complex themes aimed at the grown up reader, the vivid descriptions, curious characters and colourful illustrations by Normy Robinson make this book a true bedtime favourite.
There is room for more than one friendly bear on this list! A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh never fails to delight young readers. Most people know the story about the good natured teddy bear and his adventures and misadventures in One Hundred Acre Wood. For young readers who have not yet met this bear, his story is perfect for bedtime. Filled with delightful characters, fun adventures, charming illustrations and little pearls of wisdom, this timeless tale teaches important lessons about friendship, gratitude and love.
For younger children especially, Beatrix Potter’s delightful animal tales are ideal for bedtime reading. This particular collection includes the tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and the Flopsy Bunnies. In all three tales, Potter brings her characters to life so successfully that they seem almost human. This is only enhanced by the beautiful watercolour illustrations which accompany each tale. How could children fail to love the rebellious Peter, the sensitive Benjamin and the mischievous Flopsy bunnies?
Mary Poppins, the magical nanny who arrives very suddenly at No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane, is another bedtime favourite. She transforms the lives of the two Banks children, Michael and Jane, in highly unconventional ways. Medicine tastes like cordial; tea parties turn topsy-turvy and a trip around the world is achieved with a compass! Young readers can only wish that they too had such a mysterious and magical nanny.
Fairy tales are perhaps the most popular of all bedtime stories. This treasury of tales offers many of the classic stories rewritten in simpler language for young children. The text is accompanied by a series of illustrations to bring these magical plots to life! The pages are packed with famous fairy tales and fables, including ‘Cinderella', ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’ and many more all-time favourites perfect for bedtime reading.
While many of the books on this list are known to readers and most, if not all, have been turned into films, there is nothing quite like being tucked up in bed and read to from a much loved book. The stories on this list have stood the test of time and will continue to delight children for many generations to come. So why not choose a tale – or two – and when bedtime comes, whisk your children away on a magical adventure they’ll never forget!
ADD YOUR CHOOSEN BOOKMARK TO YOUR BASKET. DISCOUNT APPLIED WHEN YOU CHECKOUT
