Night-time books to share with 3–5 year olds

If you’re looking for a rhyming picture book to settle little ones at the end of the day, they don't come much better than this. The dreamlike illustrations complement the simple text and the rhythm and repetition all come together to create a delightful story to read aloud to children of all ages. Cuddle up and enjoy this night-time classic.

The lyrics of the original song by Johnny Mercer are brought to life with gorgeous illustrations and a visual narrative in this magical night-time adventure. A young girl explores the wonder of the river and the natural world from a wee white boat, with a bear and a horse to keep her company. Sing along, read along, or simply share what you see in the pictures as you cosy up at bedtime.

This celebration of love and the natural world is a beautiful one to share in that quiet moment before bed. The illustrations beautifully capture the energy of the living planet, but as the final pages draw to a close, the animals all come together under the light of the moon to dream together. It has such a calming rhythm and a simple message for little ones about love and unity.

When all the monsters are getting ready for bed, one little Blob begins to yawn. From phantoms and yetis to glitches and witches, no monster can sleep without a proper bedtime routine. This book is full of giggles – and its soothing, rhyming text will lull your little monsters into the deepest of sleeps.

The sun spends lots of time thinking about everyone else’s happiness, but no one knows that the sun doesn’t always feel as sunny as he looks – and one day, in trying to seem okay, disaster strikes for the poor sun as he falls from the sky! A unique bedtime story that shows little ones how friendship and kindness can go a long way when you’re feeling lonely.

Little Bear is worried about running out of dreams when it’s time for the Big Sleep. But squirrel, rabbit and wolf reassure him that his imagination is endless and it will carry him through the winter. With beautiful, dreamy illustrations, this calming story is ideal for snuggling up and reading together on cold winter nights.

It’s time for Cat to have a nap. But as any parent will tell you, toddlers are expert procrastinators! Steve Antony’s characteristic humour and gorgeous illustrations will amuse and entertain children and parents alike. A perfect, simple story for naptime or bedtime.

This gorgeous book, inspired by ancient Indian lullabies, sees a father take his little one on a soaring, twisting journey toward sleep. With lyrical text that spreads across the pages, surrounded by expressive but calming illustrations, it’s sure to awaken imaginations and lull little ones gently into sleep.

All the animals are tired except for Little Bear who is wide awake and wants to play. But the animals are so sleepy that gradually Little Bear starts yawning and is soon falling asleep. Every creature is beautifully drawn and the dark colours make this perfect for winding down for bed.

A greedy pea eats his way through the house, munching on cheese, sprouts and even a table! By the time the princess appears, there is nothing left to eat and she goes to bed hungry. With a stuffed pea in a lumpy bed, is there anything the princess can do to get to sleep? A brilliant rhyming tale that will have little ones in stitches.