There is something about bedtime books that just hits differently.
The lights are low, pajamas are on, and for approximately five peaceful minutes, my one-year-old is willing to snuggle up and read instead of trying to climb something she absolutely should not be climbing.
These are six of our favorite bedtime books right now—the ones that are sweet, cozy, easy to read, and perfect for winding down before bed.
1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star — Eric Carle
You really can’t go wrong with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
She already knows the song, the pictures are beautiful, and singing instead of reading somehow makes bedtime feel extra cozy. Plus, Eric Carle illustrations are basically impossible for little kids not to stare at.
It’s simple, familiar, and exactly the energy I want right before bed.
Caterpillar gets around - follow on their latest! (Amazon)
2. Baby Night-Night — Kate Merritt
This one is just so sweet for a one-year-old.
It’s simple, has adorable babies to look at, and feels like it was made specifically for that little window between getting pajamas on and actually going to sleep.
I also love books that show babies doing familiar things because at this age she LOVES recognizing things from her own little world.
3. Bedtime on Sesame Street
If Elmo is involved, we’re already off to a strong start.
This one makes bedtime feel fun while still keeping everything calm and cozy. And there is something about seeing familiar Sesame Street characters getting ready for bed that makes the whole bedtime situation a little more exciting.
If Elmo can go to bed, so can we.
At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
4. Snuggle Up, Dinosaur! — Sarah Wade
A dinosaur book…but make it cozy.
This one has felt flaps for your toddler to lift and find the dinosaurs hiding underneath, which automatically makes it about 100 times more exciting when you’re one.
My daughter loves getting to actually do something while we read, and finding the little dinosaurs keeps her interested without making the book feel too stimulating right before bed.
Dinosaurs, peekaboo, and bedtime snuggles?
No notes. 🦖🌙
5. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
If you have a kid who loves trucks, I feel like this one is basically required reading.
All of the hardworking construction vehicles finish their jobs and settle down for the night, and somehow watching giant trucks go to sleep is incredibly soothing.
It’s also one of those books I don’t mind reading over and over, which is VERY important when your toddler decides the same book needs to be read every night for the foreseeable future.
6. Night Night, Sleep Tight — Jennifer Berne
This is exactly what I want from a bedtime book: sweet, calm, and sleepy.
It’s the kind of book that naturally makes you start reading a little quieter as you go, which is perfect when you’re trying to convince a very awake one-year-old that actually, yes, we are tired.
Cozy book. Cozy baby. Hopefully a sleeping baby shortly afterward.
Night Night, Sleep Tight! (Amazon)
Our Favorite Bedtime Books for a One-Year-Old
I don’t need our bedtime books to teach a million things. I just want something sweet, comforting, and easy to read while we snuggle before bed.
And if a book can help turn my wild little one-year-old into a sleepy little one-year-old?
Five stars. No notes. 🌙
If you’re building your baby’s bedtime bookshelf, these six are such a sweet place to start.
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