Oliver and the Lantern Path
A walk home through soft light. About finding your way at dusk.
ages 2-5
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Bedtime picture books
Gentle bedtime stories for children.
Calm, cosy, screen-free picture books to help little ones wind down and settle at the end of the day. Best read aloud, slowly, for ages 2 to 6.
There’s a particular kind of book that suits the very end of the day: slow, quiet and warm, with soft pictures and a gentle landing. The stories below are chosen for exactly that moment: calm read-alouds for toddlers and preschoolers, with small worlds, familiar rhythms and nothing too exciting before sleep. Read them slowly, in a low voice, and let goodnight take its time.
More gentle bedtime reading: why a bedtime routine helps · how to read a bedtime story aloud · calm bedtime books for ages 3 to 6 · screen-free wind-down ideas · gentle bedtime stories for 2 year olds · calm bedtime routine ideas for toddlers · quiet activities before bed · picture books about slowing down · free bedtime printables for toddlers · helping a child scared of the dark · bedtime stories about the moon and stars · what to read after a hard day · a calm bedtime routine for two children.
Oliver Gets Ready for Bed
A calming bedtime routine. Scarf on the bedpost. Lamp glowing.
ages 2-5
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Oliver and the Quiet Snow
A snowy morning. About small adventures in big white worlds.
ages 2-5
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Oliver and the Rainy Day
Grey skies and a big mood. About letting feelings pass like rain.
ages 2-5
Also on Amazon
Oliver and the First Star
Waiting for the very first star to appear. About patience and a gentle bedtime.
ages 2-5
Oliver Stays Home
A slow, snug day indoors. About the comfort of home and quiet rest.
ages 2-5
Oliver and the Warm Window
Snug at his window, Oliver watches the snowy world from a warm, safe place. A cosy story about comfort and belonging.
ages 2-5
Oliver and the Sleepy Greenhouse
Oliver tends the little plants as they fold up to sleep. A gentle story about care, and how everyone needs to rest.
ages 2-5
Hazel and the Quiet Morning
A soft, slow start to the day. About noticing the small quiet things.
ages 3-6
Hazel and the Cosy Night
Lamp low, blanket up. A gentle night-time routine to settle down.
ages 3-6
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Hazel and the Big Feeling
A feeling too big to hold. About naming it and letting it soften.
ages 3-6
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Pip and the First Try
It didn't work the first time. About the big feelings when things are hard.
ages 4-7
Bramble and the Slow Morning
No need to rush. About taking it slow and noticing the world.
ages 3-6
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Bramble and the Stepping Stones
A sunny rock across the water, one stone at a time. About patience and not giving up.
ages 3-6
Also on Amazon
Bramble and the Little Garden
A breeze leaves the garden untidy. About caring for things, one small task at a time.
ages 3-6
Bramble and the Long Path
A long winding path up the hill. About going slow and noticing the way.
ages 3-6
Bramble and the Good Small Day
Looking back on a small, quiet day. About gratitude for the little things.
ages 3-6
Fenn and the Little Seed
A tiny seed by the door, and the hardest part - waiting. About patience.
ages 3-6
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Fenn and the Foggy Morning
A gentle fog over the river. About quiet courage and finding the way.
ages 3-6
Also on Amazon & Google Play
Free printable · A4 + US Letter
Free Cosy Bedtime Routine Checklist
A gentle, one-step-at-a-time wind-down to stick on the fridge. Pop in your email and we’ll send it straight over.
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More gentle reading
Browse all our picture books, explore picture books about big feelings, or meet Hazel the Hedgehog. For help choosing, start with our gentle guide to cosy bedtime picture books.
These are gentle bedtime stories to enjoy together. Not medical, sleep, or behaviour advice. Every child and family is different.