IBC Awards 2025 judges announced!

Books for bedtime

This wonderfully diverse, soothing selection of bedtime stories is sure to make every night-time storytime magical, for you and your child.

From lyrical books with mindfulness techniques to everyday stories of sleepovers, these gentle and relaxing tales with dreamy illustrations and inclusive casts of characters, encourage quality bonding time with your child while helping them to wind down in readiness for sleep.

3+years

Good Night, Good Beach

Author: Joy CowleyIllustrator: Hilary Jean Tapper

Perfect for sharing, the poetic text ebbs and flows like the waves licking up and down the sandy shores in this book's dreamy illustrations.

Own Voice
Black/brown representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes

Good Night, Good Beach - Cover

3+years

Lulu's Sleepover

Author: Anna McQuinnIllustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw

An endearing story about a little girl’s sleepover with her cousin. Illustrations show emotional connection and movement.

Black representation
Female lead

2+years

It's Time to Hush and Say Good Night

Author: Chitra SoundarIllustrator: Sandhya Prabhat

With the feel of an instant classic, this gorgeously rhyming lullaby is sure to become a night-time favourite.

Own Voice
South Asian representation
Single parent

3+years

Shine Like the Stars

Author: Anna WilsonIllustrator: Harry Woodgate

In soothing and rhythmic prose, planet Earth, the sun, the ocean, the stars and more share their stories of the healing power of nature.

Black representation
East and Southeast Asian representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Disabled representation
Diverse cast

3+years

The Bedtime Boat

Author: Sital Gorasia ChapmanIllustrator: Anastasia Suvorova

Drift off with this quiet and soothing picture book, drawing on mindfulness techniques to help children fall asleep.

South Asian representation
Single parent

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