If you’ve ever tried to get a kindergartener to bed after a busy school day, you know it’s not always simple. Between the energy bursts, the “just one more snack” requests, and the endless negotiations, bedtime can quickly become stressful.
One thing that made a big difference for me when my kids were little was having a routine that guided us through the day. When mornings and after-school time run smoothly, bedtime naturally feels calmer too. And one of the best parts of our evenings was always reading together.
That’s why I put together this list of the best bedtime books for kindergarteners—stories that are engaging enough to hold their attention, but gentle enough to ease them into sleep.
Why Reading at Bedtime Matters
At this age, children are learning to read on their own, but they still treasure the sound of your voice.
Bedtime stories:
- Spark imagination and curiosity
- Build vocabulary and listening skills
- Create comfort and security at the end of the day
The books below are perfect choices for five- and six-year-olds who are ready to wind down after a big day of learning and playing.
Best Bedtime Books for Kindergarteners
📚 Use the links provided to shop these titles easily through Amazon (affiliate links).
1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
A timeless classic with gentle rhythms and soothing illustrations—perfect for winding down.
2. The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle
A beautiful, interactive story that helps calm little ones before bed.
3. Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete learns that even when the day is over, fun friends and cozy routines help him relax.
4. Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
Kids laugh, parents nod—this funny story works like a mirror for bedtime stalling tactics.
5. I Am Enough by Grace Byers
A beautiful, affirming story to end the day with love, confidence, and peace.
6. If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley
Funny, imaginative, and relatable for kids navigating school days.
7. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
A thoughtful, award-winning story about gratitude, perspective, and slowing down.
8. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
A super fun, silly story that 5–6 year olds adore. It’s engaging, colorful, and always a hit at bedtime.
9. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
Pure humor — gets kids laughing, and keeps older kindergarteners interested without feeling too “babyish.”
10. The Bad Seed by Jory John
Part of the Food Group series (The Smart Cookie, The Good Egg). Funny, expressive, and relatable for kindergarteners learning about emotions and behavior.
Creating Flow from Morning to Night
Here’s the truth: a smooth bedtime doesn’t start at 7:30 p.m.—it starts the moment your child wakes up. When mornings are organized and after-school transitions go well, kids feel more secure and less resistant at night.
That’s exactly why I created the Morning + After-School Routine Printable. It gives your child a clear, simple structure for the parts of the day that usually trip families up. When those routines are easier, bedtime falls into place more naturally.
👉🏼 Grab your copy here and bring more peace to your family’s daily rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Bedtime doesn’t have to feel like a battle. With the right books and consistent routines, evenings can become a time you both look forward to. Choose a few favorites from this list, cuddle up, and let storytime be the bridge between the busy day and a peaceful night.
And if you want an extra hand making mornings and after-school time less stressful, don’t forget to get your routine printable here.
You may also enjoy:
- Top 10 Bedtime Routine Tips for School Nights (Kindergarten Edition)
- Top 10 Bedtime Essentials Every Kindergartener Needs
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!) Portions of this content may be generated by AI.
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