Bedtime Stories for Kids – Especially For Your Only Child
There is no doubt that reading a bedtime story to your child is a great way to strengthen parent-child relationships.
However, it’s not just limited to creating lovely memories and helping your little one get ready for a good night of sleep.
In fact, research shows that reading to your child helps them build vocabulary, encourages engagement and communication, improves attention, relieves anxieties, and grows their imagination.
That’s a no-brainer, right?
Here is a list of lovely, beautiful, heartfelt, and creative bedtime stories that are perfect for reading to (or with) your only child.
Made For Me
by Zack Bush (Author), Gregorio De Lauretis (Illustrator)
Of all the children that ever could be, you are the one made just for me.
Made for Me is a lovely presentation of tender moments that tie a father and his child together forever. Ages 3 – 5 (20 pages).
Because I Am The Only Child
by Loretta Campbell (Author) and Grant Alward (Illustrator)
If you are a fan of Dr. Seuss, I’m confident you’ll like this one.
In this affectionate bedtime story, the main character realizes the pros and cons of being an only child and, in the end, knows that his family is perfect the way it is. Ages 4 – 8 (28 pages).
To the Moon and Back for You
By Emilia Bechrakis Serhant
A mother's love and perseverance are the themes of this beautifully written and illustrated book.
Emilia Bechrakis Serhant's debut picture book candidly explores her experience with IVF and her struggle to conceive. It's a treasure for all, especially those with a challenging road to parenthood.
Blueberries for Sal
By Robert McCloskey
Little Sal and Little Bear mix up their mothers on Blueberry Hill!
This classic tale tells the adventures of a little girl and a baby bear while hunting for blueberries with their mothers on one bright summer day. Ages 3 – 7 (55 pages).
On Brighter Days
By Kyla Saphir
This affecting bedtime story focuses on only children and their feelings about wanting a sibling but ultimately realizing how lucky they are to be in a small loving family.
The inspiration for the book, On Brighter Days came from the author’s personal experience with secondary infertility. Ages 3 – 7 (55 pages).
The Only Child
by Guojing
A unique wordless story told entirely through pictures.
The little girl in this story is left home alone to entertain herself while her parents work.
It’s a lovely way to connect with your child by making up a dialogue and sharing feelings. Ages 5 – 9 (112 pages).
Saturday
by Oge Mora
A mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week.
Join them on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what’s best about Saturdays: precious time together. Ages 4 – 8 (40 pages).
Little Bear
by Elsa Holmelund Minarik (Author), Maurice Sendak (Author)
Mother Bear is always there!
This adorable, simple bedtime story about a caring mom and her little bear has plenty of rhythmic repetition that children love! Age 4 – 8 (63 pages).
My Only Child, There’s No One Like You
by Dr. Kevin Leman (Author), Kevin II Leman (Author)
Dr. Kevin Leman concludes his popular birth-order series for children with this creative and touching book.
My Only Child, There’s No One Like You creatively celebrates the beautiful character traits of an only child. Ages 6 – 8 (32 pages).
Only One You
by Linda Kranz
This beautifully illustrated book presents a mother and father sharing some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son.
The message in the book is encouraging and positive to prepare the child for the real world. Ages 4 – 6 (32 pages).
I Love You to The Moon And Back
by Amelia Hepworth (Author), Tim Warnes (Illustrator)
A sweet, gentle rhyme and easy picture book. It’s perfect for reading to your kid.
It follows a bear and a cub as they go through their day and show their love for each other. Ages 2 – 5 (28 pages).
I’ve Loved You Since Forever
by Hoda Kotb (Author), Suzie Mason (Illustrator)
This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today’s show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy.
While very minimal in words, the book packs striking illustrations and a touching message. Ages 3 – 7 (32 pages).
Madeline
by Ludwig Bemelmans
Even though it’s not a proper bedtime story, Madeline is a great book to read to or with your child.
This delightful classic tells the story of Madeline, a brave only-child girl living in a boarding school in Paris. Ages 3 – 7 (54 pages).
Goldilocks And The Three Bears
by Parragon Books (Author)
I bet you’ve never connected the dots – this classic children’s story presents a family of 3.
It’s a beautifully illustrated version of the famous old tale. Ages 4 – 7 (32 pages).
How to Catch a Star
by Oliver Jeffers
Olivia loved this sweet and imaginative book when she was little.
The story is simple – a boy would like to catch a star, a star to keep for himself, so he sets out to try and get one. It’s an uncomplicated yet captivating story. Ages 3 – 7 (32 pages).
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
by Emily Winfield Martin
This is a lovely children’s book with pretty illustrations and many positive, self-affirming messages.
Definitely inspiring and full of hope for the future. Ages 3 – 7 (36 pages).
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