Bedtime stories for children have a special magic they calm busy minds, spark imagination, and create moments of connection before sleep. The right story can turn bedtime into a cherished ritual, whether it’s a playful picture book for toddlers or a classic chapter shared with older kids. From Irish favourites to timeless tales and the much-loved works of Allan Ahlberg, these stories are made to be read, remembered, and enjoyed together.

If you’re new to Allan Ahlberg bedtime stories, start with:

• Each Peach Pear Plum – A gently rhyming “I spy” book featuring nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters. Perfect for winding down and spotting surprises together.
• Peepo! – A nostalgic look at life through the eyes of a baby in wartime Britain, packed with beautiful illustrations and cosy domestic detail.
• Burglar Bill  – A lovely one for the very young, with familiar objects and daily routines made lyrical.

These books are masterclasses in read-aloud books for families - simple on the surface but layered with wit for adults and charm for children.

Why Are Bedtime Stories Important, even if Children Can Read Themselves?

The importance of bedtime stories goes well beyond the early years. Even once children can read independently, sharing stories together strengthens your bond and nurtures their growth as confident, curious readers.

• OECD studies show that children who are read to regularly perform better academically in reading, maths, and problem-solving.
• The Harvard Center on the Developing Child links warm, interactive reading with stronger brain development.
• BookTrust UK finds that children who are read to daily are more likely to become lifelong readers.

It’s a sacred nightly ritual, a space of security, shared laughter, and stories that shape the imagination. And it’s one of the most valuable bedtime reading tips for parents: don’t stop reading aloud just because your child can decode words.

Should You Keep Reading Bedtime Stories to Children Who Can Read on Their Own?

When your child becomes an independent reader, your role changes - but you’re still the storyteller. One golden rule: don’t force your old favourites on them but do read those classic children’s books to them. They get to hear the rhythm of your voice and you get to share your nostalgia without making it homework.

For shared nostalgia:

• The Moomins by Tove Jansson – Whimsical, gentle, and wise.
• The Famous Five or The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton – Pure adventure, even if you have to explain ginger beer.

And for what they love right now:

• Dork Diaries – Funny and relatable for tweens.
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Hugely popular for its humour and illustrations.
• Dog Man – Silly, creative, and adored by reluctant readers.
• Bunny Vs Monkey – Playful and great for younger siblings.
• The Treehouse Adventures series – Zany and inventive page-turners.

These bedtime books for older kids keep reading fun and sharing them shows you respect their taste.

4 Best Bedtime Stories by Irish Authors

Ireland is blessed with a wealth of talented children’s writers and illustrators. If you’re building your library of bedtime books by Irish authors, start here:

1. Well Done Mummy Penguin by Chris Haughton
A heartwarming and funny Chris Haughton picture book about a mother penguin’s epic trip to fetch fish for her chick. With bold, bright illustrations and rhythmic text, it’s ideal for bedtime stories for preschoolers.

2. The Ravenous Beast by Niamh Sharkey
One of the funny bedtime books for kids that never gets old — a beast so hungry it could eat the world. Big, bold, cumulative fun.

3. Sally Go Round The Stars by Sarah Webb & Steve McCarthy
A joyful, beautifully illustrated collection of Sarah Webb children’s rhymes — playground songs, nursery classics, and poems brought to life with vibrant art.

4. . Meanwhile Back on Earth by Oliver Jeffers
An extraordinary Oliver Jeffers bedtime book that takes readers on a journey through the history of our planet from a father’s perspective. Stunning and thought-provoking.

Treasure Hunting for Secondhand Children’s Books

Some of the best Irish bedtime books and out-of-print gems can only be found if you go hunting and Chapters Secondhand is perfect for that. You might find a 1970s edition of The Magic Faraway Tree, a vintage Moomins, or an early Allan Ahlberg print with that nostalgic old-book smell.

It’s also where you can track down classic children’s books your parents read to you - because passing those stories along is part of the joy. The shelves change daily, so if you see it, grab it.

One More Chapter?

Whether it’s a classic from Ahlberg, a new Irish favourite, or that well-worn book with the torn corner and the chocolate smudge on page 6, bedtime stories matter. They comfort, they connect, and they create lifelong readers.

Visit us at Chapters Bookstore Dublin or lose yourself in Chapters Secondhand - where the next bedtime favourite might just be waiting on the shelf.

Come find your next family favourite at Chapters Bookstore Dublin, where the lights stay on a little longer just until the last page.

P.S. Got a beloved bedtime book you read over and over? Tag us on Instagram or drop into the shop and tell us! We love a good recommendation (and we don’t judge repeat readings).