A good book before bed is the ultimate parenting secret weapon: it calms them down, makes bedtime cozier, and (bonus) counts as “educational enrichment” even if you’re in pajamas and reading with one eye open. Here are some great back-to-school-friendly picks for every age:
For Younger Elementary (ages 5–8)
· The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt – Witty, colorful, and the perfect warm-up to longer chapter books.
· Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein – Whimsical poems that make bedtime feel like a little comedy show.
· The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale – Princess by day, monster-fighting hero by night.
· A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon – A funny, colorful story about a girl who won’t admit she likes lima beans and ends up with a serious case of stripes.
· The Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne – Classic, gentle stories about friendship and fun in the Hundred Acre Wood
For Middle Elementary (ages 7–10)
· The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo – A china rabbit’s unexpected journey teaches him (and us) about love, loss, and finding your way home.
· Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – The classic tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte.
· The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney – Life in the classroom, told from the class hamster’s very chatty perspective.
· The Witches by Roald Dahl – A thrilling, darkly funny tale about a boy who discovers witches are real…and not nearly as friendly as they seem.
For Older Elementary / Tweens (ages 9–12)
· The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick – Part novel, part cinematic sketchbook, this mystery about an orphan in a Paris train station is as gorgeous as it is gripping.
· The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – Clever puzzles, quirky characters, and an epic adventure for gifted misfits.
· Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – Spirited, charming Anne navigates school, friendships, and small-town life with unstoppable optimism.
Bonus Parent Tip: Let your kids pick from this list so they feel like bedtime reading is their idea. Before you know it, “just one more chapter” will be your nightly soundtrack and you’ll secretly love it.