Reading before bed is a very healthy habit that you can instill in your child. And stories are the ideal readings for your child to relax, have a quiet night and a very restful rest, in addition to other benefits.
Benefits of reading before bed
Reading stimulates sleep, since it brings consciousness to another level, in which distraction and tranquility are achieved to start sleeping.
Reading before sleep helps to increase creativity, because during sleep the brain continues to work, and reading is material for neurons to work more optimally.
A bedtime reading can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, contributing to more restful sleep.
Reading improves concentration and prepares the mind for the activities of the next day.
Top 10 stories for your child to read before bed
It doesn’t matter if the story is short or long, these can help your child to rest better and have a very happy and calm night.
1. The Emperor’s New Clothes, Hans Christian Andersen
This tale is the funny story of an emperor who likes to wear elegant clothes, until he is mocked by some unique weavers.
Recommended age: 5-7 years
2. Riquet, the one with the tuft, Charles Perrault
It is the story of a rare prince: he is quite ugly. However, he possesses an intelligence that will conquer the most beautiful princess in the kingdom.
Recommended age: 4-6 years
3. The Princess and the Pea, Andersen
Even the princesses have a bad night! Have fun with the story of a girl who will have to go through a peculiar test to prove that she is a real princess.
Recommended age: 5-7 years
4. Bruno, the unlucky sheep, Sylvain Victor
Bruno is a sheep that does not have such a good time. However, you will discover that life has a beautiful surprise for you.
Recommended age: 3-5 years
5. Good night tales for rebellious girls, Francesca Cavallo
It is a book that brings together the stories of inspiring women, from Queen Nefertiti, to JK Rowling.
Recommended age: 5-7 years
6. The dinosaur farm, Frann Preston-Gannon
Can you imagine taking care of a farm full of dinosaurs? This story is perfect to stimulate the imagination before going to sleep.
Recommended age: 2-4 years
7. The colorful monster, Anna Llenas Serra
Not all monsters are bad. This cute character is a monster full of cute emotions.
Recommended age: 2-4 years
8. Oscar and the post lion, Vicente Muñoz Puelles
Do you have a fear to face? Oscar will show you that we all have different fears, and that we can face them even if we are small.
Recommended age: 3-5 years
9. The rabbit on the moon, popular myth
Do you know why you can see a rabbit on the moon? This beautiful Nahuatl myth tells you about the friendship between the god Quetzalcóatl and a rabbit, and how it got to the moon.
Recommended age: 4-6 years
10. The 7 crows, the Grimm brothers
A little girl will take a journey through the stars to find her lost brothers. This magical adventure will turn your imagination.
Recommended age: 3-5 years