Books About Nighttime

The Best Nighttime Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about nighttime? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Nighttime

Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1985

My Parents Think I'm Sleeping

By Jack Prelutsky, Yossi Abolafia (Illustrator)

A child's nighttime adventures begin when the lights go out.

48 pages· 1,151 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 492 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: When the lights go out, one boy's night is just beginning. From reading under the covers to sneaking cake from the kitchen, his imagination runs wild. What mischief awaits in the shadows?
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2022

The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard

Two brothers face mysterious noises during a stormy blackout, leading to an unexpected twist.

48 pages· 444 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 674 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Summary: On a stormy night, two brothers brave a power outage to investigate eerie noises echoing through their home. As they follow the creaks and thumps, their adventure takes a surprising turn, revealing that not all scary sounds are what they seem. Will they uncover the truth behind the mysterious noises, or will the night hold more surprises? Join them on a whimsical journey filled with laughter and unexpected discoveries, perfect for young readers seeking thrills and giggles. This enchanting tale promises a night of unforgettable fun and a twist that will leave everyone smiling.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2022

All Through the Night

By Polly Faber, Harriet Hobday (Illustrator)

Discover the unseen heroes who keep the city alive while you sleep.

32 pages· 507 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 266 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: As night falls, a little girl prepares for bed while her mother heads to work. Journey through the city and meet the night workers—nurses, cleaners, and more—who keep everything running smoothly. What stories unfold in the quiet hours, and who are the unsung heroes of the night?
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Pirate Pat

Pirate Pat hunts for treasure beneath Granny's house in a lively rhyming tale.

32 pages· 151 words· Est. 3 min read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 205 ratings
$7.89Save 5%
Summary: Join Pirate Pat on a whimsical quest as he digs for hidden treasure beneath Granny's house. This lively rhyming adventure invites young readers to explore the joy of reading with their parents. As the story unfolds, children take on more of the reading, building confidence and excitement. Will Pirate Pat find the treasure he seeks, or will unexpected surprises await him? Dive into this engaging tale filled with humor and discovery, perfect for beginner readers eager to embark on their own literary journey.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

The Worst Teddy Ever

A sleepy teddy hides a secret nighttime mission.

40 pages· 292 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 274 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Noa's teddy bear, Teddy, is always too tired to play during the day. Frustrated, Noa doesn't realize Teddy's secret: he spends his nights protecting Noa from a parade of colorful nighttime visitors. As Noa uncovers the truth, he learns that heroes can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes what we want isn't what we truly need. Discover the heartwarming and humorous tale of friendship and unseen bravery in this delightful story.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2008

The Sandman

A tiny man braves a dragon's lair for magical sleep sand.

32 pages· 778 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 165 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Tor, a tiny man, discovers the secret to magical sleep sand lies in dragon scales. To help children sleep, he must brave a dragon's lair to collect these precious scales. Can Tor outwit the fearsome creature and fulfill his mission? This enchanting tale of courage and magic will captivate readers of all ages.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

A Mischief of Mice

A group of mice vanishes. Can the animals solve the mystery before fall ends?

40 pages· 381 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 373 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: On a windy fall day, a group of mice disappears, leaving the forest in chaos. Squirrels are scared, coyotes howl, and ravens are suspected. Can a clever team of bears crack the case and restore peace? Follow the clues in this delightful, rhyming mystery filled with nature's wonders and playful collective nouns. Will the forest's harmony be restored, or will the mystery deepen?
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2009

Good Night, Tiptoe

A restless rabbit resists bedtime, leaving Tilly wondering who will tuck her in.

32 pages· 206 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 175 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Tiptoe the rabbit isn't ready for sleep, despite Tilly's lullabies and bedtime stories. As Tiptoe finally drifts off, Tilly faces a new question: who will tuck her in and say goodnight? Join Tilly and her friends in this charming tale of bedtime routines and unexpected surprises.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2024

The Keeper of Stars

By Jennifer Harris, Dorothy Leung (Illustrator)

A boy's nightly comet ride reveals a secret starry world.

32 pages· 486 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 119 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Summary: Every night, Milo escapes to a celestial realm, helping the Keeper of Stars tidy the sky. As they polish ticklish stars and gather stray balloons, Milo finds solace in this magical escape. Will his secret journey help him cope with missing his dad?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Night Lunch

By Eric Fan, Dena Seiferling (Illustrator)

A hungry mouse hopes for a midnight feast at a bustling night cart. Will kindness prevail?

48 pages· 182 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 818 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: In a bustling city, a hungry mouse watches as delicious aromas draw creatures to the Night Owl, a horse-drawn food cart. As the night winds down, the weary owl chef notices the trembling mouse. Will this be a night of unexpected generosity and shared feasts? Discover how empathy and kindness can transform a simple meal into a magical experience.
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Nighttime Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about nighttime for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Buddy and Earl Go Exploring

Ages 2–8 · 2016

A dog and hedgehog embark on a nighttime kitchen adventure.

The Insomniacs

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A family discovers the magic of nighttime when they can't sleep.

Scared of the Dark? It's Really Scared of You

Ages 5–8 · 2020

The dark is more afraid of you than you are of it.

Mouse's First Halloween

Ages 4–8 · 2000

Mouse hears mysterious sounds on a spooky night. What could it be?

All Aboard the Moonlight Train

Ages 3–7 · 2020

Embark on a magical train journey with enchanting animals for a dreamy bedtime adventure.

Good Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A stray puppy's misadventures lead to a chance to prove he's a true friend.

Friends Forever

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Grumpy Croc and happy Ally tackle life's challenges, proving friendship conquers all.

Everyone's Awake

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A bedtime routine spirals into chaos as the family engages in wild nighttime antics.

Crybaby

Ages 2–6 · 2015

A crying baby needs more than hushing. Can Roy the retriever help?

Cinderella and the Vampire Prince

Ages 5–9 · 2016

A girl defies fate, ruling the night with a mysterious prince.

One Quiet Night

Ages 4–7 · 2006

What secrets stir in the quiet of night?

Lights Out!

Ages 4–8 · 1995

Darkness hides eerie secrets at Camp Badger.

View all nighttime picture books
Browse by age

Nighttime Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about nighttime for developing and independent readers.

The Case of the Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost

Ages 7–10 · 2004

Footprints and a ghost haunt the school. Can Jigsaw solve the mystery?

Scaredy Boo!

Ages 3–6 · 2012

A creature learns fear isn't as scary as it seems.

Mog and the Baby and Other Stories

Ages 2–5 · 2016

A forgetful cat's antics lead to unexpected adventures and heartwarming moments.

I Won't Go to Bed!
Sale price
$395

I Won't Go to Bed!

Ages 6–7 · 1987

A boy defies bedtime, but can he brave the night till dawn?

Moon Zoom

Ages 2–7 · 2010

Parents and children share reading, gradually shifting the focus to the child.

The Queen Makes a Scene
Sale price
$789

The Queen Makes a Scene

2010

Parents and children share reading, with kids taking the lead.

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