When we think of bedtime stories, we picture parents reading to their children, snuggled under the covers before they go to sleep at night. But bedtime stories can be for everyone, young and old, some stories tales as old as time and some legends of family lore.
If you’re looking for quick bedtime stories to share with someone you love, here are a few simple stories you can read aloud to a child as they get ready to sleep—or that you can read on your own if you are a grown-up who still loves to fall asleep after a great story!
Classic Bedtime Stories
Here are two classic bedtime stories that have endured the test of time for taking children (and adults) closer to their sleepy state, plus a Penny Magic original short story, the first story in our book Fairytales for Grown-Ups. And if you’re feeling too sleepy to read these yourself, we’ve included links to audio versions if they are available.
The Book of Beasts by E. Nesbit
Looking for dragons and hippogriffs and manticores? Watch a young boy discover new worlds and the beasts inside them when he opens The Book of Beasts. Read online | Listen to the podcast
Saint Bridget and the King’s Wolf by Abbie Farwell Brown
When a king's pet wolf is mistakenly killed, Saint Bridget must get something to appease him in order to save the peasant who did it. Read online
Melisande, or Long and Short Division by E. Nesbit
When a group of irate fairies curse a princess to be bald because they were left out of her christening, she uses a wish from a fairy godmother to have hair that will never stop growing. Read online
What the Sparrows Did by Matt Mills
How did the light come into the light bulb? Listen in as a father answers his child’s question, telling the story of two inventors and the sparrows who brought them light. Read online | Listen to the podcast
Tell Your Own Bedtime Story
What about a real story? Here are three questions you can answer to tell your child a bit of your own life that they might not know. Be warned: Curious children might have trouble falling asleep after hearing more about the life of their favorite storyteller.
What was your most adventurous day when you were a child?
What is the farthest you’ve ever been away from home?
What is the highest place you’ve ever been or the deepest place you’ve ever gone?
Let us know what original stories you’ve told or which classic bedtime story is your favorite by reaching out to our Penny Magic Instagram account!