National Storytelling Week 2022: Top 10 Bedtime Stories To Read To Your Child

National Storytelling Week celebrates the written word as a vehicle for teaching children about the world around them. Stories encourage children to build relationships, understand their emotions and make links within their knowledge. Here at Bensons For Beds, we’ve collated data to put together the top ten most loved bedtime stories for you and your child to enjoy this National Storytelling Week.

Bedtime Stories Ranked By Search Volume

1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

Number one on our list of favourite bedtime stories for kids, The Gruffalo follows a smart-talking mouse on a journey through the woods avoiding predators and danger with mention of his made-up monster friend, The Gruffalo. As each animal runs away in fear, the mouse is filled with pride for his ability to fool others, that is until he comes face to face with a real Gruffalo. An ironic tale of deceit, Donaldson brings childrens’ imaginations to life with fantastic illustrations by Axel Scheffler.

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

A bedtime story we know even parents will enjoy, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an illustrated picture book that takes children through the life cycle of caterpillar to butterfly. An exciting way to introduce numbers, days of the week and items of food to your child’s vocabulary, enjoy the journey with the caterpillar as he eats more and more.

3. The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr

A tale of another very hungry animal, The Tiger Who Came For Tea, is both written and illustrated by Judith Kerr. After a surprise ring of the doorbell, Sophie and her mother are joined for tea by a friendly tiger who eats and drinks everything possible before embarking back into the world. Another well-known bedtime story, this title will be a nostalgic favourite for parents, too.

4. Zog and The Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson

The sequel to Julia Donaldson’s Zog, Zog and The Flying Doctors, introduces Princess Pearl, the ambitious Princess who wishes to replace her tiara with a stethoscope. The story follows Zog the dragon and Pearl as they try to convince her father of the importance of being a doctor. An inspiring, rhyming tale of Zog, this story flips typical princess stories upside down in the best of ways.

5. The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson

The third Julia Donaldson title in our top ten bedtime stories, The Highway Rat, tells the tale of the Dick Whittington-esque woodland creature as he steals food from every animal who crosses his path. Eventually getting his comeuppance, we see the consequences of stealing. Filled with enjoyable rhyme and bright illustrations, Donaldson doesn’t disappoint with this exciting bedtime story.

6. The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson

The fantastic sequel to the number one bedtime story for children, The Gruffalo’s Child tells the story of The Gruffalo’s daughter as she journeys to find the big bad mouse her father has told her all about. Stopping for help from other animals in the woods, she seeks to find the truth in her father’s tale.

7. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The Peter Rabbit book has been a household favourite for decades. Telling the tale of a mischievous young rabbit, the book follows Peter through his troublesome adventures where he learns the harsh consequences of misbehaving. A quintessentially British bedtime story, it’s fantastic to see the continued love for all things Beatrix Potter.

8. The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss

Not only a popular film, but the original The Cat in the Hat book is also one of the most popular tales written and illustrated by the renowned Dr Seuss. Full of whimsical adventure, Dr Seuss’ world will embrace your little one’s minds with a day in the life of Sally, her brother and the unexpected Cat in the Hat who visits them for some rainy day fun.

9. Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

After being sent to bed without supper, ‘wild thing’ Max is transported to a wild island in the Where The Wild Things Are book. Following his adventure through an island full of monsters and chaos, Max learns what it means to behave as he gets a bitter taste of his own medicine.

10. The Smeds and The Smoos by Julia Donaldson

The tenth most popular bedtime story is, of course, another Julia Donaldson favourite. A modern take on star-crossed lovers fit for young children, The Smeds and The Smoos tells the story of aliens crossing society’s boundaries of segregation and falling in love. A fantastical tale that celebrates diversity and challenges prejudice.

Bedtime stories are powerful for children and parents alike, as a way to switch off from reality and enjoy make-believe worlds before you touchdown in the land of nod. With the comfort of our  children’s mattresses and the excitement of a bedtime story, Bensons For Beds are here to encourage a good night’s sleep for all.