This ritual made our kids bedtime routine into a ritual that we all love.
Bedtime used to be a struggle in our house. We tried the usual kids bedtime routines but they weren’t working. More often than not, we’d end up letting the kids fall asleep in front of the TV. It felt like survival mode, not a winding-down ritual. I knew it wasn’t working for us and I had to fix it.
About a year ago, I decided to try something different. I was going to try reading again, only not traditional kids’ books (which didn’t work). This time, I started reading my books out loud to them.
Not thrillers or anything heavy, just the kinds of stories I naturally gravitate toward. Travel memoirs, cozy fantasy, gentle adventures. Books with heart and imagination, but nothing too intense or inappropriate. And something surprising happened: they loved it. Like, really loved it.
Now, a year in, they still look forward to it every night (and so do I). It’s become a shared experience that actually motivates all of us to get through the bedtime routine. This simple switch has completely transformed our evenings.
Why It Works
1. The stories are rich but restful.
The books I choose aren’t action-packed page-turners. They’re interesting, beautifully written, and full of imagination, but mellow enough that the kids can drift off as I read. A little magic, a little wonder, and no scary plot twists right before bed. These are the books I prefer anyway, so this was a natural fit for me.
2. It’s time reclaimed.
I used to feel like I had to choose between reading to my kids and reading for myself. Now, I get to do both. Additionally, they see me engaging with books I love. This example is setting the stage for a lifetime of reading joy.
3. It feels like a shared adventure.
Even if they fall asleep halfway through, the next night they’ll ask, “What happened to the treasure?” or “Did she make it to the mountains?” They’re following along, imagining it all, and sometimes even dreaming in those worlds.
4. It’s a routine we can take with us no matter where we are.
As a family who loves to travel, this has become a secret weapon. It’s a ritual we can take with us anywhere. Helping me create consistent bedtime wherever we are. This routine works whether we’re at home or in a tent or hotel. This has proven itself effective on many trips and has made bedtime much easier in various sleeping conditions.
A Few Ground Rules (That I Learned Along the Way)
- Keep it PG (but not patronizing). I steer clear of anything dark, violent, or too emotionally heavy. Even if a book is technically “clean,” I think about how the themes and tone might land at bedtime.
- Skip or edit as needed. I’ve gotten good at gentle editing on the fly—glossing over a sentence or skipping a paragraph that doesn’t feel kid-friendly. It’s easier than you think once you’re in the rhythm.
- Choose calm over chaos. Anything too plot-heavy or suspenseful has them wide-eyed and restless. The best books are the ones that feel like being wrapped in a soft blanket. All of our favorites have steady pacing, beautiful language, and characters we genuinely want to spend time with.
- If you love it, they’ll love it. They can tell if I’m not enjoying a book that we’re reading. They get the most into books that I’m enjoying the most.
This little shift in our nightly rhythm has made such a difference—for all of us. Bedtime is quieter, sweeter, and something we genuinely look forward to. I’m reading more than I have in years. What’s more; my kids are soaking in stories that expand their imaginations in ways I never expected.
If you’re feeling stuck in a bedtime rut, or just craving a little more connection in your evenings, I highly recommend giving it a try. Read something you love, and invite your kids along for the journey.
You might just find a new family tradition.
📚 Our Favorite Bedtime Reads (So Far)
These are the books we’ve read out loud together at bedtime. These stories are calming, engaging, and age-appropriate enough to share with kids while still being satisfying for grown-ups. Most fall into cozy fantasy, travel memoirs, and reflective fiction. They’re perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Each book links to a dedicated post (as I publish them). Including more about the stories and why I loved them. Keep checking back for more recommendations.
⭐ Family-Friendly Rating Key
Not all great books are written for kids, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be read with kids. This rating reflects how bedtime-appropriate each book is for family reading. It’s based on tone, content, and how easy it is to wind down with at the end of the day.
| ⭐ | Some adult content
Best for older tweens/teens. Might need edits or skipping.
| ⭐⭐ | Mature themes or heavier tone
Still bedtime-readable, but more reflective or emotional.
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Mostly safe
A few mild edits needed for language or tone, but nothing too intense.
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Family-friendly with occasional nuance
Safe and appropriate, with thoughtful themes or complex language.
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perfect for all ages
Gentle, cozy, and calming. Ideal for winding down.
Note: I occasionally skip words, adjust phrasing, or give a little context on the fly. Just trust yourself, you know your kids best!
Travel + Food Memoir
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
A poetic memoir of home renovation and food in the Italian countryside. The sensory writing and relaxed pacing made it a lovely, sleep-friendly choice.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: No heavy content, slow pace, soothing descriptions.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Ina’s story of love, food, and building a beautiful life is gentle, inspiring, and very readable. It’s hard not to love hearing about her early days and her passion for simple pleasures.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Positive tone, short chapters, uplifting themes.
Picnic in Provence by Elizabeth Bard
An intimate memoir filled with food, family, and French village life. A bedtime winner for its warm tone and gentle storytelling.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Peaceful pacing, lots of heart.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
A funny and reflective memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail. I edited out a few swear words, but it sparked great conversations about nature and challenge.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Needs light edits, but overall light and engaging.
Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart by Carrot Quinn
I love this book. It’s brutally honest memior of through hiking the PCT. It’s a really beautiful reminder that struggling to do the things that are supposed to be “normal” doesn’t mean you can’t do hard things. You just have to find your things. That is a message I hope to instill into my kids.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐
Why it works: This story has some adult themes and language. It requires some editing while reading to little ears, but the message is worth it.
Cozy Fantasy
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
A cozy, magical story about belonging and chosen family. Sweet, uplifting, and absolutely delightful to read aloud.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Wholesome magic, kind characters, no dark turns.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
A quiet fantasy about burnout recovery, healing, and magical books. Talking animals and found family add a charming layer for kids.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Slow, sweet, and full of bedtime-appropriate magic.
Witchlore Series by T.L. Brown
Kid-friendly fantasy with just enough magic and adventure to keep things interesting without being too intense.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Any adult themes are in innuendo, made for middle aged moms who grew up loving Harry Potter.
Reflective Fiction
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Lyrical and introspective, this story explores time, identity, and memory. Better for young kids or quiet nights with older tweens.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐
Why it works: Beautiful language, but heavier themes require maturity.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A moving, philosophical novel about second chances and the choices that shape a life. Sensitive topics are handled with care.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐
Why it works: Thoughtful and soft, but better suited for older listeners.
Literary + Classic Comfort
The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
A timeless classic. Gentle, whimsical, and still funny after all these years.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Perfect for all ages, especially for winding down.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Hearn
A soft, almost folkloric novel with poetic storytelling. It reads like a modern fable, perfect for quiet evenings.
Family-Friendly Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it works: Peaceful and appropriate, with a few layered themes that go over younger heads.