Reading together at bedtime is one of our favourite ways to slow down at the end of the day. I’ve always been drawn to books that connect children to nature, animals and gentle messages of kindness – and Layla’s grown up with a bookshelf full of just that. Here are a few of our most-loved bedtime books, perfect for little ones aged 0–5.
🌿 National Trust: Big Outdoors for Little Explorers – River by Anne-Kathrin Behl
Board book | Ages 1–4
This is such a lovely interactive book for toddlers. With sweet rhyming text and flaps to lift, little fingers can also slide elements on the page – perfect for keeping little ones engaged. It’s full of beautifully illustrated British river wildlife, and Layla particularly loves the otters and kingfisher. A great one for encouraging curiosity about our UK river wildlife.
🍂 Woodland Sounds (Usborne Sound Books), illustrated by Federica Iossa
Board book | Babies and up
This was a big hit when Layla was a baby. The sounds are spot on – realistic, and really atmospheric – and the illustrations are colourful and beautifully done. Each page has little cut-outs that add a lovely tactile element. We also really enjoyed Seashore Sounds, Jungle Sounds, and Night Sounds from the same series – they’re all just as magical.
🐼 Little Panda Helps to Save the Planet – Personalised Storybook | Ages 3–11
A very special one: Layla gets to star in her own story! This personalised book follows a group of animals working together to clean up litter and learn about recycling. It’s a lovely way to introduce eco values in a gentle and empowering way. These books come already named so you have to search for your little one’s name - you normally find stands of these in garden centres.
🦉 A T-wit for a T-woo by Charlie Farley & Layn Marlow
Hardback or paperback | Ages 2–5
A heartwarming story about an owl named T-woo searching for a mate (T-wit) who can complete his song. It’s got a beautiful message about believing in yourself and trusting your journey, with soft, atmospheric illustrations of woodland wildlife. A real bedtime favourite.
🌳 The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson & Victoria Sandøy
Hardback | Ages 2–5
This one is simply beautiful – poetic, gentle and full of feeling. It follows the life of an oak tree and how it provides shelter and joy to animals and humans alike throughout the seasons. A quiet, grounding read with rich illustrations.
🛖 Mrs Owl’s Forest School: The Very Big Den by Ruth Symons
Paperback | Ages 2–5
This sweet story follows Mouse, Squirrel, Fox and Rabbit on a forest school adventure as they work together to build a very big den! It’s full of gentle messages about friendship, trying something new, and the simple joys of outdoor play. Created with input from a forest school expert, it’s perfect whether your child attends forest school or not – it’s sure to spark imaginative play outside. My mum and dad bought this one for Layla, as she goes to forest school herself. There are even a couple of fun activity ideas at the back.
🍃 A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies
Hardback | Ages 2–5
Ed and I picked this one up for Layla while we were away – we’ve got a bit of a soft spot for beautifully illustrated, nature-themed children’s books! It’s big, beautiful, and a real celebration of the natural world, filled with short poems and gentle observations about wildlife, weather, and the changing seasons. We haven’t made our way through all of it yet, but it’s one of those special books you can dip into again and again.
As Layla gets older, I know we’ll be on the lookout for even more wonderful stories to enjoy together – ones that go a little deeper or spark new kinds of questions and curiosity. It’s such a joy seeing her love for nature and animals grow with every book we read. If you have any favourites your little ones love too, I’d love to hear them – we’re always adding to our bedtime basket!
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