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MNHQ

*NOW CLOSED* What's your favourite bedtime story of all time? Do tell (and you could win a bundle of children's books worth £100) *NOW CLOSED*

185 replies

JaneMumsnet · 13/08/2013 12:55

Hello,

This October, we'll be publishing The Book of Bedtime Stories by Mumsnet and Gransnet - a collection of ten brilliant original bedtime stories written by the winners of our bedtime stories competition with Walker Books. Watch this space - from over 400 entries, former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen selected the ten winners, and the stories are beautifully illustrated by up-and-coming artists.

To launch the book, we'll be taking a nostalgic look at bedtime stories, and we'd love to know: what's your favourite bedtime story of all time?

Maybe it's one that you read were read as a child, and now read to your children? A magical picture book for babies and toddlers or a page turner under the covers, for older kids? Take a look at our children's book reviews if you need your memory jogged.

We'd love to hear what you think, so if you have a second, please tell us your:

  • favourite book for under 5s (babies to 4 year olds)
  • favourite book for 5-8 year olds
  • favourite book for 8-11 year olds
  • overall favourite bedtime story of all time?

All posters who tell us about their favourite books on this thread will be entered into a prize draw - one MNer will win a bundle of children's books worth £100.

Many thanks,

MNHQ

OP posts:
TeaAndCakeOrDeath · 13/08/2013 14:14

At bedtime DS (2.7) always demands Julia Donaldson - A Squash and a Squeeze, The Smartest Giant in Town and The Gruffalo to finish, I can do all 3 with my eyes closed!
When I was little I loved a fairy tale book I had, big book with beautiful ornate drawings and fell asleep to Rumplestiltskin or The Magic Porridge Pot etc

LentilAsAnything · 13/08/2013 14:11

Under five: The Snail and the Whale.

dahville · 13/08/2013 14:09

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams is my favourite over all but Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein are close contenders as well!

Justshabbynochic · 13/08/2013 14:07

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Simply illustrated, but incredibly moving. A story about a tree who loves a boy, and gives him everything to make him happy.

Melissakitkat · 13/08/2013 14:00
  • favourite book for under 5s (babies to 4 ) - giraffes can't dance - it's the story of Gerald the giraffe who can't dance - great rhymes and lovely pictures.
  • favourite book for 5-8 year olds - the faraway tree - just perfect - dd loved it.
  • favourite book for 8-11 year olds - not at that age yet - possibly asterix as dd loves reading these with me or anything by horrible histories.
  • overall favourite bedtime story of all time? The faraway tree & enchanted wood. X
mamamidwife · 13/08/2013 13:41

As a child I loved The Magic Porridge Pot, and I read the Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, over and over again, I just loved the idea of that tree!

To my 2kids (under 5) I love reading Each Peach and current favourite What the Ladybird Heard Grin

BornToFolk · 13/08/2013 13:35

I love anything by Shirley Hughes, but especially the Alfie stories. They are so gentle and calm, perfect for bedtime. I suppose they would be for the under 5s, although my 5.5 year old still enjoys them.

BeenieBaby · 13/08/2013 13:32

We love our books here, and ds (2.5) has many favourites. In no particular order, there's shark in the dark (Peter bently), the duck in the truck and fix it duck (jez alborough), choo choo clickety clack (Margaret mayo), green eggs and ham (dr Seuss), the boy on the bus (penny dale), the hairy toe (Daniel postgate) and little rabbit foo foo (Michael Rosen).
As a parent I like the duck books and shark in the dark as they're so amusing, and green eggs and the hairy toe lend themselves so well to me putting on silly voices and make it much more fun!

Vajazzler · 13/08/2013 13:31

My favorite preschool bedtime story is Goodnight Moon. 5-8 books are anything by Julia Donaldson but especially The Gruffalo and Zog.
Age 8+ is Danny the Champion Of The World. I loved it as a child and now love reading it with my children.

laeiou · 13/08/2013 13:29

Under 5 - peepo
overall - peepo

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