10+ Best Bedtime Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to wind down your 7-year-old's busy day? Dive into our handpicked collection of bedtime books for 7-year-olds that promise to make bedtime a delightful adventure. Whether you're aiming to instill a love of reading or simply enjoy some quiet time together, these books are just what you need. Keep reading to explore our favorite picks that are sure to become nightly favorites in your home!

Fun Bedtime Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing kids that they can explore vast new worlds and emotions safely within the pages of a book.
  • Perfect for: Children who love letting their imaginations run wild and those who enjoy tales of adventure and fantasy.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This beloved book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to help save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life, all of which are important themes for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals and friendships, and those dealing with themes of loss and resilience.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the evil giants who are terrorizing the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book sparks imagination with its creative language and whimsical plot, making it a fun and engaging read for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories filled with humor, whimsy, and a bit of mischief.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the familiar things around him. This gentle bedtime story captures the process of settling down for the night.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, soothing text and warm illustrations make it an ideal bedtime read, helping children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Young children who need a calming read before bed, and those who enjoy sweet, soothing stories.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, eating as many vegetables as he can before Mr. McGregor chases him away.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about the consequences of misbehaving in a fun and engaging way, all while they enjoy the adventures of a daring rabbit.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy animal stories and those learning about right and wrong.

Educational Bedtime Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the myth of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to fend off predators, only to encounter the real Gruffalo itself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a delightful tale that combines humor and wit, showing children the power of intelligence over brute strength.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mythical creatures and clever, suspenseful stories.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life scientists, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a love for science and exploration, particularly encouraging girls to take interest in STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A boy named Duncan faces a crisis when his crayons write him letters expressing their frustrations and demands, leading to some creative solutions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, problem-solving, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a funny and imaginative story that teaches the importance of looking at problems from multiple perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy drawing and coloring, and those who appreciate a good laugh.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Despite her fears of failure, she learns that you can only truly fail if you quit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, engineering principles, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, even when facing setbacks.
  • Perfect for: Budding engineers and inventors, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying.

• Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Friendship, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A boy finds a penguin at his doorstep and decides to help it find its way home, leading to an unexpected friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship, empathy, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming story that illustrates the value of helping others and building friendships.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animal stories and tales of adventure and friendship.

Challenging Bedtime Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a surreal region filled with peculiar characters and absurd situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex wordplay, puns, and a sophisticated narrative that can be a delightful challenge for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, making it a stimulating read that blends education with entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word games, and imaginative adventures.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting unique adults and learning about the oddities of grown-up behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its philosophical underpinnings and abstract ideas provide a rich ground for advanced readers to explore complex themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep lessons about love, loss, and the importance of looking beneath the surface.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful children who appreciate deep stories and those intrigued by life’s big questions.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, dishonest family. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome her oppressive school principal and change her own destiny.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of family conflict, intellectualism, and personal empowerment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of a young girl, inspiring readers to believe in their own inner strength and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and those who enjoy tales of triumph over adversity.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters bizarre creatures and experiences a series of surreal and often challenging adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is unconventional, with complex language, puns, and logical paradoxes that challenge the reader’s understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a whimsical classic that encourages imagination and questioning of the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Children with a love for the absurd and the whimsical, and those who enjoy intellectual challenges.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy, secluded manor. She discovers a mysterious walled garden that has been locked for years and, with the help of new friends, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of loss, healing, and personal growth, with a narrative that encourages deeper understanding of character development and emotional subtleties.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of transformation and the healing power of nature, which can be profoundly moving and inspiring for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are dealing with change or loss, and those who appreciate stories about friendship and healing.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Looking to make bedtime reading a magical and beneficial routine for your 7-year-old? Incorporating simple exercises can significantly enhance their reading habits. Here are a few exercises designed to keep them engaged and looking forward to their nightly reading time:

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in the house dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a cozy and inviting space that makes reading a special event.
  • Tips: Let your child help in decorating the nook with cushions, fairy lights, or their favorite toys.

• Book Selection Basket
  • What it is: Prepare a small basket with a variety of books for them to choose from each night.
  • How it helps: Gives them a sense of independence and excitement in choosing what to read.
  • Tips: Regularly rotate the books to keep their interest high.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before starting a new book, ask your child to predict the story or the ending.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions after finishing the book to see how close they were.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading aloud with your child every night.
  • How it helps: Improves language skills and helps in bonding.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page to keep it interactive and fun.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Occasionally, have themed reading nights where you both dress up as characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an exciting and immersive experience.
  • Tips: Use simple costumes or props found around the house to make it easy and fun.

• Question Time
  • What it is: End the reading session with a Q&A about the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Keep questions simple and fun; encourage them to ask questions too.

Implementing these exercises in your nightly reading routine will not only make the time enjoyable but also foster a lifelong love for reading in your child. So grab a book, snuggle up, and watch your little one embark on a journey of learning and imagination each night!