Our favourite child's books for a peaceful nights sleep
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At Hug & Fable, bedtime is more than the end of the day — it’s a moment to slow down, connect, and drift gently into calm. One of our favourite ways to create that peace is through stories that feel as comforting as a hug.
This week, we’re sharing one of our family favourites: The Storm Whale by Benji Davies.
A story full of warmth and wonder
The Storm Whale is a beautifully told and illustrated tale of friendship and belonging. It follows a small boy named Noi, who lives by the sea with his fisherman father. One day, after a great storm, Noi discovers a baby whale washed up on the beach and decides to take care of it.
It’s a quiet, tender story that gently explores empathy, care, and connection - themes that feel perfect for bedtime.
Why we love reading it
David and Tanya love reading The Storm Whale to their child before bed. Every time, they pause on the opening pages to count the six cats sitting by the sea, a small ritual that has become part of their own bedtime routine.
The illustrations are soft, textured, and full of emotion, a gentle world of sea spray, little cottages, and love between a father and child. Benji Davies captures that rare balance between simplicity and depth that makes it endlessly re-readable.
A peaceful way to end the day
Stories like The Storm Whale help children wind down. The rhythm of the text and the soothing palette of the illustrations make it ideal for bedtime, a story that calms rather than excites. It’s about care, kindness, and returning things safely home.
We love tucking this book into our Hug & Fable story pocket cushion before bedtime. It gives our little one something to look forward to when they climb into bed, ready to discover which story is waiting in the pocket that night.
Our bedtime tip
Let your child choose the story before bed, and take a few minutes to talk about their favourite parts. In The Storm Whale, it might be the cats, the stormy sea, or Noi’s tiny house by the shore. These small conversations help children process their day and find calm before sleep.
The Storm Whale by Benji Davies is a gentle reminder that kindness can be found in small, quiet moments — the perfect story for ending the day with warmth and love.
If you’d like to create your own bedtime ritual, explore our Hug & Fable Story Cushions, designed to hold a bedtime book, a hug, and a little calm before sleep.
Discover more at hugandfable.co.uk.