Britain's most searched-for bedtime stories revealed

A child reads a copy of ‘The Gruffalo’, at home in London. (PA/Matt Crossick/Empics)
A child reads a copy of ‘The Gruffalo’, at home in London. (PA/Matt Crossick/Empics)

The Gruffalo has been named as the UK's favourite bedtime story.

With more than 33,000 internet searches every month, the memorable children's story by author Julia Donaldson came out on top, followed by The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Tiger who Came to Tea in second and third places.

Julia Donaldson was also the most popular author, with five of her books making the top 10.

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 Author Julia Donaldson with her CBE for services to Literature. Getty Images.
Author Julia Donaldson with her CBE for services to Literature. Getty Images.

Author Julia Donaldson

The list, revealed as part of National Storytelling Week, revealed that classic children's stories like The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter are still loved by children today.

The top 10, ranked by the number of internet searches, is:

1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

3. The Tiger who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

4. Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson

5. The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson

6. The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson

7. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

8. The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss

9. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

10. The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, reads 'A Very Hungry Caterpillar'. (Getty Images)
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, reads 'A Very Hungry Caterpillar'. (Getty Images)

Bedtime stories for kids are the perfect way to help them wind down after a busy day of exploring their surroundings.

Bensons for Beds’ Sleep Expert, Dr Sophie Bostock said: “Reading aloud with children is a great way of helping them to prepare for sleep. Research shows that children with a regular bedtime routine tend to fall asleep faster, have fewer night-time awakenings, and sleep for longer. As well as developing language and reading skills, bedtime stories can promote concentration, creativity and bonds between children and grown-ups. For adults and children alike, reading can be a great way to relax before you switch out the light."

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