10 Great Adventure Books to Explore at Bedtime

If your little one loves the idea of discovering a new world or following their favourite characters as they journey on a fantastic adventure, then the collection of literature in this list is ideal for choosing which tale you’ll be cuddling up with soon. We’ve made a list of some of the best adventure stories out there, to get you itching for action.

We also have other category lists of some of our favourite bedtime stories for you to peruse. No matter what you’re looking for we’re sure to have the ideal book of choice in The Bedtime Story Finder.

Editor’s Note: See more on our dedicated bedtime story topic page.

A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton

When Baby Owl falls out of his tree, he finds himself all alone in the middle of the forest. Squirrel offers to help Owl locate his mum, but what follows becomes a funny and yet repeated case of mistaken identity! Little ones will love to join in and help discover Owl’s missing mum for themselves. And don’t miss out on an extra treat for adult readers, with that hidden quote from Robinson Crusoe…

Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

The Adventures of Captain Underpants, a hugely successful series, centres around two fourth graders (Year 6s in UK), George and Harold, and Captain Underpants, an unlikely superhero, whom the two boys have created in a comic strip. But when the two boys hypnotise their megalomaniac headmaster, Mr Krupp, Captain Underpants accidentally becomes a reality. The absurdity of this story is utterly delightful with plenty of toilet humour, opportunity to try out evil villain laughs, and an appealing comic books style. With 14 books, three spin-offs and the film rights on Dreamworks Animation’s desk, this is a series that you won’t be able to get enough of.

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

A brilliant example of Roald Dahl’s ability to produce a magical animal world. The story follows Fantastic Mr. Fox whose sticky fingers find their way into three nasty farmers’ larders, much to their displeasure. Thus commences an epic chase as the farmers seek to catch the fox and his family. But Fantastic Mr. Fox makes a living out of outsmarting despicable farmers, and he makes a comeback with a particularly Fantastic solution.

Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm (Ladybird)

You’re very, very hungry; deep inside a wood, and you stumble upon a house made of gingerbread, all decorated with sweets. What do you do? In this wonderful retelling of the Grimms’ classic story, young Hansel and Gretel face just this problem. Help your little one confront the likes of the wicked witch, owner of said gingerbread house, and see if you can think of ways to help Hansel and Gretel escape from her clutches. A story which will leave you feeling that little bit braver about facing your own fears, in the knowledge that however small you may be, you can still defeat your enemies and arrive back home in time for tea.

Journey by Aaron Becker

A lonely girl in an ordinary world finds a magic pen that becomes for her the key to an extraordinary world. She draws a door onto her bedroom wall, and through it escapes into a land where wonder, escapade and danger abound. Pen in hand, she manages to pull out of her imagination the elements she needs to continue on her journey; to escape from danger and ultimately to find what she had been looking for all along. Luminous colour and fine detail bring this wordless picture book to life, and you’ll find young readers swept along on a wonderful adventure as you explore each picture together.

Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

When Michael’s parents both lose their jobs, they opt for a more hopeful mode of escape and set off on an adventure sailing around the world on their yacht, Peggy Sue. One night, Michael is on lookout with his sheepdog Stella Artois, but he falls into the water … eventually to wash up on a deserted island. Struggling to survive on his own, Michael wakes up daily to a bowl of fish, fruit and fresh water. Who is leaving the food for him? Is there someone else on the island? And will he ever see his parents again? This story of a modern-day Robinson Crusoe is subtly told, but Morpurgo writes with plenty of feeling and drama, which will keep you very firmly hooked.

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

Of all the things you expect to find on your doorstep, a penguin probably isn’t one of them. But a penguin is exactly what the little boy in our story discovers one morning! Adventuring to the South Pole to return penguin home, soon our hero finds out that maybe Penguin wasn’t lost after all… Oliver Jeffers is one of the best children’s authors and illustrators around, and you will find this book a perfect introduction to the magical worlds he creates.

Max at Night by Ed Vere

The sequel to Max the Brave has our plucky young kitten on the prowl once again – though this time not for a mouse, but the moon! Max appears all ready for bed: having drunk his milk, brushed his teeth and cleaned behind his ears. But where is Moon to say goodnight to? Running throughout this charming book, there is a beautifully evocative night sky to guide your little ones all the way to its peaceful conclusion.

Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Our fearless kitten Max the Brave already takes his mouse-chasing duties very seriously. The only snag for Max is that he doesn’t yet know what a mouse looks like. This colourfully illustrated book will take you and your little one on an adventure with Max as he attempts to solve his own personal quest. There are many other animals to encounter along the way who will offer to help him out, and add some extra twists and turns to the journey. This is a firm favourite set to capture the imagination of any budding young reader!

Quest by Aaron Becker

Enter into the magical world of the quest, where each new crayon is ready to take you on the next amazing adventure. Map in hand; you must overcome the soldiers in the castle whilst avoiding being seen. You have only one another to rely upon. With not a word to be found in this book, you’ll find the pictures here will transport you to places you might never even have dreamed of. So, snuggle up in your kid’s bed tonight and enjoy this fantastic read together.