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From around 18 weeks

Stories to read to your bump

Your baby’s hearing starts to develop from around 18 weeks, so reading aloud is a lovely way for them to get to know your voice. These stories are gentle and calm, and partners can join in too.

Try this: Read or sing to your bump. Your baby can start to hear you, and partners can join in too.

What the research says about this stage

Showing 10 stories

  • Little Star’s Journey Home

    A rhyming lullaby about a tiny star who floats down past mountains, rivers and forests to find the cosiest place to shine.

    Reading time
    3 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby
    Mood
    bedtime

  • The Hedgehog Who Wanted to Sleep

    Barnaby the hedgehog searches high and low for a quiet, cosy spot to rest his head.

    Reading time
    3 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby
    Mood
    calm

  • The House of Hello

    A gentle story for the bump about the cosy little house they live in now, and all the friendly things waiting to say hello.

    Reading time
    3 min read
    Good for
    In the bump
    Mood
    calm

  • The Sun’s Warm Hug

    Golden morning light, a busy bumblebee and a whispering oak tree, all slowing down to rest with you.

    Reading time
    3 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn
    Mood
    calm

  • The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

    Benjamin Bunny takes his cousin Peter back into Mr. McGregor’s garden to fetch his lost clothes, and they meet a cat on the way out.

    Reading time
    8 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby, Toddler
    Mood
    playful

  • The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

    Jemima wants to hatch her own eggs, and a very polite gentleman with sandy whiskers offers her a nest. Luckily, Kep the collie is cleverer than she is.

    Reading time
    9 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby, Toddler
    Mood
    playful

  • The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher

    Mr. Jeremy Fisher the frog goes fishing from his lily-leaf boat on a rainy day, and has a much bigger adventure than he wanted.

    Reading time
    6 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby, Toddler
    Mood
    playful

  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit

    Naughty Peter squeezes under the gate into Mr. McGregor’s garden, and has to find his way home again.

    Reading time
    7 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby, Toddler
    Mood
    playful

  • The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies

    Benjamin Bunny’s children eat so many lettuces that they fall fast asleep, and wake up in Mr. McGregor’s sack. Can a little woodmouse save the day?

    Reading time
    7 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby, Toddler
    Mood
    playful

  • The Tale of Tom Kitten

    Tom Kitten and his sisters are dressed up in their best clothes for a tea party, and the Puddle-Ducks end up wearing them.

    Reading time
    5 min read
    Good for
    In the bump, Newborn, Baby, Toddler
    Mood
    playful