What was the greatest ever bedtime story?

Parents are apparently reading less and less to their children, especially at bedtime. What was your best story and does the lack of reading make a difference to the kids in later life do you think?

Thinking back I remember 'The Kontiki Epedition' but have no idea how old I must have been. Funny how the title stuck with me. Not exactly bedtime stuff, perhaps 'Winnie the Pooh' is more appropriate.

When I was young I loved having E.B. White's stories, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan, read to me. 

I hated Charlotte's Web though. I never liked spiders, even
cartoon ones! ;-p

I also liked "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde. I still own a copy of that book, and it still makes me cry when I read it.

Personally I think bedtime stories are extremely important. Not only for the learning aspect, but also as a great way for parents and their children to really bond. Both parent and child swept away together into a make believe land full of magic and wonder, what can be more fantastic than that? Every parent should find time to read to their children.

As for favourites, one of mine (though i have yet to read it to my children) is 'The Princess and the Goblin' by George MacDonald!

Well said, Chris. I commend you for sharing that magic with your children. It's sad to see the majority of parents today plop their children down in front of a TV set instead of spending this kind of quality, bonding time with them.

BTW - Is that the same George MacDonald of whom C.S. Lewis wrote, "I know hardly any other writer who seems to be closer, or more continually close, to the Spirit of Christ Himself!"?

Bed time stories are very important.

I especially remember the one about the three headed sabre toothed demon that would suck your brain out through a needle in your ear!!  ...wow the good old days!!

i am joking by the way, my mom and dad wern't that cruel!!

Lol @ Jason :)

Yep Diana, that's the same George MacDonald! (just checked on wiki)

I must add though, that I don't read to them every night, and some days we do plonk our kids down infront of the tele or xbox for a bit of peace! Probably too often if i'm honest

Wind In The Willows

The Black Stallion

Henry Huggins

Harry The Dirty Dog

The Little House

Anything Dr. Seus or Maurice Sendak

I was just thinking about this last night. A book I use to take out of the library about ponies. I can't remember the title but I can still see the pictures and remember exacty where it was in the library shelf! I really wish I could remember the title!!!!