Moms, reading bedtime stories is a simple habit that brings great benefits to your child's development. According to data from the Indonesian Pediatric Society, young children who are accustomed to hearing stories before bed tend to have faster-developing language skills.
In addition, fairy tales help mature emotional regulation, strengthen the parent-child bond, and build a positive nighttime routine.
In Indonesia, the habit of reading stories is often overlooked due to busyness. In fact, with just 5 to 10 minutes before bedtime, Moms can instill moral values such as honesty, courage, and helping each other from an early age.
Here are 26 bedtime stories that Moms can read with light narratives, easy-to-understand plots, and messages of goodness that are close to everyday life.
Bedtime Stories for Children
1. The Story of the Mouse Deer and the Crocodile
Mouse deer is a clever little animal. One day it wanted to cross a river, but the river was full of hungry crocodiles. The mouse deer was afraid of being eaten if it swam. It then sat by the riverbank and thought of a plan. Suddenly, it got a clever idea.
The mouse deer shouted to the crocodiles, "Oh Crocodiles, I have received an order from the King of the Jungle to count all the crocodiles here. If I succeed in counting you, the King will give you a great reward."
Hearing that, the crocodiles felt proud. They then lined up neatly from the riverbank to the other side to be easily counted.
The mouse deer jumped onto the crocodiles' backs one by one while saying, One two three until finally, it reached the other side. Upon landing, the mouse deer chuckled softly and said, Thank you, crocodiles. I just wanted to cross. The crocodiles were angry but couldn't chase it.
The mouse deer ran safely into the forest. It was relieved to escape without harming anyone. This story teaches that cleverness can help solve problems.
Little One can learn that thinking before acting is a good habit. This story also introduces forest animals that often appear in Indonesian folklore.
2. Cinderella Story
Cinderella is a kind-hearted girl who lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters who always order her around. Every day, Cinderella cleans the house, prepares meals, and works tirelessly. Although she is often treated unfairly, she remains patient.
One day, the kingdom held a party. All the girls were invited, including Cinderella. However, her stepmother forbade her from going. After the stepfamily left, Cinderella sat down crying. Suddenly, a kind fairy appeared and said, "Don't be sad. I will help you." The fairy turned a pumpkin into a carriage and gave Cinderella a beautiful dress.
Cinderella went to the party and danced with the prince. They were very happy, but Cinderella had to go home before midnight so the magic wouldn't disappear. As she ran, her glass slipper was left behind. The prince found it and promised to find its owner.
The next day, the prince toured the village. When the shoe was fitted on Cinderella, it was a perfect fit. The prince took her to the palace, and Cinderella began a new, happy life.
This story teaches that kindness will not be in vain. The Little One can learn about patience, hope, and self-confidence.
3. Pinocchio Story
Pinocchio is a wooden puppet made by Geppetto. One night, a fairy came and gave life to Pinocchio so that Geppetto would not be lonely. Pinocchio was very happy to be able to move and talk. However, he often lied. Every time he was dishonest, his nose would immediately grow longer.
Pinocchio often gets tempted to follow naughty friends who invite him to play when he should be studying. He also lies several times to avoid getting into trouble.
However, his habit got him into a difficult situation. He almost turned into a donkey because he refused to listen to good advice.
When Pinocchio was truly frightened, he began to realize his mistakes. He decided to be honest and brave enough to speak the truth. Gradually, the piled-up problems became easier to solve.
The fairy saw his kindness and gave him a second chance. When Pinocchio bravely helped Geppetto again, he turned into a real human child.
Story Pinocchio helps children understand the importance of telling the truth. Young children in Indonesia are often given visual examples to make it easier to understand, and Pinocchio's lengthening nose makes the moral message very clear. This story is suitable for building character from an early age.
4. Rapunzel Story
Rapunzel is a girl with very long and shiny hair. She lives in a tall tower without a door. The woman who takes care of her said that the outside world is dangerous. So, Rapunzel can only see the world from the window every day.
She often sang to entertain herself. Her voice was soft and melodious. One day, a prince heard her singing from afar. He searched for the source of the voice and found Rapunzel's tower. Since there was no door, the prince was confused.
However, he heard the woman guard say, Rapunzel, let down your hair. Rapunzel then let down her hair so the guard could climb up.
When the guard left, the prince tried to call her in the same way. Rapunzel let down her hair and the prince climbed up. Initially, Rapunzel was afraid, but the prince gently said that he only wanted to be friends. They talked every day and became close.
Rapunzel finally found the courage to leave the tower. She realized that the world was not as bad as she had imagined. The prince helped her meet good people, and Rapunzel began a new, freer life.
This story teaches the importance of courage and friendship. Little ones can also learn that asking for help is a good thing.
5. The Story of Timun Emas
In a village, there lived a woman who really wanted a child. One day, she met a giant. The giant gave her a cucumber seed and said that from that seed, a child would be born.
However, she asked for the child to be handed over when he was grown up. The mother agreed because she really wanted to have a family.
From the large cucumber that grew, a beautiful baby named Timun Emas emerged. The mother loved her dearly. But the giant remembered his promise and one day came to take Timun Emas. The mother panicked and asked for help. She was given four magical items: cucumber seeds, needles, salt, and shrimp paste.
When the giant chased Timun Emas, she threw cucumber seeds. The seeds turned into a dense bamboo forest. The giant was injured while trying to pass through it. Timun Emas then threw needles that turned into long thorns.
The giant was in pain again. It then threw salt that turned into a vast ocean. Finally, it threw shrimp paste that turned into hot mud.
The giant could no longer chase her. Timun Emas was safe and returned to her mother's embrace. This story teaches courage and intelligence when facing problems. This Nusantara fairy tale also introduces Indonesian culture to the little ones.
6. The Story of the Arrogant Crane
At the riverbank lived a proud stork. It considered itself the most beautiful because of its long neck and pristine white feathers. It often looked down on other animals. When a frog invited it to search for food, the stork said it was a dirty job. When a turtle wanted to be friends, the stork refused because it felt superior.
The dry season has arrived. The river dried up, and the stork struggled to find food. It began to feel weak and confused about what to do. Other animals saw the stork's difficulties, but they remembered how the stork used to speak harshly to them.
The stork finally gathered the courage to apologize. It said that it regretted being arrogant. The frog, turtle, and fish accepted its apology. They helped the stork find food until the rainy season returned.
The stork learned that being kind is far more important than appearance. This story teaches children about empathy, cooperation, and not underestimating anyone.
7. The Story of the Black Cat
The Black Cat has a yellow-colored kitten. However, the Yellow Kitten feels unhappy with its mother, whom it considers ugly and black. It wants a prettier mother. So, it leaves the cage to find a new mother.
He saw the beautiful sun. He asked, Oh Sun, would you like to be my mother? The sun said, No. If the clouds come, they will cover me, and my light will disappear.
Then The Yellow Cat asked the cloud, Oh Cloud, would you like to be my mother? The Cloud said, No. When the wind comes, it will blow me away, and I will fly far and disappear.
He asked the wind, Wind, would you be my mother? The wind said, No. We cannot pass if that mountain blocks us.
Mountain said, No. If the mouse comes, it can bore holes in me until I'm destroyed. Then Yellow Cat asked the mouse, Mouse, would you like to be my mother. Mouse said, No. If that Black Cat comes, it will eat me and my children.
Yellow cat realized that every creature has weaknesses. He realized that his mother was the greatest. He went home and hugged his mother. The moral message is the importance of gratitude and loving family as they are.
8. The Story of Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih
This bedtime story tells of two stepsisters, Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih. From a young age, Bawang Putih lost her mother. Her father remarried, but soon after, he passed away as well. Since then, Bawang Putih lived with her stepmother and Bawang Merah, who often treated her unfairly.
Every day, Bawang Putih is forced to do all the household chores while Bawang Merah relaxes. One day, while washing clothes in the river, her stepmother’s clothes are swept away by the current. In her panic, Bawang Putih meets a kind old woman who finds the clothes on the condition that Bawang Putih helps her finish her own chores.
Bawang Putih helps sincerely until the work is done. As a reward, she is given a choice between a large or small pumpkin. Humble and modest, she chooses the small one. When she opens it at home, it is filled with countless jewels. Her stepmother and Bawang Merah are shocked.
Greedy, Bawang Merah deliberately loses her clothes to seek out the same old woman. She is lazy and insincere while helping. When given a choice, she selfishly picks the large pumpkin, hoping for greater riches than Bawang Putih.
However, when opened, the large pumpkin is filled with venomous snakes. This frightens Bawang Merah and her mother, teaching them a lesson. In this bedtime story, they apologize to Bawang Putih. The moral is to avoid greed and always act kindly toward others.
9. The Story of Si Tudung Saji
This bedtime story tells of a girl who always carries her mother’s food cover, earning her the nickname Si Tudung Saji. One day, her mother asks her to deliver food to her sick grandmother. She promises to walk carefully and keep the food warm.
On the way, she finds a small bird fallen from its nest. Though she wants to reach her grandmother quickly, she cannot leave it behind. Gently, she lifts the bird and fixes its nest before continuing her journey.
Soon after, she meets a boy whose sandal is broken. Si Tudung Saji ties it with a string from her bag. When it starts to rain, she protects the food with the food cover and continues walking until she safely reaches her grandmother’s house.
Her grandmother is overjoyed to see her. Si Tudung Saji helps feed her and clean the house without complaint. This bedtime story teaches that simple, selfless kindness is beautiful, and helping others is always rewarding.
10. The Story of Malin Kundang
This bedtime story tells of Malin, who lived a simple life with his mother in a fishing village. He left home to seek a better future. His mother sent him off with prayers and a reminder never to forget his roots.
Years passed, and Malin became a wealthy merchant. One day, his ship arrived at his hometown. His mother ran to greet him with joy, but Malin felt ashamed to acknowledge her shabby clothes in front of his wife and crew.
“I don’t know you,” he said. His mother’s heart broke. She did not scold him but prayed for him to learn a lesson. Soon after, a great storm struck, and Malin’s ship sank in the middle of the sea.
This bedtime story teaches that arrogance brings regret. The story of Malin Kundang reminds children not to be ungrateful to their parents, to always be thankful, and never to be ashamed of their origins.
11. The Story of Snow White
This bedtime story tells of Snow White, a beautiful princess with skin as white as snow. After the queen passed away, the king remarried a woman who turned out to be an evil witch. The new queen owned a magical mirror that always praised her beauty—until one day it declared Snow White the fairest of all.
Filled with jealousy, the queen ordered a hunter to kill Snow White. However, the hunter could not bring himself to do it and let her escape into the forest. Snow White found the home of seven kind dwarfs and lived with them peacefully, helping care for the house each day.
When the queen learned that Snow White was still alive, she disguised herself as an old woman and gave her a poisoned apple. Upon taking a bite, Snow White fell unconscious. The grieving dwarfs laid her in a glass coffin, hoping for a miracle.
A passing prince was enchanted when he saw her. When he kissed Snow White’s hand, the curse was lifted, and the princess awoke. In this bedtime story, love and goodness triumph over evil, while the queen lives with regret.
12. The Story of Si Kabayan
In this bedtime story, Si Kabayan is known as clever but lazy. He lives with his wife, Nyi Iteung, and his parents-in-law in the land of Pasundan. His in-laws often get annoyed because Kabayan prefers making excuses over working diligently.
One day, he is asked to collect snails in the rice field. Instead, he sits leisurely, claiming the field is too deep. When pushed, it turns out the field is shallow. Another time, he is asked to pick jackfruits, but they fall into the river, and he claims the fruits “went home by themselves.”
His antics continue when gathering peanuts—he even naps inside a sack, angering his in-laws. But everything changes when Kabayan disguises himself as a “guardian of the river pool” to scare his in-laws into treating him better.
Since then, their relationship improves. This bedtime story teaches that cleverness should be used for good, not for laziness or tricking others.
13. The Story of Sangkuriang
This bedtime story tells of Dayang Sumbi and her son, Sangkuriang, who is strong but quick-tempered. One day, he goes hunting but fails and makes a big mistake in anger. Dayang Sumbi scolds him, and Sangkuriang leaves home.
Years later, Sangkuriang returns as a handsome young man and falls in love with a beautiful woman—unaware that she is Dayang Sumbi. When she notices a scar on his head, Dayang Sumbi realizes the truth and becomes worried.
To stop him, Dayang Sumbi sets a condition: he must create a lake and a boat overnight. Sangkuriang almost succeeds. Before dawn, Dayang Sumbi tricks him by making it seem morning has come, halting his work.
Angry at his failure, Sangkuriang kicks the boat, turning it upside down and forming a mountain. This bedtime story teaches that we should not be controlled by anger and should think carefully before acting.
14. The Story of Lake Toba
This bedtime story tells of a young man who catches a magical fish that transforms into a woman. He agrees to marry her with one condition: never ask about her origins. They live happily and have a son.
One day, the father sends the son to deliver food to the field. Instead, the boy plays and eats the provisions. When he returns without the food, his father angrily exclaims, “You fish child!”—and the secret is revealed.
The mother is saddened because the promise was broken. She asks her son to climb to a high place. Heavy rain pours, water overflows, and the valley is flooded, forming a vast lake. The father is left regretting his words.
This bedtime story teaches that promises are sacred. Words spoken in anger can lead to deep regret, as broken trust is difficult to restore.
15. The Story of The Golden Snail
This bedtime story tells of a kind princess who is cursed to become a golden snail out of jealousy. She is carried away by the river and found by an elderly woman in a village. The grandmother cares for her lovingly, unaware of the snail’s true identity.
Strangely, whenever the grandmother leaves, the house is always tidy and warm meals are prepared. One day, the grandmother peeks and sees the snail transform into a hardworking princess. She does not scold her, but warmly embraces her upon learning about the curse.
In the kingdom, a prince searches for the princess. He hears of the golden snail and comes to the village. When they meet, he recognizes the princess through her gaze. Through love and sincerity, the curse gradually disappears.
In this bedtime story, the princess returns to the palace and invites the grandmother to live with her. The story of Keong Mas teaches that sincerity, loyalty, and kindness always lead to happiness.
16. The Story of Si Pitung
In this historical bedtime story, Si Pitung’s real name was Ahmad Nitikusumah, a young Betawi man living in Batavia in the 19th century. He was known for his martial arts skills and his strong faith. His life changed when money from selling a goat was stolen by the colonial enforcers.
Angry at the injustice, he confronted the thieves. His skills impressed them so much that he ended up leading a group of seven. Pitung robbed wealthy landlords and distributed the loot to the poor, earning him the title of hero among the common people.
His actions angered the colonial government. He escaped capture many times thanks to his cleverness and abilities, but was eventually caught by the Dutch officer A.W. Van Hinne after his secret was discovered.
This legend is often told as a bedtime story about courage in the face of oppression. The moral is that helping others and standing up for justice is noble—but it should be done within the law to avoid regret.
17. The Story of The Crying Stone
This bedtime story is about Darmi, a beautiful girl who lives with her mother in a remote village. Despite her stunning looks, she is selfish and cares for no one, not even her mother, who raised her with love.
Every day, Darmi spends her time dressing up and admiring herself in the mirror. She never helps with household chores, while her aging mother works hard to provide for them. Yet Darmi never appreciates her sacrifices.
When walking together, Darmi even cruelly calls her mother a servant when asked by others. Her mother’s heart breaks at such treatment. In her deep sorrow, she prays for justice for her ungrateful child.
Her prayer is granted. Gradually, Darmi’s body turns into stone. She cries and begs for forgiveness, but it is too late. In this bedtime story, Darmi becomes the Crying Stone, shedding tears forever as a lesson about the importance of respecting and honoring one’s parents.
18. The Story of The Tortoise and the Hare
This bedtime story tells of a proud hare who believes he is the fastest in the forest. He often looks down on other animals, including the slow-moving tortoise. One day, he challenges the tortoise to a race to prove his superiority.
The race begins, and the hare quickly leaves the tortoise far behind. Confident of winning, he stops to rest under a tree and accidentally falls into a deep sleep. Meanwhile, the tortoise keeps moving steadily, never stopping.
Slowly but surely, the tortoise approaches the finish line. When the hare wakes up, he is shocked to see his opponent nearly winning. He runs as fast as he can, but it’s too late. The tortoise crosses the finish line first, thanks to perseverance and patience.
In this bedtime story, the hare learns from his mistake. He realizes that arrogance leads to loss, while patience and hard work bring success.
19. The Story of The Lion and the Mouse
This bedtime story tells of a mischievous mouse running over a sleeping lion. The lion wakes up angry and catches the little mouse, intending to eat him for disturbing his rest.
The mouse pleads for mercy and promises to return the favor someday. The lion laughs at the idea but lets the mouse go, touched by his sincere plea.
A few days later, the lion gets trapped in a hunter’s net. He roars in fear and is helpless. Hearing the cries, the mouse comes quickly and sees the lion tied tightly in the net.
Without hesitation, the mouse gnaws through the ropes until the lion is free. The lion is extremely grateful. This bedtime story teaches that even the smallest act of kindness matters, and that a tiny friend can provide great help.
20. The Story of Hansel and Gretel
This bedtime story tells of Hansel and Gretel, who live with their father and cruel stepmother. During a drought that causes food to run low, the stepmother plans to abandon them in the forest. Clever Hansel gathers pebbles to mark the way home.
The first plan fails because the pebbles lead them back. The second time, Hansel can only leave breadcrumbs, which birds eat. They get lost and hungry until they find a house made of cakes and candy, which belongs to an evil witch.
The witch captures Hansel and plans to cook him. Gretel is forced to help, but bravely tricks the witch and pushes her into the oven. She quickly frees Hansel, and they discover a chest full of gold and jewels.
In this bedtime story, cleverness and courage save them. They return home, meet their remorseful father, and live happily. The story teaches children to be cautious of strangers and brave in the face of challenges.
21. The Story of The Ugly Duckling
This bedtime story is about a little duckling who is different from his siblings. His feathers are dull and messy, so he is often teased. Despite this, his mother loves him deeply and constantly reassures him that he is still valuable.
The teasing makes the little duckling sad and lonely. He often wonders why he is different. Yet he continues to grow patiently, hoping one day to find a place where he is accepted without judgment.
When spring arrives, a magical change happens. His dull feathers gradually turn beautiful, and he transforms into a graceful and stunning swan. His siblings are amazed at his newfound beauty.
The swan bears no grudge. He simply smiles and says he has finally become himself. This bedtime story teaches children that every individual is unique, valuable, and deserves respect regardless of appearances.
22. The Story of Little Red Riding Hood
This bedtime story tells of Little Red Riding Hood, who receives a red hood from her mother as a gift. One day, she is asked to deliver a cake to her sick grandmother across the forest. Her mother warns her not to talk to strangers along the way.
In the forest, she meets a cunning wolf pretending to be friendly. Unknowingly breaking her mother’s advice, she reveals the location of her grandmother’s house. The wolf rushes ahead, locks the grandmother in a cupboard, then disguises himself and waits in bed.
When Little Red Riding Hood arrives, she senses something is wrong. “Grandmother, why are your eyes so big?” she asks. The wolf gives a sly answer. When she asks about the big teeth, the wolf leaps to attack. Little Red Riding Hood screams in fear.
Fortunately, a woodsman hears her cries and comes to the rescue. He drives the wolf away and frees her grandmother. They are grateful to be safe from the dangers lurking in the forest.
From that day on, Little Red Riding Hood always follows her mother’s advice. This bedtime story teaches children to be cautious of strangers, obey their parents, and not trust appearances blindly.
23. The Story of Aladdin
This bedtime story tells of Aladdin, a simple boy who meets a mysterious stranger. He is asked to retrieve an old lamp from a cave with the promise of great wealth. Even though he sees many treasures, Aladdin only takes the lamp, following the instructions.
When the lamp is rubbed, a genie appears who can grant wishes. Aladdin is amazed but soon realizes that great desires must come with responsibility. He does not want to rely entirely on magic without effort.
With the genie's help, Aladdin improves his life and helps others. However, he also faces the trickery of the evil stranger. With cleverness and courage, Aladdin overcomes the threat.
This bedtime story teaches that luck is only a tool, and true happiness comes from honesty, effort, and a good heart.
24. The Story of Beauty and the Beast
In this bedtime story, Belle is the kind youngest daughter of a merchant. When their family falls into poverty, Belle remains strong. One day, her father gets lost and picks a rose from a mysterious castle, where he must face the Beast, who demands that one of his daughters stay in his place.
Belle chooses to go to save her father. At the castle, the Beast is not as cruel as he appears. He gives Belle a beautiful room and a large library. Though initially afraid, Belle begins to see the kindness beneath his frightening appearance.
Day by day, the Beast often proposes, but Belle is not ready. When she returns home to visit her sick father, she is delayed in coming back. Heartbroken, the Beast lies weak in the rose garden.
Through her tears, Belle finally confesses her love. Instantly, the curse is broken, and the Beast transforms into a handsome prince. This bedtime story teaches that true beauty comes from the heart, not outward appearances.
25. The Story of The Dog and the Wolf
This bedtime story tells of a skinny Wolf who meets a fat Dog. The Wolf is amazed at the Dog’s healthy body and asks his secret. The Dog explains that he always gets enough food because he serves his master and guards the house every night.
Intrigued by this comfort, the Wolf wants to join. He is tired of starving in the forest and imagines living in a warm place with plenty of food. The Dog takes him to his master’s house to experience this easier life.
However, along the way, the Wolf notices a chain mark on the Dog’s neck. He is shocked to learn that the Dog is chained during the day so he cannot roam freely. Even though he is freed at night, he is never truly free.
The Wolf ultimately declines the offer. To him, freedom is more valuable than delicious food and comfort. This bedtime story teaches that comfort often comes at a cost, and freedom is a treasure beyond measure.
26. The Story of Jack and the Beanstalk
This bedtime story tells of Jack, who lived in poverty with his mother. When their cow stopped giving milk, Jack was asked to sell it. On the way, he traded the cow for magic beans from a mysterious old man. His mother became angry and threw the beans out the window.
The next morning, a giant beanstalk had grown up into the sky. Jack climbed it and discovered a giant’s castle. Brave and clever, he stole a bag of gold while the giant slept, then safely returned home to help his mother.
Not satisfied, Jack went back and took a hen that laid golden eggs. But his greed wasn’t over. He climbed the beanstalk once more to steal a golden harp that could play by itself. The harp’s cries woke the giant, who immediately chased him.
Jack ran down and asked his mother to chop down the beanstalk. The tree fell, and the giant tumbled to his end.
In this bedtime story, Jack learns that greed can bring danger, and living simply with an honest heart is true happiness.
Moms, reading bedtime stories isn’t just a way to help your little one fall asleep, it’s a precious parenting moment. Through stories, your child learns about good character, sparks their imagination, and builds an emotional connection with you. This routine also helps children sleep more regularly while understanding values like honesty, courage, and friendship.
To make rest even more comfortable, dress your little one in the MAKUKU Comfort Fit Tape NB. This thin diaper is designed with precise sizing, not too tight or loose, so it fits your baby’s body perfectly. Its optimal absorbency minimizes the risk of side leaks without making your little one feel restricted, keeping them comfortable all day long.
FAQ
What Are the Benefits of Reading Bedtime Stories to Children?
Reading bedtime stories helps support a child’s language development and imagination. Listening to stories expands their vocabulary and improves their understanding of sentence structure.
Stories stimulate imagination as children picture the characters and settings. They also help children recognize and understand their own emotions as well as those of others.
Moral values such as kindness, honesty, and courage can be instilled through stories. In addition, this bedtime ritual strengthens the parent-child bond and helps your little one sleep more peacefully and soundly.
Frequently Asked Questions for Moms
What Makes MAKUKU Comfort Fit Tape NB Support Your Baby to Stay Active?
The best baby diaper, MAKUKU Comfort Fit Tape NB, is designed with a flexible fit that adapts to your baby’s natural body shape. The diaper stays in place without restricting movement, allowing your little one to crawl, play, and explore comfortably.
Are the Waist and Thigh Areas of MAKUKU Comfort Fit Tape NB Gentle on the Skin?
Yes, Moms. The waist and thigh elastics are soft, stretchy, and skin-friendly. The MAKUKU Comfort Fit Tape NB design provides optimal protection without excessive pressure, minimizing the risk of red marks.
Why Does the Thin MAKUKU Comfort Fit Tape NB Still Feel Secure and Comfortable?
The thin MAKUKU Comfort Fit Tape NB is made with precise sizing to avoid being too tight or too loose. Its absorbency remains optimal to help reduce the risk of side leaks, keeping your little one comfortable throughout the day.
References:
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https://indonesiakaya.com/pustaka-indonesia/cerita-rakyat-betawi-legenda-si-pitung/
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https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ini-pilihan-dongeng-anak-yang-bisa-dibacakan-sebelum-tidur
