Blogging A to Z: “X” Marks the Spot

Whether it’s the big overstuffed chair that hugs you both, your little one’s bed before they go to sleep, or even the dining room table. It’s important to find a special place that you can use as a reading nook for your little one. A few things to keep in mind when creating a reading spot – make it comfortable, make sure it’s bright enough to read, and keep books close!

If reading is part of your bedtime routine, ensure a bedside light is available. Keep it bright enough to read by, but dim enough to remind your child that it’s bedtime. Try to fit a bookcase in the bedroom, the closer to bed, the better for that “one more!” request!

Maybe you have enough space in the bedroom, a play room, or living room to carve out a little corner for reading. A beanbag chair, some oversized pillows or a cute little rug make the space a little more special. And remember, keep those books close – there are some beautiful shelving options for all types of spaces.

By creating a special space in your home for reading, it shows kids that reading is valued and important. Kids will gravitate to these special little nook sand crannies! Keep them engaged with books by keeping high-interest stories easily accessible. But, don’t forget that reading can be done just about anywhere, so make sure those books are sprinkled throughout your home!

These twelve titles are perfect for that quiet, snuggly time before bed as your little one’s eyelids get heavy as you read together.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Book List #24 – “X” Marks the Spot

1. A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin
   An introduction to a child’s first snow (and maybe some inspiration for bed-jumping!)
2. A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na
   Owl keeps watch as all the animals around him go to sleep as the sun goes down.
3. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
   A crowd favorite, this is a must-read!
4. Have You Seen My Blankie? by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Paula Metcalf
   A princess, dragon, and missing blankie come together in this rhyming story that kids will love.
5. The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes
   Scratchboard illustrations are a unique addition to this story.
6. Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
   A sweet story about a little kitten and its experience with the full moon!
7. Monster Trouble! by Lane Fredrickson, illustrated by Michael Robertson
   A little girl who’s not afraid of anything tries to figure out a way to manage the monsters who try to scare her every night!
8. Moon by Alison Oliver
   Embrace the wild within yourself with this beautiful story.
9. Night Knight by Owen Davey
   A bedtime adventure for your own little knight!
10. Nighty-Night by Leslie Patricelli
    Get ready for bed with Leslie Patricelli’s adorable baby!
11. The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Renata Liwska
    Explore the many ways quiet can exist in this perfect bedtime story.
12. What Color Is Night? by Grant Snider
    Look closer – night is more than just black and white!

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!