Creating an Amazing Reading Nook for Your Child

An Amazing Reading Nook Can Be Easy to Make

Barefoot Books' Summer Reading Program has me thinking about creating inviting reading spaces for kids. A special place to read sends the message to your child that reading is an important part of the day - every day. 

When I was thinking about writing a post on creating a reading space for your child, I hesitated at first to use the word "amazing." The first thing that word brought up for me was images of beautiful, complex children's book nooks I've seen on Pinterest that require either a large budget or carpentry, sewing, and design skills that I do not have. Don't get me wrong, I love to look at these (I've pinned quite a few of them). Honestly though, I haven't even gotten up art yet on two of the four walls of my child's room, and he's a three year old!

But then I remembered "amazing book nook" is in the eyes of the child. My son thinks it is so cool that we have a pool in our backyard this summer. It's one of those baby blow up pools that he can barely fit his entire body in, but it involves water and it's new, so he loves it! 

Essential Elements for Making a Child's Book Nook

A Quiet Space for Your Book Nook

Your child's bedroom is an obvious place that can be blocked off from the rest of the chaos of the house when it's reading time. Other spaces may work too. Since my son stopped napping (and I need at least a little break from him during the day), I've been having him watch TV during quiet time. I'm not happy about this and would like to switch to quiet time to looking through books. I just created a book nook upstairs near my workspace, because he's always happier when Mommy isn't too far away.

Keep Your Child's Book Nook Simple

Avoid other visual distractions like toys. Let books be the main focus! If your child is distractable (and if she's isn't - lucky you!), you can partially close off the space with a tent, curtain, or bookshelf. 

Include Soft, Cozy Elements

Make your child's book nook more inviting with a soft chair, or just a rug and pillows. The more comfy the nook, the longer your child will stay! 

Ensure Your Child's Reading Nook Has Enough Lighting

Especially if you're creating a somewhat enclosed space that won't have a lot of natural light, add a lamp or string of sparkly lights to prevent eye strain.

Keep the Books Organized in a Kid Friendly Fashion

Did you know that kids (even older ones who are able to read on their own) are much more likely to choose books to read when they are facing cover out on the shelf? For space reasons, most of us store books on shelves with just the spine showing. But for the books in your nook, find a way to display as many of them as you can where your child can see the covers. Rotate the books periodically to introduce new ones, or bring back old friends that have been forgotten. At our house we like to use book slings, which are easy to make if you have basic sewing skills (they can also be purchased if you don't.)

Do you have a book nook for your child (or one in the works?) Tell us more about it in the comments!

Restock your child's bookshelf during my Barefoot Books summer giveaway! Find out how to earn entries here.