Create a fun reading area for your little one
Make a story part of your little one’s everyday routine and you’ll establish good reading habits from an early age. Sharing a book with your baby not only aids her language development, but teaches her the physical skills she’ll need to one day read a book for herself. She’ll learn how to hold a book and turn the pages, and that you read the words from left to right and top to bottom. A reading area in the nursery, complete with a comfy seat and favourite books, provides a relaxing space to make this time together all the more special.
The reading corner basics
Mobile library, £44.25, vertbaudet.co.uk (available in a range of designs and colours)
Toddler dens
Make a secret reading den for your toddler and suddenly the idea of reading a book becomes a lot more exciting. Add cosy blankets, cushions and a torch to make it her very own private retreat. Polka dot collapsible tent, £49.99, notonthehighstreet.com
Books, books & MORE books!
Get creative and use children's books to decorate the walls □as a colourful alternative to pictures. Securely fix rows of narrow picture-ledge shelves to a wall, or use a series of home-painted spice racks, to create an easily reached display of illustrated books. You'll have lots of colourful eye-catching images on display to encourage your youngster to open a book. Spice racks (painted white, £3 each, ikea.com). More decor inspiration is available from thismodernlife.co.uk
Books, books & MORE books!
These books are written by Benji Bennett with the aim of creating magical memories for children. Benji was inspired to begin writing after the death of his four-year-old son Adam, who is the main character in the stories. There are a range of tales to choose from, and if you buy three, you get the fourth free and a special presentation folder. Plus, part of the sales goes to children's charities. Visit adamscloud.com for more info.
