Snuggle down for a bedtime treat

I’m getting really excited about the fact that next week is Booktrust’s very first Bedtime Reading Week, as part of National Family Reading Week.

At home, we always have a bedtime story with our little boy Milo. He is six and a half months old now and it was something we started almost straight after he was born (well not the first few weeks because back then, let’s face it, we were exhausted and had no idea what we were doing).

Our bedtime read has definitely helped with Milo’s routine, and it’s now a familiar part of his wind down after his bath and before his final feed. The consistency of it all helps him prepare for what will hopefully be a nice long sleep through the night.

What’s more, it’s clear that Milo really loves his bedtime book. He sits on my lap whilst his dad reads out loud and shows him the pictures. Simple, short picture books obviously work best at this age, and a current favourite is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Milo can often be heard laughing out loud as his dad performs different voices for different characters or situations. And that’s just one example why reading together at bedtime can be as rewarding for grown-ups as it is for babies and children! Click below to watch a trailer for the forthcoming film version of Where the Wild Things Are.

Click here to find out much more about Bedtime Reading Week, and the value of reading together at bedtime. 

We’re thinking of choosing a new book from Booktrust’s recommended list - why you don’t try one too?

You can read more from Natasha Worswick on the Booktime website and on her own blog

If you are a parent who would like to blog for Bookstart and share your experiences of your reading journey with your child, email the Bookstart web team