Bedtime Reading
A bedtime story is a great way to encourage a love of reading in your child. Children who are read to (or who, when older read to themselves) - often go on to perform better at school. Whatever your child's age or reading ability, Ladybird has a great selection of books which are perfect for bedtime reading.
Bedtime reading with babies and toddlers
A bedtime story is a lovely part of a bedtime routine as it allows you special time with your child. It can help your child relax after a busy day on the go and be ready to snuggle down to sleep. It has the added bonus of helping your child's development and research has shown that it’s never too early to start encouraging a love of books and reading in children.
Bedtime reading with older children
As your child grows older it's helpful to stick to a bedtime routine and to encourage them to read at bedtime. Once they are reading independently, they might not always want you to read with them. A bedtime reading session (whether with you or alone) is a great opportunity for them to unwind after a day at nursery or school. Reading at bedtime will also aid their development, since children who read at bedtime are shown to become better readers and often perform better at school.
To get the most out of bedtime reading with your child follow these top tips:
- Get comfortable! Snuggle up somewhere warm and cosy with your child, either in bed, on a beanbag or on the sofa.
- Let them choose the book. This will make your child feel involved. They may well always want the same story read – if you are getting bored, you could give them the choice of two books that you are happy to read!
- Take it in turns. If your child is old enough to read then take it in turns to read a page or a chapter so it isn’t too overwhelming or tiring for them.
- Ask questions. To keep them interested in the story, ask your child questions as you read such as, 'What do you think will happen next?' and 'Can you see Cinderella's glass slipper?'.
- Rhyme and repetition. Books which include rhyme and repetition are great for encouraging your child to join in and learn the story through rhyme.
If you are stuck for ideas on what to read with your child at bedtime, then see our suggestions below for every age.
Books for Babies
The soft Snuggle Cot book is just perfect for young babies to look at as they are being settled at night. The soft, padded cloth book has a crinkle noise on every page and fun touch-and-feels to stimulate developing senses. Perfect as a very first book for babies.
Books for 1 - 2 year olds
The classic game of Peekaboo is bought to life in these gorgeous first life-the-flap books, Peekaboo Moon, Peekaboo Zoo, Peekaboo Moo and Peekaboo Baby. The sweet rhyming text is perfect for bedtime and babies, and toddlers will love lifting the flaps to see what is hidden behind.
Books for 1 - 3 year olds
The 15 well-loved rhymes in Ladybird's First Favourite Nursery Rhymes are split into playtime, sing-along and bedtime favourites, allowing you to select the perfect rhyme for bedtime. The lovely illustrations throughout will provide children with lots to look at and there is even a Ladybird for children to spot on every page.
Books for 2 - 4 year olds
Ladybird's First Favourite Fairytales series is the perfect introduction fro preschoolers to fairytales like The Gingerbread Man, The Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Each book includes funny rhythm and rhyme which is ideal for reading aloud and will delight young children.
Books for 4 - 5 year olds
The Read it yourself range of books are traditional tales written in a simple way for children who are learning to read and are a great option when your child wants to read to you at bedtime. You and your child can choose a book from one of four Read it yourself levels depending on their confidence and they will enjoy the lovely illustrations throughout.
Books for 5 - 7 year olds
If your child has learnt to read and is becoming a confident reader then they will love to read about the adventures of Puddle the puppy and his friends Ruby and Harry. Puddle is a naughty puppy who jumps into puddles and gets transported on magical adventures with his friends.
Recommended Books
Baby
£7.99
Toddler
£4.99
Starting School
£4.99
Learning to Read
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Key Words Flash Cards
£5.99
