BlogFamily Add comment Love reading? Build a book nook for your little bibliophiles with these essentials Plus, tips from experts on how to encourage good reading habits By Yu Zhiming Posted: Thursday September 24 2020 12:39AM Photograph: Johnny McClung via Unsplash Reading is arguably one of the healthiest habits to have in life. It strengthens the brain, increases empathy, reduces stress, builds vocabulary... the benefits go on and on and on. Got a budding bookworm at home? Encourage their passion with these top finds to build a cosy book nook for storytime this autumn. Photograph: courtesy Zara Home Kids Faux Fur Sofa Super soft and extra comfy, this sofa from Zara Home Kid’s autumn collection will make reading all the more chic with its faux fur upholstery and wooden legs. 899RMB, zarahome.cn. Photograph: courtesy Sunny Castle Indoor Teepee Every kid’s dream is to have their own hideaway. This indoor teepee will give them a place far from the madding crowd (or you!) to slip away into the fantasy world of their book. From 198RMB, sunnycastle.tmall.com. Photograph: courtesy IKEA Krux LED Work Lamp Specially designed for kids by Monika Mulder, this LED lamp doesn’t have any sharp edges or use any materials that are harmful to children – perfect for reading, drawing and craft-making. 249RMB, ikea.cn. Photograph: courtesy Zara Home Rainbow Rug This warm-toned, high-pile rug makes reading extra cosy whether your little bibliophile is flopped belly down with a book or sat on your lap. 899RMB, zarahome.cn. Photograph: courtesy Cishanjia Magnetic Blackboard Your future wordsmith needs a blackboard to jot down ideas when inspiration strikes. Available in multiple sizes and shapes. From 400RMB, cishanjia.tmall.com. Photograph: courtesy Ciaogao Ciaogao Cushion From Jiangsu-born designer Carlos Cao comes this original cushion design that’s both functional and quirky. 129RMB, ciaogao.taobao.com. Tips for little readers You’ve set up a dedicated reading corner for your soon-to-be bookworm, but what now? ‘Put cushions down, let the light in, and either sit or lie down together, parents and kids,’ suggests Andrea Zhang, YCIS Puxi Primary Senior Assistant Head Librarian, with tips on how to encourage good reading habits. ‘Parents can read the book to the kids in a very soft voice, or let the kids choose the books they like and read together with them. Reading with the kids is a very important start. It is a shared activity.’ And what to read? YCIS Pudong Early Childhood Education Coordinators Veronica Martin and Michelle Wang share some great reads to inspire parents and early learners. Are You My Mother? by PD Eastman ‘A lovely story about a baby bird trying to find his mother, in which he goes on a walk and meets many animals and things. It provides a lot of opportunities to ask questions of your child as you read together.’ bookdepository.com Imagine by Alison Lester ‘This book is full of beautiful pictures you and your child can spend a long time looking at together as you read the rhymes.’ bookdepository.com Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson ‘Harold goes for a walk in the moonlight with only an oversized purple crayon. He draws himself a landscape full of beauty and excitement. This joyful story gives the sense that everything is possible!’ bookdepository.com Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson ‘This book is one about friendships and how the characters support each other when things go bad. It is full of fun, rhyming words that encourage children to listen.’ bookdepository.com 蚂蚁和西瓜 (Ants and the Watermelon) by 田村茂 ‘This Chinese-language book tells the story of a group of ants taking on the task of carrying a watermelon home, using wisdom and cooperation.' Amazon.com Comments
Photograph: courtesy Zara Home Kids Faux Fur Sofa Super soft and extra comfy, this sofa from Zara Home Kid’s autumn collection will make reading all the more chic with its faux fur upholstery and wooden legs. 899RMB, zarahome.cn.
Photograph: courtesy Sunny Castle Indoor Teepee Every kid’s dream is to have their own hideaway. This indoor teepee will give them a place far from the madding crowd (or you!) to slip away into the fantasy world of their book. From 198RMB, sunnycastle.tmall.com.
Photograph: courtesy IKEA Krux LED Work Lamp Specially designed for kids by Monika Mulder, this LED lamp doesn’t have any sharp edges or use any materials that are harmful to children – perfect for reading, drawing and craft-making. 249RMB, ikea.cn.
Photograph: courtesy Zara Home Rainbow Rug This warm-toned, high-pile rug makes reading extra cosy whether your little bibliophile is flopped belly down with a book or sat on your lap. 899RMB, zarahome.cn.
Photograph: courtesy Cishanjia Magnetic Blackboard Your future wordsmith needs a blackboard to jot down ideas when inspiration strikes. Available in multiple sizes and shapes. From 400RMB, cishanjia.tmall.com.
Photograph: courtesy Ciaogao Ciaogao Cushion From Jiangsu-born designer Carlos Cao comes this original cushion design that’s both functional and quirky. 129RMB, ciaogao.taobao.com.
Are You My Mother? by PD Eastman ‘A lovely story about a baby bird trying to find his mother, in which he goes on a walk and meets many animals and things. It provides a lot of opportunities to ask questions of your child as you read together.’ bookdepository.com
Imagine by Alison Lester ‘This book is full of beautiful pictures you and your child can spend a long time looking at together as you read the rhymes.’ bookdepository.com
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson ‘Harold goes for a walk in the moonlight with only an oversized purple crayon. He draws himself a landscape full of beauty and excitement. This joyful story gives the sense that everything is possible!’ bookdepository.com
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson ‘This book is one about friendships and how the characters support each other when things go bad. It is full of fun, rhyming words that encourage children to listen.’ bookdepository.com
蚂蚁和西瓜 (Ants and the Watermelon) by 田村茂 ‘This Chinese-language book tells the story of a group of ants taking on the task of carrying a watermelon home, using wisdom and cooperation.' Amazon.com
