Best 'lap armchair' books for boddlers - Children's Books Daily...

Bedtime reading is something I feel incredibly passionate about, in fact I have pretty much a whole chapter in my book devoted to it and I still read to my 10 and 14 year old children most nights – and definately to the 6 and 8 year olds! It is sometimes the one time in the day I STOP and am physically close with my children.

I love this idea of ‘boddlers’ (not quite baby, not quite toddler) and bedtime books as it’s one of the most precious times you will ever have with your little ones. Not that I don’t love the withering looks from my 12 year old as I squish into her bed and she reminds me yet again that ‘all her friends’ (?!) have double beds … but you know … babies, boddler and toddlers are all about loving on you!

Thanks Lana Hallowes for this (very sweet) guest post.

My little one. Toddle over to me with whatever that book is you are holding. I’m sure I’ll know the title the minute I see it.

Oh yes. Yes, I do. All. Too. Well.

Now, plonk yourself into your ‘reading armchair’ – AKA my lap. Wriggle your small bottom until you find that sweet spot where you feel comfiest for some story time. I do the same thing with the corner section of the couch. I find my reading nook, too.

I will pause whatever I’m doing and open your favourite “booky”. The one we both know by heart. The one I have read to you over and over.

I have lots to do, but I will read it – again.

I mean, how could I possibly deny you a story of all things, especially as you are so damn cute?! But it isn’t just a book, is it? It’s one-on-one time with me. It’s a lengthy lap-cuddle. A kiss on your soft cheek while I turn the page. A gentle sway as I read the familiar words quietly into your ear.

I know the tale. You know the tale. We have memorised every word on every page and the exact point we’ll burst out laughing in unison. I have read this book to you to distract you, calm you, entertain you, help you learn concepts and I’ve even used it to soothe you to sleep, lowering the volume of my voice as you drift off.

We have history with this one and for this reason I will love this book forever. And it will always remind me of this …

As I read, your wispy boddler hair (not a baby anymore but not quite a toddler yet) will tickle the skin under my chin. Swoon.

Your chubby fingers will explore the pages and cover up the words. But it doesn’t matter. I know them like I know the exact hue of your eyes and line of your button nose.

I will breath you in. I want to bottle this feeling, my little one. The stillness. This intimate moment in time. And I want to press pause. You are growing up too fast!

Before I know it, you will be borrowing books for ‘independent readers’ from the school library – and your hair will be course. You will no longer seek out my lap to read, but compete with me for the couch corner nook. It’s comfy! I get it.

But until then, I will enjoy being your reading armchair. Your favourite place to indulge in a book and a bit of ‘us’ time.

Because it was never just about the book, was it?

Lana Hallowes is a writer and mum to two gorgeous and mischievous little boys. She is also a very comfy reading armchair – she hopes for a little while longer yet.

Best ‘lap armchair’ books for boddlers

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