There is something especially lovely about the beginning of a new school year.
The backpacks are packed, new pencils are tucked into their places, and summer slowly begins to give way to a different rhythm. Even as our days become busier, it can be comforting to create little spaces at home that invite our children to slow down, rest, and get lost in a good story.
A cozy reading corner does not have to be elaborate or expensive. It does not require a perfectly designed room or an entire wall of built-in bookshelves. Sometimes, the loveliest reading spots are simply a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, a small basket of books, and a little bit of quiet.
As we begin a new school year and look ahead to the golden days of autumn, this can be a wonderful time to create a special little place where children can curl up with a favorite book.
Start with the Space You Already Have
One of the nicest things about creating a reading corner is that almost any home can have one.
You might have an entire corner of a bedroom available, or perhaps your reading nook is simply one special chair in the living room. Maybe there is an unused corner of the playroom, a spot at the end of the hallway, or even a cozy little space beside a bookshelf.
There is no need to wait for the perfect room.
A reading space can grow out of the home you already have.
For some families, a comfortable chair with a basket of books nearby may be just right. For others, a floor cushion tucked beneath a window might become a favorite place to read. A small corner can feel special when it is given a little attention and made comfortable.
A Few Simple Ways to Make It Cozy
The goal is simply to create a space that feels inviting.
A soft blanket can make an ordinary chair feel like the perfect place to spend an afternoon. A few floor pillows can transform an empty corner into a comfortable little nest. A basket filled with books makes it easy for children to see what is available and choose something for themselves.
You might add:
- A comfortable chair or beanbag
- Floor cushions or large pillows
- A soft blanket
- A small basket or shelf for books
- A lamp with warm, gentle light
- A little table for a cup of cocoa or a glass of water
- A favorite stuffed animal for younger children
- A seasonal decoration, such as a small pumpkin or a vase of autumn leaves
The idea is not to fill the space with things. In fact, keeping it fairly simple can make it feel even more peaceful.
A cozy reading corner is really about making room for stories.
Reading Corners for Different Kinds of Homes
Every family has a different setup, and thankfully, a reading space can look different in every home.
-The Bedroom Reading Corner
A corner of a child’s bedroom can be a wonderful place for a reading chair, a small bookshelf, or a basket of favorite books.
This can become a quiet place to read before bed or to enjoy a little downtime after school. A soft lamp and a cozy blanket may be all that is needed to make it feel special.
-The Living Room Book Basket
Not every reading space needs to be tucked away in a bedroom.
A basket of beautiful children’s books placed beside a comfortable chair in the living room can encourage reading throughout the day. Children can pull out a book while waiting for dinner, during a quiet afternoon, or while everyone else is settling in for the evening.
Books can simply be part of the rhythm of family life.
-The Window Seat or Sunny Corner
If your home has a window seat or a quiet spot near a window, it may already be halfway to becoming a reading nook.
Add a cushion, a blanket, and a few books, and you have a lovely little place to watch the leaves begin to change while turning the pages of a favorite story.
-The Floor Pillow Reading Spot
For families without extra furniture or much available space, a floor pillow can work beautifully.
A large cushion, a soft rug, or even a folded quilt can create a comfortable place for reading. Keep a basket of books nearby, and the space can easily be put away or moved when needed.
This is a wonderful reminder that creating a cozy home does not always mean buying more things. Sometimes it simply means using what we already have in a thoughtful way.
-A Shared Family Reading Corner
If you have several children, a shared reading space can be especially sweet.
A few comfortable seats, a shelf of books, and enough room for everyone to gather can create a little family library. Children can read quietly beside one another, or everyone can pile in together for an afternoon read-aloud.
There is something lovely about a home where books are simply waiting to be picked up.
Rotate Books with the Seasons
One of our favorite ways to make reading feel fresh is to bring out books that match the season. Just as we might place a few autumn decorations around the house or begin baking with apples and cinnamon again, we can also gather our favorite fall stories and place them where everyone can easily find them.
Children do not always need an entirely new collection of books. Sometimes bringing back a familiar story that has been tucked away for a few months makes it feel new all over again. A small seasonal book basket is a simple way to celebrate the changing year.
And as the first hints of autumn begin to arrive, these are some of our favorite books to bring out.
Some of Our Favorite Books for the Beginning of Fall:
Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson
This lively and humorous story follows a pioneer family traveling west with an especially precious cargo of fruit trees. It is a wonderful story to bring out during apple season, filled with adventure, family, and plenty of apples.
Johnny Appleseed: A Poem by Reeve Lindbergh, illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen
This beautiful picture book tells the story of Johnny Appleseed through poetry and rich paintings. It feels especially fitting as apple season begins and is a lovely book to enjoy slowly together.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons
This sweet and informative book follows an apple tree through the changing seasons. It is a wonderful choice for noticing the rhythms of the year and watching the world change from summer into autumn.
Apple Picking Time by Michele B. Slawson
You were very close on the author’s name! Apple Picking Time is by Michele B. Slawson, also listed as Michele Benoit Slawson. The story follows a family and community during the fall apple harvest and is filled with the warm feeling of a traditional autumn day.
Autumn Story by Jill Barklem
Part of the beloved Brambly Hedge series, this charming story is filled with all the little details of autumn. It is the kind of book that makes you want to slow down, pour a cup of tea, and enjoy the changing season.
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
This whimsical adventure follows a young girl around the world as she gathers the ingredients for an apple pie. It is imaginative, funny, and perfect for apple season. And yes, the author’s name you were trying to remember is Marjorie Priceman.
Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg
Steven Kellogg’s lively retelling of the Johnny Appleseed story is another favorite for this time of year and fits beautifully alongside all of the apple-themed books of early fall.
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
This quiet and beautiful story follows a family through the changing seasons and the work of preparing for winter. With its gentle rhythm and timeless illustrations, it is a wonderful book for slowing down and noticing the beauty of ordinary family life.
Making Room for Stories
As a new school year begins, there are always so many things to organize. There are schedules to remember, papers to sign, lunches to pack, and new routines to settle into. But perhaps one of the loveliest things we can do is make sure there is still a little room for unhurried moments.
A cozy reading corner does not have to be perfect. It can be a chair with a blanket draped across it. A pile of pillows in the corner of a bedroom. A basket of books beside the sofa. A sunny spot on the floor.
What matters most is simply creating an invitation.
An invitation to sit down.
To open a book.
To step for a little while into another world.
And as summer fades and autumn begins to make its quiet appearance, there is something especially comforting about gathering a few favorite stories, finding a cozy place to sit, and beginning a new season one page at a time!