Post by The Land of Nod and Brightly

Welcome to our final installment of Book Nook Inspiration created in collaboration with Brightly. If you missed them, check out Parts 1, 2 and 3 for more tips. And, don’t forget to read to the bottom for details on our giveaway.

Book Nook Design Tips from Nod:
For this edition, we’ve put together a cozy lounge for your tween. We kept a focus on the three main design requirements of any reading nook, make it inviting, comfortable and quiet.

Grey Knit Blanket / Black Sequin Heart Throw Pillow / Typeset Throw Pillow / Seeing Stars Rug / Acrylic Book Cart / Open Arms Swivel Lounge Chair / Forest Poster Decal / Green Wiry Pendant / Black Spot Garland

Here’s how we put it all together:

• Our Open Arms swivel is an ideal seat for a tween reading nook. It’s oversized and comfy, a great hang out spot.
• We added a chunky throw blanket and sequin pillow to make it extra cozy.
• The black accent in the throw pillow and garland make sure the space is not too sweet and contrast nicely with the soft pink and mint accent colors found in the rug and décor.
• The acrylic book caddy brings in style and function.
• Hang the wiry pendant above the chair for soft lighting.

 

Book Recommendations from Brightly:

The tween years are a great time to introduce a bit more complexity into a child’s reading life. At this age, kids will enjoy books with more of an emotional journey, as well as books with more sophisticated language and plot points. It’s also worth encouraging children this age to explore a wide range of books — from realistic fiction, to poetry, to fantasy.

Our picks:

• Smile – Raina Telgemeier’s real-life experiences make for a humorous coming-of-age novel filled with great artwork and plenty of dental drama. Kids will identify with Raina’s struggles to forge her own identity and find real friends.
• The One and Only Ivan – You’ll never think about caged animals the same way again. The One and Only Ivan is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting read about a gorilla and baby elephant who live in a circus-themed mall.
• Wonder – Some books change the world. Some books change us. The best books do both. Wonder pushes young readers toward greater compassion, empathy, and acceptance of differences.
• A Snicker of Magic – This much-lauded debut novel about the magical power of words will delight middle grade and tween readers.
• Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson’s highly acclaimed poetic memoir about growing up as an African American in South Carolina and New York in the ‘60s and 70s took home the National Book Award.
• The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy – Packed with summertime adventures and big-time family fun, this is a perfect read-aloud book for the whole family.

Curious what books tweens are recommending to each other? Check out Books Tweens Can’t Stop Talking About on Brightly.

Want the perfect kids’ reading nook? Enter to win $1,500 from The Land of Nod and $1,000 worth of books from Brightly. Ends 3/30.

Brightly is a new resource to help moms and dads raise lifelong readers. Brightly features book recommendations for every age and stage, reading tips and insights, seasonal inspirations, author essays, contests, gift guides, and more.