It’s winter here in the Midwest. Last winter when it was just me and my toddler, I made sure to take him outside every day that it was above 32F. This winter we’ve added a baby to the mix, and I just don’t see any sense in bundling my baby up and exposing his poor baby cheeks to the cold weather. So we’re just in for the winter. Next winter both boys will be walking, and we’ll be back out again.
A few things we’ve been doing to fill these winter days include a weekly indoor playdate, trips to the library, and plenty of reading. In the mornings, when the boys wake up, they pile into my bed, and we snuggle up to read. Then, we call Ouma, my mom, in South Africa. Are we still a screen-free family if we start every day with a video call in our pajamas before breakfast? Maybe, maybe not. But it’s like Saturday morning cartoons, all winter long… and it’s their Ouma! She takes books out from the library and reads to the boys over video call.
Instead of reading a book before their naps, we read after naptime. When the boys wake up, I give them water, a snack (usually a piece of fruit), and we read on the couch. The window from the couch looks out over the driveway, so we keep an eye out for dad. We read until he comes home, and then, like most families, we read bedtime stories. Here is a list of our favorite bedtime stories.
Kregel’s Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories
This beautiful bedside Bible is perfect for reading to children each night before bed. It features 125 stories from the Old Testament and 125 from the New Testament, complemented by timeless artwork from the 1900s.
A sturdy board book featuring the cherished song Jesus Loves Me.
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus (Hymns for Little Ones)
Another board book featuring a beloved hymn, complete with the sheet music on the final page.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
This book can be read or sung to your children, with vibrant illustrations that are sure to capture your toddler’s attention!
The Word of the Lord: A Childs First Scripture Verses
I love that this board book features a collection of ten Bible verses that help shape your child’s worldview, including John 3:16 and Jeremiah 1:5
Since this board book is designed for children who aren’t reading yet, I simply recite any verse I’m more familiar with in another translation when reading to my children.
First Bible Basics: A Counting Primer
This little board book introduces the foundational concepts of the Christian faith to babies and toddlers.
Another board book that teaches about the Lord’s faithfulness, protection, and provision, while also introducing basic colors along the way
Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It: Knowing and Loving the Bible
This rhyming book helps teach children a love for God’s Word.
My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts
This book is written for children ages three to seven and applies individual Bible verses to real-life situations.
This isn’t exactly a bedtime storybook, but rather a helpful resource for all the curious questions children ask! It’s written in a question-and-answer format, with scripture references.
I pray these books bring the same blessing and encouragement to your family as they have to ours!
