Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review. Opinions shared are mine.

Brr….it’s December, the month where it feels like darkness falls before the day even gets started! Cozy books are the perfect way to settle in for the night any time of year, but they’re especially perfect for winter. A great one to start with is Barn at Night by Michelle Houts and illustrated by Jen Betton.

The story takes readers into a barn where animals are bedding down for the night. The illustrations are lovely and soft, using muted colors that seem naturally lit on the page.

Tips for reading this with a young one:

Tone matters! The soothing rhyme scheme uses words that little ones will understand and mimic. When reading this with a young child at bedtime, use a gentle voice and a predictable rhythm pattern.

Point out the animals with the child. Teach your child to “read” the story through the pictures.

Slow your reading pace as you reach the end of the story. Also, allow your voice to becoming quieter throughout the book. By the final page, lower your voice to a soft whisper.

As you tuck in the child for a final kiss, mention one of the animals from the story. I imagine that my own children would have wanted to pretend to be a different “character” each night. This is an easy way to help children connect with a story, as well as develop anticipation and a love for reading.

One lucky reader will win a copy of Barn at Night! To enter, visit the giveaway form below. The giveaway is open to US readers ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!