All things cozy

Snuggle up and settle in. Here are two reads for your kids, one for you and a cozy 15-minute decorating show that actually teaches you something.

The chilly weather is officially settling in, and in this week’s newsletter I have a two cozy reads for your little ones, one cozy read for you, and a cozy show recommendation. Let’s get right to it!

First, the cozy read for you. Last week, Krista Steele from the wonderful newsletter The Family Room invited me to share a list of my favorite children’s and adult book pairings, so you can read similar books alongside your little ones. If you are interested in grown-up versions of “The Little House on the Prairie,” “Madeline,” “Ballet Shoes” and the Molly books in the American Girl series, please check it out! And subscribe to Krista’s newsletter for the coziest, most compelling book reviews you’ve ever read. Here’s a delightful example.

Second, my cozy show recommendation: “Design Defined” on Magnolia Network.

Each episode focuses on a different design style (e.g. English country, French provincial, Scandinavian, Mediterranean) and is fewer than 15 minutes. The episodes are mini lessons on what each decorating style is and how to pull it off. But here is the best part: It is not a reality show. It’s just beautiful homes set to a pleasant soundtrack and interior decorators describing what makes each style wonderful. 10/10. Highly recommend.

I love this quote from the “English Country” episode:

“There is so much flexibility and joy and unpretentiousness in an English house, and all of us can take that to heart. It gives a lot of grace to the people who live in those spaces, and a lot of permission to just enjoy yourself, seek out the things you love, put them together in one room, and then enjoy the room.”

And finally, here are two cozy books to enjoy with your little ones:

“Adventures with Barefoot Critters” (board book) by Teagan White

While the theme of this book isn’t specifically cozy, the colors and scenes in the illustrations give off a very cozy vibe. This board book has beautiful artwork, cute critters and 26 fun ideas for activities to do with your kids. The illustrations offer fascinating details that will keep your littles snuggled up and engaged—which is what we want from a cozy read!

There is a hardcover version of this book, as well. I haven’t read it yet, but from what I can tell, it follows the months of the year and discusses some activities to do in each month. I’m sure you’ll see it in a future round-up!

“The Hat” by Jan Brett

Jan Brett’s “The Mitten” is always popular in winter, but “The Hat” is a wonderful one for November before it snows. As Lisa unpacks her woolens (love this word) one cold fall day, little Hedgie discovers a hat that gets stuck on his prickles. The other animals in the farmyard giggle, but as the weather gets colder, they realize he might be on to something.

What are your favorite cozy reads? Please share in the comments so I can add them to our next library haul!

“Those foundational years in the life of a child—those same years when we sometimes think we are accomplishing nothing—have a lasting effect on almost every aspect of the rest of that child’s life.” — Sally Clarkson

Thanks for reading Petite Reads, a weekly children’s book recommendation newsletter! I’d love to hear about the books you and your littles are loving. Share your favorite reads by leaving a comment, replying to this email or messaging me on Instagram @petitereadsbookclub.

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