One of my favorite family rituals is bedtime reading.

At our house, it has many forms. Dad might read to the littles while Mom reads to the bigs. Sometimes there is a special book for just one or two kids that they get to stay up later for (read: Harry Potter). One parent might read to everyone, or the bigger kids may hang out in the living room and read quietly to themselves.

Confession: it doesn’t happen every night. But it is something we all enjoy.

When we’re traveling, just getting the kids to bed at a decent hour can be a challenge. Still, I like to bring a couple of books along. We typically make time for it every few nights during the trip. It can be a great way to gather together and settle down at the end of the day.

Here’s what we’re reading on this trip.

1. The Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago.

We have a number of children’s Bible storybooks at home. This one, a gift from my mom, is new to us. It is unique for its whimsical illustrations, and how from the very beginning of the book it connects the New Testament with the Old.

2. The Arabian Nights, retold by Neil Philip, illustrated by Sheila Moxley.

I discovered this version at our local library several years ago and we enjoyed it so much that I got my own copy. This is the first time we are re-reading it in four years, and it’s just as good as I remembered it. The book features bright, painterly illustrations and fantastic storytelling. It’s unlike any Western storybook you’ve ever read.

Wondering about the cover of The Arabian Nights? I got a used hardcover copy with a missing dustjacket and made my own cover. I used it to practice my hand lettering from Hand Lettering 101: An Introduction to the Art of Creative Lettering, by Chalkfulloflove.