It’s never too early to foster a love of reading in your child. Sharing books together and reading engaging stories not only sparks their imagination but also expands their vocabulary and develops their listening skills. More importantly, reading with your child creates precious bonding moments, helping them associate books with comfort, joy, and your undivided attention.
As a parent, you might have questions about the best ways to encourage your child’s reading journey. Should you start with picture books or introduce letters early on? What if they seem disinterested? And how do you support their reading if English isn’t your first language? Here are some common questions parents ask, along with practical tips to help make reading a fun and rewarding experience for your child.
When should I start reading to my child?
It’s never too early! Even newborns benefit from hearing your voice as you read. Babies love the rhythm and melody of language, which is why nursery rhymes are a great choice. These timeless rhymes help develop listening skills and build familiarity with words. As your child grows, they will begin to associate books, stories, and rhymes with comfort, routine, and your undivided attention – laying the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
What should I do if English isn’t my first language?
If English isn’t your first language, you can still foster a love of reading in your child. Start by choosing picture books and talking about them in your native language. If a book has a simple English story and you’re comfortable with English, you might translate it as you read rather than sticking to the exact words on the page. This way, your child builds a strong foundation in your native language while enjoying the storytelling experience.
If you visit your home country, look for children’s books in your language to bring back. What truly matters is that your child associates books with your love and undivided attention. Rest assured, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn English naturally at playgroup and nursery. A bilingual approach is a wonderful gift, enriching both their language skills and their connection to their heritage.
What if my child won’t sit still for a story?
Some children are naturally wriggly, and that’s okay! Try reading at times when they’re more likely to settle down, such as when they’re a bit tired and ready for a cuddle on the sofa. Bedtime is often a perfect moment – at that point, they’re winding down, and a story might even lull them to sleep. Don’t worry if they nod off before you finish; what matters most is that they associate reading with comfort, love, and your undivided attention.
If you’d like to read during the day, try fitting it into a quiet moment – perhaps snack time after a walk in the park. If they don’t have a snack, letting them hold a favourite soft toy can help. You might even include the toy by saying, “Let’s find a book that you and Teddy will enjoy!”
Interactive books – with flaps to lift, textures to touch, or sound buttons – can also help keep little hands busy. And remember, you don’t always have to read every word. Talking about the pictures and letting your child take the lead can be just as valuable in fostering a love of books.
How do I choose the right books for my child’s age?
Choosing the right book for your child’s age is one of the most important things you can do to develop a love of reading in your child.
For babies, sturdy board books with bright pictures and simple text work best – some even double as waterproof bath books! Toddlers enjoy rhyming stories, repetition, and books about familiar experiences like bedtime or visiting the park. Preschoolers love engaging characters, humour, and simple plots they can follow.
Following your child’s interests is just as important as choosing the right level—whether they love animals, vehicles, or fairy tales, finding books that match their curiosity will make reading even more enjoyable. You can find book recommendations in the Resources section.
My child just wants to read the same book over and over – is that okay?
Absolutely! Repetition helps children learn new words, understand story structure, and build confidence in their reading abilities. Familiar books provide comfort and a sense of mastery.
You can make re-reading more engaging by asking your child to predict what happens next, encouraging them to “read” along with you, or pausing to let them fill in the next word. A great example of this is in The Gruffalo, where the mouse declares, “Doesn’t he know, There’s no such thing as a Gruffal..?” – only to be surprised on the next page and exclaiming, “Oh!” Your child will love joining in with moments like these.
Visiting the library together can also introduce them to new favourites. Many libraries offer story time or rhyme time sessions during the week, which can make books even more exciting. Who knows? Your child might discover another book they want to hear over and over – and then you’ll get to read that book over and over. Yes, the joys of parenting!
Should I still read picture books to my child once they start chapter books?
Yes! When your child starts chapter books, it’s best to ease the transition by choosing ones that still include some illustrations. You don’t want the shift from picture books to feel too abrupt.
For bedtime, when your child is tired after school and other activities, a familiar picture book can be soothing and help them relax before sleep. Picture books often have rich vocabulary, imaginative storytelling, and beautiful illustrations that appeal to all ages. They also encourage discussion and engagement in a way that longer books sometimes don’t.
You might try reading a chapter from a chapter book, then following up with a favourite picture book. Even as your child moves on to longer books, you can continue enjoying picture books together.
Should I stop reading aloud once my child learns to read on their own?
Not at all! Reading aloud together remains valuable well beyond the early years. It allows your child to enjoy more complex stories than they might tackle alone, expands their vocabulary, and keeps reading as a shared, enjoyable experience. If you’ve built a routine around reading – perhaps at bedtime – stopping suddenly might feel like a loss for both of you. Many older children still love being read to, even after they become fluent readers. It’s a wonderful way to bond, spark discussions, and keep the joy of storytelling alive.
How can I encourage my child to read for fun?
If your child can read but only picks up books when required for school, try introducing reading in a fun and engaging way. One great trick is using joke books. Next time you’re at the library or bookshop, browse a few joke books and pick out some jokes in advance. Then, casually tell your child, “I read a funny joke today – do you know the one about…?” Most children love sharing jokes with their friends, and this can spark their curiosity to read more. If they show interest, invite them to explore the book with you, keeping the reading light and enjoyable rather than a task. Some popular joke books that children love include:
- The World’s Worst Jokes by Tony Husband – packed with silly, groan-worthy jokes that kids find hilarious.
- The Puffin Book of Fantastic First Jokes by Amanda Li – a great choice for younger children starting to explore humour.
- National Geographic Kids Just Joking series – filled with funny jokes, riddles, and fun facts, perfect for curious minds.
Creating a cosy reading nook can also make reading feel like a treat. Let your child choose their own books, even if they aren’t traditional storybooks. Graphic novels, joke books, and magazines can be fantastic options. You can often find some in the public library to see which ones appeal to your child. Many children’s magazines include puzzles, games, and competitions, making reading a natural and enjoyable part of their day. The key is to show them that reading isn’t just schoolwork – it can be entertaining, too!
What if my child isn’t interested in books at all?
Every child is different, and that’s perfectly okay! If your child isn’t drawn to books, try introducing non-fiction titles that align with their interests – whether it’s dinosaurs, space, sports, or superheroes. Sometimes, a book that teaches them more about a favourite topic can be the key to sparking enthusiasm for reading.
Audiobooks can also be a great way to engage reluctant readers. My granddaughter loved Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven books and listened to them every night while getting ready for bed. Over time, she practically knew them by heart, absorbing well-crafted phrases that later helped her with writing at school.
Some children respond better to interactive books with flaps, sound effects, or puzzles, which make reading feel more like play. Graphic novels and comics can also be a fantastic gateway into reading, especially for children who enjoy visual storytelling. Magazines related to their hobbies – such as animals, science, or gaming – can also encourage a love of reading in a more relaxed format.
The important thing is to keep offering books in different forms without pressure – one day, they may discover a story that captivates them – and your patience will have paid off.
Should I still read picture books to my child once they start chapter books?
Yes! When your child starts chapter books, it’s best to ease the transition by choosing ones that still include some illustrations. You don’t want the shift from picture books to feel too abrupt.
For bedtime, when your child is tired after school and other activities, a familiar picture book can be soothing and help them relax before sleep. Picture books often have rich vocabulary, imaginative storytelling, and beautiful illustrations that appeal to all ages. They also encourage discussion in a way that longer books sometimes don’t.
You might try reading a chapter from a chapter book, then following up with a favourite picture book. Even as your child moves on to longer books, you can continue enjoying picture books together.