As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the love of reading. Raising a reader doesn’t just help them excel academically—it unlocks their imagination, grows their vocabulary, and teaches them about empathy and the world around them. But how do you get kids excited about books in a world buzzing with screens and endless distractions?
I’ve gathered my top tips to raise book-loving kids along with some amazing book recommendations and tools from Amazon to make the journey easier.
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1. Start Early with Board Books and Picture Books
It’s never too early to introduce your child to books. Babies may not understand the words, but they love hearing your voice and looking at colorful illustrations. For toddlers, interactive books with flaps, textures, or sounds work wonders to capture their interest.
Amazon Recommendations for Early Readers:
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A classic that every baby and toddler loves for its bright colors and engaging story.
• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell: Lift-the-flap fun that’s perfect for curious little hands.
• Touch and Feel Books: Board books like “That’s Not My Dinosaur” are excellent for sensory engagement.
2. Create a Reading Routine
Consistency is key when building any habit, and reading is no different. Set aside a specific time each day for reading, such as bedtime or after dinner. This daily ritual makes reading feel special and something your kids will look forward to.
Pro Tip: Use a cozy reading nook to make this time extra magical. Check out this kid-friendly reading chair for a perfect setup!
3. Let Them Choose Their Books
Children are more likely to engage with books they pick themselves. Take them to a library or browse through Amazon’s book section together to find stories that excite them. Let their interests guide their reading—whether it’s dinosaurs, princesses, or outer space.
Amazon Recommendations for Different Interests:
• Animal lovers: National Geographic Kids Readers
• Adventure fans: Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborn
• STEM enthusiasts: Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
4. Make Books Accessible at Home
Keep books within your kids’ reach so they can pick them up anytime. A low bookshelf filled with colorful covers can turn your living room into a mini-library.
Amazon Picks for Organizing Your Home Library:
• Wooden Sling Bookshelf: Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers to browse their favorites.
• Book Baskets: Portable storage for books in different rooms or even the car.
5. Be a Reading Role Model
Kids mimic what they see, so let them catch you reading! Whether it’s a novel, a cookbook, or an article, your enthusiasm for reading will inspire them.
6. Use Audiobooks to Encourage Listening Skills
Audiobooks are a great way to introduce stories, especially during car rides or quiet time. They help build listening comprehension and still immerse kids in the magic of storytelling.
Amazon Recommendation for Audiobooks:
• Tonies Starter Box: A screen-free device that plays stories and songs.
7. Reward Reading Milestones
Celebrate your child’s reading achievements to keep the excitement alive. Create a chart where they can track the number of books they’ve read and reward them with small prizes like bookmarks, stickers, or a new book.
Amazon Favorites for Bookworms:
• Reading Reward Charts for Kids
8. Host Fun Reading Activities
Turn reading into an interactive experience by hosting themed reading activities at home. Read a story and follow it with a craft or snack inspired by the book. For example:
• After reading If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, bake cookies together.
• Pair The Day the Crayons Quit with a coloring session.
9. Limit Screen Time
We all love screen time for keeping kids occupied, but too much of it can crowd out opportunities for reading. Balance screen time by offering books as an alternative, and consider reading digital books on a Kindle for a change of pace.
Amazon Recommendation:
• Kindle Kids Edition: Includes a kid-friendly cover, parental controls, and access to thousands of books.
10. Foster a Reading Community
Encourage your child to talk about books with friends or join a kids’ book club. When kids see their peers enjoying reading, they’re more likely to stay motivated.
Fun Idea: Start a mini book club for your kids and their friends with a theme like “Mystery Month” or “Fantasy Fridays.”
Final Thoughts
Raising a reader takes time, patience, and a little creativity, but the rewards are worth it. By making reading fun, accessible, and part of your everyday life, you’ll help your child develop a lifelong love for books.
Got a favorite book or tip for raising a reader? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s working in your home!
Happy reading!
