How to nurture a love of reading in your child at home

Reading isn’t just about learning-it’s about adventure, imagination, and discovery. Encouraging a love of books from an early age sets children up for success, not just academically but in developing curiosity and creativity. The biggest impact comes from home, where parents have the power to shape a child’s reading habits and make books a daily joy rather than just a school task.
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Making reading a shared experience is a great place to start. When books become part of family life, children are more engaged and motivated. Reading together, even after children start reading independently, builds fluency and comprehension while creating special moments. Many communities and schools offer book recommendations, reading challenges, and events that families can get involved in, making it easy to find fresh inspiration.
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Creating excitement around books is key. Bringing stories to life through themed reading days, character dress-up, or simple activities like acting out scenes and making crafts can help stories feel more immersive and fun. Children love to see the books they read reflected in real life, whether through discussions, creative projects, or even a trip to the library to discover more on a favourite topic.
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Choosing the right books can sometimes be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Reading lists, book swaps, and community recommendations can be helpful in finding books that truly capture a child’s imagination. Access to a variety of reading materials, whether from home, a local library, or school, makes it easier for children to develop their own reading preferences.
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Technology is another way to make reading accessible. Audiobooks and eBooks can engage children in a different way, particularly those who may be reluctant readers. Many families are incorporating digital storytelling into their routine, using audiobooks for bedtime stories or exploring interactive book apps that bring stories to life.
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Most importantly, children mimic what they see. If reading is a part of everyday life, they’re far more likely to pick up a book themselves. Simple habits like setting aside quiet reading time, having books readily available, or parents picking up their own book alongside their child can have a lasting impact. Many reading initiatives encourage this kind of reading culture, reinforcing the idea that books are for enjoyment, not just education.
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When reading is part of both home and daily life, it becomes more than just an academic skill-it becomes a lifelong passion. By making books exciting, accessible, and enjoyable, children can discover that reading isn’t just something they have to do-it’s something they want to do.

My top book recommendations from 0-12 years
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Ages 0-3:‍

• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
• That’s Not My... series by Fiona Watt

Ages 3-5:

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

Ages 5-7:

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
• The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
• Oi Frog! by Kes Gray

Ages 7-9:

• The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
• The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Ages 9-12:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
• Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
• The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf