How to Get Your Kids Into Reading
Reading is more than a skill—it’s a doorway to imagination, learning, and endless opportunities. But for many parents, getting kids genuinely excited about books can feel like a challenge. The good news? With a mix of encouragement and great book choices, you can help your child discover the joy of reading and the magic that lives in each and every book. Keep reading for ideas on how to get your kids into reading, along with some ideas of what to read.
Start early with read-aloud classics
Even before kids can read on their own, hearing stories can be an enjoyable activity that builds language and sparks curiosity. Aim to make reading with your little one part of your daily routine—whether it’s before bed as part of your wind down or a fun way to pass time while dinner is in the oven.
Need suggestions? Try:
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (ages 0–3)
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle (ages 2–4)
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (ages 2–5)
Simple, rhythmic stories (bonus points for rhyming) paired with vibrant illustrations are a great choice to keep little ones engaged and eager for more.
Let kids pick their own books
One of the best ways to get kiddos reading is to get them involved in the process. Giving kids a choice when it comes to picking out books allows them to learn more about their own interests, ask questions, and explore everything from dinosaurs to superheroes. It can also be a fun way for kids to learn how to search for books in the library or bookstore.
Some of our favourites include:
- For animal lovers: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals (ages 4–8)
- For adventure seekers: Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 6–9)
- For graphic novel fans: Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey (ages 7–10)
Read together and talk about stories
Shared reading builds deeper connections. Take turns reading aloud, or pause to ask questions like: “Why do you think the character made that choice?” or “What do you think happens next?” There is no shortage of books to read together (and being a reading role model sets a great example for the growing young readers in your life). Try some of these classics and then follow up with the movie after you finish the book.
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (ages 7–10)
- Matilda by Roald Dahl (ages 8–12)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (ages 8–12)
These classics invite discussion and keep kids hooked with humor, magic, and memorable characters.
Celebrate progress and discover series
Instead of focusing on reading speed or the difficulty of the book your kiddo is tackling, celebrate milestones: finishing the first chapter, exploring a new genre, reading every day for a week straight, or completing a series. Making it exciting, without making it competitive, can help kids to celebrate their accomplishments and feel a sense of pride at the same time.
Check out these fun series to get started with:
- Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park (ages 6–9)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (ages 8–12)
- Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger (ages 9–13)
Explore the World of Audiobooks
Not every child loves sitting down with a physical book right away—and that’s okay. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to build listening skills, vocabulary, and imagination while making stories more accessible. They’re also great for car rides and travel, quiet time, or winding down before bed. Plus, audiobooks can be accessed for free on the Libby App with your local library card. Not sure where to start? Try these:
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, narrated by Graeme Malcolm (ages 7–10)
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan, narrated by Jesse Bernstein (ages 9–12)
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, narrated by Rachel McAdams (ages 9–12)
Pairing print and audio versions can be especially effective as kids can follow along in the book while listening to the narration.
Getting kids into reading doesn’t happen overnight—it’s about creating positive experiences, offering the right books, and celebrating their journey. By combining encouragement with exciting reads (and even audiobooks), you can help your child discover the magic of stories and set them up for a lifetime love of books.
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