I want to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: fostering a love of reading in our children.
As parents, we all want our children to grow up with a genuine love for books but how do we ignite that spark, nurture it, and watch it grow into a lifelong passion?
Well, there’s actually a key element that parents often overlook.
Creating a Reading Environment
Here’s a simple truth that I often find myself repeating to parents who are frustrated by the decisions of their children.
“You cannot control your child, you can only control the environment.”
Parents, it is not our job to force our children into making the choices we want.
We can only set the environment and give them plenty of opportunities to choose well.
I can promise you, setting up an environment for reading will be much easier and will prove to have better long-term outcomes.
If we want our children to love reading for fun, here are 3 things that we can do to create a supportive environment.
1. Display books in a pleasing, and eye-catching way.
I personally love forward-facing bookshelves that are inviting and easy to access for young children.
A colorful picture book cover is so much more inviting than the tiny text on a spine. It draws the child in and makes literacy a part of their everyday life.
Here are my simple bookshelves created with IKEA picture ledges.
2. Create protected, quality time to read.
I do this with a positive reinforcing system I call the Mom Store.
The Mom Store has been by far the most effective at getting my children to look forward to reading and fostering that highly desired ability to get lost in a book.
3. Fill their environment with good books.
Wonderful, inspiring, and captivating books will naturally catch their attention and hearts.
Through my own parenting journey, I’ve discovered some incredible books that have truly captured the hearts of my children and sparked their love for reading. And not just for a few minutes, but for HOURS. Today, I want to share some book gems with you.
Read through the list below, or download this clickable PDF with my favorite book suggestions!
12 Favorite PaperPie Books
We’ll be exploring 12 handpicked PaperPie books (formerly Usborne Books) that have stood the test of time and are full of fun, wonder, and heart.
Note: This list contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive books that we donate to needy families at Christmastime.
Preschool Readers
Little Bear Needs Glasses by Bernd Penners
As Little Bear struggles with poor eyesight, his caring friends, including Dog, Mouse, Pig, and Cow, try to help by lending their glasses. But Little Bear requires glasses of his own! Young readers will delight in assisting Little Bear in finding the perfect pair that suits him best using five interactive, repositionable stickers.
Don’t Tickle the Hippo! by Sam Taplin
Enter the playful world of “Don’t Tickle the Hippo!” But beware, for tickling the hippo may result in an amusing snort! In this captivating novelty series, each page features touchy-feely patches that simply beg to be touched. Brace yourself for an immersive experience as you explore the textures and activate delightful animal sounds.
I Say OOH You Say AHH by John Kane
This delightful book is sure to have everyone, young and old, bursting with gleeful giggles. Young readers become active participants as they respond to simple verbal or visual cues, adding their own twist to the story. With its engaging format, this book is perfect for read-aloud sessions and guarantees fun-filled moments for the whole family.
Who’s Wearing a Hat? by Sam Taplin
Explore the vivid illustrations, accompanied by delightful rhyming questions, as you try to uncover who’s wearing a hat. With its captivating colors and interactive format, this charming title sparks curiosity and encourages joyful moments between parent and child.
Early Elementary
Where Happiness Lives by Barry Timms, Illustrated by Greg Abbott
Join three adorable mice as they explore their unique houses, each with its own special charm. Lift the flaps and peer through the pages to unravel the secret of true happiness.
Nibbles the Book Monster by Emma Yarlett
Enter the enchanting world of “Nibbles: A Mischievous Tale of Fairy Tale Mayhem.” In this captivating picture book, children will be thoroughly entertained as they follow the adorable and mischievous Nibbles on his nibbling adventures. Brace yourself as Nibbles nibbles his way into three beloved fairy tales, bringing his own hilarious twist to each story.
Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett
When Alex discovers a dragon residing in the cupboard under the stairs, he faces an extraordinary situation. To ensure the well-being of his newfound fiery friend, Alex takes matters into his own hands and seeks advice from various people through a series of amusing letters.
You Choose by Pippa Goodhart
With decision-making turned into an exciting game, this book sparks creativity, encourages critical thinking, and makes the process of making choices an enjoyable experience. Prepare for a delightful exploration of imagination where the boundaries of possibility fade away and dreams take flight.
Late Elementary
Look Inside Series by Emily Bone
Open the pages to reveal the bustling scenes of a vibrant airport, dive beneath the water’s surface to uncover hidden wonders, and peer into hollow trees to unravel the secrets of the shadows. With interactive flaps designed for little fingers and curious minds, these fascinating books invite young readers to explore and engage with the captivating world around them.
Biggest, Fastest, Tallest by Darran Stobbart
Curiosity takes flight as you delve into the intriguing world of dinosaurs, soar through the skies of supersonic planes, and seek the heights of the tallest waterfall. Lift the flaps and ascend the highest mountains, plunge into the depths of the ocean’s mysteries, and gaze into the farthest corners of our vast solar system.
This collection presents beautifully illustrated, complete, and unabridged stories that will transport readers to enchanting realms. With stunning visuals and the convenience of a paperback format, this book invites you to embark on unforgettable literary journeys and encourages a love of reading.
Choose Your Own Ever After: The Call of the Wild by Julie Fison
In this interactive collection, readers become the decision-makers, shaping the story’s outcome. Join Phoebe Wright and her inseparable friends, Annabel and Kimmi, as they face a dilemma: attending the year’s coolest party or supporting their Wild Club’s important fundraiser. Follow Phoebe’s journey as she grapples with conflicting priorities and watch the story unfold in different ways.
If you want to learn more about fostering a love of reading in your children, you will also like these other great resources: