From a very young age, Children are taught that reading is one of the most important skills that they need to succeed in life. But it is more than just a skill. Children think that the bigger the Book, the more boring it is or that books are only available at libraries for research and to study for tests. 

The goal of this blog is to enlighten parents and children to read by understanding why a reading habit is beneficial. 

It is not true that we have only one life to live; if we can read, we can live as many more lives and as many kinds of lives as we wish. —S.I. Hayakawa

Books have the power to inspire and get you thinking. From short stories to novellas to novels, books take the reader across the world at a very reasonable price. Through stories, readers are introduced to new cultures, truths, possibilities, histories as well as music and art too.

You experience the power of imagination in and through literature. Books also offer a wide range of and inform us about people, countries, different customs and cultures. Books help us to teach ourselves about history, science, religion, nature, mathematics, technology and much more. Books also allow us to understand the effect that all those things have on us and our world.

There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all. —Jacqueline Kennedy 

Books don’t have a music track or laughter track to tell you what to feel. Your reaction is based on what you interpret from the words you read. It is an individual experience, but you can share it with others who have read the same book or are looking for something similar.

Books are translated into various languages too. They serve as great friends, travel partners, and portals that transport you to a whole new land. You get to choose a new friend from various genres that contain one or numerous themes, written by someone from your own country or a place you never knew of before. 

Another reason why reading is such a wonderful experience is that the characters in books have traits that the reader either has or wishes they did. It is relatable at times; on the other hand, it is interesting to be introduced to a new perspective of things. 

Books give us new ways to think and develop ideas. They expand the universe beyond time and place and inspire original thoughts.

What can I do as a parent?

You can make a huge difference! Parents are the most influential educators in a child’s life, and it’s never too early or too late to start reading together. Read to your children, read with them, help them to spell out and find the meaning of difficult words. Reading is more than a tool to improve your vocabulary.

As parents, show children why reading can be fun by advertising its essence and multiple benefits you have learned so far. 

Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty.  It should be offered to them as a precious gift. —Kate DiCamillo

According to an article by Reading Rockets, with your help, your children can begin a lifelong relationship with the printed word so they grow into adults who read easily and frequently whether for business, knowledge, or pleasure. Children can develop a love for books when they enjoy reading. Books also enrich and relax the mind. 

List of books for children and parents to explore: 

Here are some great lists of books for children. The lists are compiled by top publishers, making it easier to begin, continue or revive your reading habit.

15 Must-read Children’s Authors
20 Books Every Kid Should Read Before Turning 13
24 Must-read Books For 9-12-year-olds
10 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories We Love
Enid Blyton’s 10 Finest Children’s Books
10 Kids’ Books By Indian Authors
The 100 Best Young Adult Books Of All Time

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