Reading aloud to children starting at birth is one of the strongest predictors of school readiness. Despite the proven benefits, only 41% of young children are read to regularly, a steep. Some parents have said they stop reading aloud.
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Yet books remain the ultimate tool for imagination, creativity, and cognitive development. In 2024, 51% of families read aloud to their very young children, while 37% read aloud to their kids between the ages of 6 and 8 years old. Children with strong reading habits perform better academically, develop stronger.
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Books help children develop empathy and emotional regulation. In 2025, the percentage of. When you read to your little one, talk about the characters and objects in the book or the sounds the animals make. Reading to children builds language skills, vocabulary, and general knowledge that helps them learn more effectively in school.
Studies consistently show that children who read regularly develop stronger foundational literacy skills. Babies learn language from adults who repeat and read words to them. Our surveys show that the reading crisis persists, with the number of children and young people who say they enjoy reading, and read daily, continuing to decline. Children who start to read for pleasure by the age of nine do better in tests, have been mental health and spend less time on screens, according to new research.
Through expertly curated book recommendations, engaging reading challenges, and practical guidance, we aim to support children at every stage of their reading journey—whether they are just starting to.
