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Why is reading to young children important? Sharing books gives children opportunities to hear language, respond to pictures and ideas, and connect with a caring adult. It helps build the foundations for language and early literacy. The aim is enjoyable time together—not getting a child to read independently before they are ready.
By Bubbly Books · Updated October 23, 2026
This guide brings together published early-literacy guidance and simple activities you can try at home. “Early reading” here means sharing books with a child, including a child who cannot yet read.
What does research say about reading aloud?
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2024 policy statement recommends shared reading beginning at birth and continuing at least through kindergarten. Its accompanying technical report reviews evidence on literacy promotion, language, social-emotional development and caregiver–child relationships.
That evidence supports making shared reading part of family life. It does not mean one book, a particular number of minutes or starting at a certain age guarantees academic success. Reading together is one part of a child’s learning environment.
When should I start reading to my baby?
You can start from birth. According to the AAP’s guide to sharing books with babies, hearing your voice and spending time together matter even before a baby understands the words. You do not need to finish the book.
If you have not started yet, begin with a book you already own or borrow one from a library. Make the next opportunity a comfortable one rather than trying to make up for missed days.
Does reading aloud help children learn words?
Shared reading offers opportunities for children to hear words in context and take part in conversation. The AAP’s literacy guidance emphasizes these positive, language-rich interactions. A useful way to approach a page is to notice what catches your child’s interest and respond.
For example, if your child points to an animal, you might name it, describe what it is doing and pause. A younger child may respond with a look or a sound; an older child may offer an idea. You can respond without turning each page into a quiz.
How long should I read with my child?
Choose a session your child enjoys and that fits your day. For a baby, that may be a few pages; for another child, it may be a whole story. A brief, relaxed session is a useful starting point, and you can return later.
For an easy experiment, choose one predictable moment—after breakfast, before a nap or during a quiet evening—and offer a book. Treat it as an invitation, with no timer or requirement to reach the last page.
What if my child will not sit still?
Try a shorter book, talk about a picture, or pause when your child loses interest. The AAP baby-reading guide advises following a baby’s cues rather than forcing completion.
- Offer a choice between two books.
- Invite your child to point, make a sound or help turn a page.
- Try another time when your child is more comfortable.
- Finish while the experience is still pleasant, even if the story is unfinished.
Do I have to read every word—or choose a new book each time?
No. You can talk about the pictures or revisit a favourite page. The AAP notes that babies may enjoy the same book repeatedly. With an older child, try inviting them to tell you what they remember, while leaving them free simply to listen.
Here are a few optional prompts you can adapt: “What do you notice?”, “Which picture would you like to talk about?” or “What do you think might happen next?” These are suggestions for conversation, not a test or a set of questions you must complete.
A simple routine to try today
- Choose: let your child pick a book, or offer two choices.
- Share: read or describe a page at a comfortable pace.
- Pause: leave space for a question, a sound or a comment.
- Respond: follow the part your child finds interesting.
- Finish: stop when it suits your child and plan another opportunity.
For example, a child who enjoys animals might choose an animal story. You could read a page, talk about one character and then carry on—or stop there. The point is the shared exchange, rather than completing a checklist.
Does reading aloud replace teaching a child to read?
Enjoying a story together and learning to read print are related but different activities. Keep shared reading welcoming rather than making every story a reading assessment. If you want guidance about your child’s reading progress, their teacher can help you choose appropriate next steps.
About this guide
Prepared by Bubbly Books, a children’s-book publisher. Our publisher biography describes Charlee Bee’s background of more than 30 years in education. The research statements in this article are attributed to the sources below; this guide has not received an independent clinical review.
Sources and further reading
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2024): Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice—Policy Statement.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2024): Companion technical report.
- AAP Council on Early Childhood: How to Share Books With Your Baby, updated September 29, 2024.
Choose a Bubbly Books story to share
Explore friendship with The Magic of Blackthorn Forest, or start a conversation about kindness and confidence with Flossy Stands Tall. Both books are available on Amazon.