The reading crisis: How to help children rediscover books

Every page a child reads opens a door to new worlds of creativity, new ideas and endless possibilities. With reading rates falling fast, far too many doors are being left closed.

In 2025 just one in three children (32.7%) and young people aged eight to 18 said that they enjoyed reading in their free time. The lowest level in 20 years. This new school year is the perfect time to help children rediscover the joy of reading.

Amelia needed help but was brushed off

Amelia stared at the book in front of her and sighed. It was her reading book for class, and it was the third time she was struggling with the same book, without making any progress. All her friends had moved on to the next book and Amelia felt stuck.

Her teacher also noticed the lack of interest and decided to give Amelia another book that was more colourful and had pictures of animals that might catch her eye. This time Amelia opened the book with determination. But soon she stumbled across a difficult word (adventure) and ran to her mum for help. Her mother, too engrossed in a conversation with her friend, brushed her off. Frustrated, Amelia slammed the book closed and stomped up to her room. Later, her mother saw the book lying on the kitchen table. Replaying the day’s events, she realised that she hadn’t been there when Amelia needed her the most. She began to wonder if her lack of attention was the reason why her daughter had lost interest in reading.

We can learn so much from reading a book

We use books as an escape to other worlds, but the advantages of reading go far beyond that. By encouraging your children to read, you help them gain knowledge, become more creative and learn to express themselves. Below are some tips to help your child develop a love for reading.

Make reading fun and interactive.

We all know how challenging it can be to get children to do something they’re not interested in. Sitting through a book that doesn’t capture their attention can quickly lead to disinterest. To keep your little ones engaged, choose books that are vibrant, colourful, and visually appealing. Books with illustrations are a great choice, as they spark interest and make reading feel like an adventure.

Create a cosy and inviting environment.

To make reading a fun and enjoyable activity, it’s key to create the right atmosphere. A cosy space with soft pillows and a warm blanket can make all the difference. Creating a comfortable reading nook allows children to settle down and enjoy their books. Another great tip is to have an eye-catching bookshelf stocked with a variety of books. This will make reading more accessible. It sparks curiosity and draws children in, encouraging them to pick up a book and start reading. Allowing time to read before bed can make reading feel like a privilege rather than a chore. Consider letting your child read in a cosy spot, with ‘lights out’ half an hour later than usual. This small adjustment helps establish a regular reading habit while making the experience relaxing and enjoyable.

Let them choose their own books.

Nobody likes being told what to do, and the same applies to kids. Let them explore and pick out books that catch their eye. Whether it’s a comic book, picture book, fairytale or fantasy novel. Giving them the freedom to choose their own books gives them a sense of control. It’s also a great way to discover what excites them. You might just be surprised at what they will fall in love with.

Try audiobooks.

If your child isn’t fond of reading, introduce audiobooks to them. This could be a game changer. Some children find that listening to a story helps them connect with it in a way that reading alone cannot. Audiobooks also introduce kids to different voices and accents, making the story come alive. So, if they’re not ready to dive into reading a book, give audiobooks a try, it might just be the spark that ignites their love for books.

Set aside time for reading together.

Make reading a regular part of your routine by setting aside time each week. Sitting down with your children not only encourages them to read aloud, but also gives you a chance to help them with pronunciation and new words. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference. Plus, it turns reading into a fun family activity that everyone can enjoy!

Discuss what they’ve read.

After your child finishes a book, take time out to ask them questions about it. Show genuine interest in their thoughts about the story. This shows them that you care about what they are reading. It also sparks their curiosity and keeps the conversation going. The more you engage with them, the more they will want to share with you. Being enthusiastic and curious creates a positive feedback loop that motivates them to explore more stories.

Books teach valuable life lessons

Books explore important themes like diversity, resilience and kindness. Many stories have morals or a message that children can discuss with their peers. These books aren’t just for entertainment – they offer a lot of wisdom too. By reading, children can learn how to handle real-life issues and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through the characters’ experiences, kids can reflect on how they would react in similar situations, making reading not just fun but meaningful.

Reading has the power to transform a child’s world. It helps them develop emotional intelligence and creativity. As parents and educators, it’s essential to encourage these habits early on, providing tools and support that can last a lifetime.

Act now by picking up a book and reading it with your children. You don’t have to make it perfect, just make it fun! Let’s work together to make reading a habit that will inspire and shape the future of our children. What book will you be reading with your child today?

And Amelia?

The next evening her mother sat with her in her room. She had made them both a hot chocolate, to show that she had taken time out just for her. Together they laughed, guessed and finally sounded the word out. With her mum’s guidance, Amelia finally finished the colourful book and was ready to pick up the book she had previously struggled with. For the first time in weeks, Amelia smiled with pride, and with her mum’s encouragement, they both set aside time for reading every week. And just like Amelia, any child can rediscover the joy of reading. Sometimes all it takes is a little attention and care.