Giving toddlers a love of reading
By Piklo · September 21, 2026 · 1 min read
A love of reading is nurtured long before a child can read. A child who links books with moments of pleasure and closeness becomes a reader more easily. The goal isn't to "make them work," but to create a joyful relationship with books.
Read early, read often
You can read to a baby from the first months: they take in the voice, the colours, the rhythm. Regularity matters more than length: a few minutes each day beats a long occasional session. The bedtime book is an excellent anchor.
Choosing the right books
For little ones, favour picture books, board books, short and repetitive stories. Children love recognising, anticipating, repeating. Books where they recognise themselves, with their name or face, multiply the urge to turn the pages.
Bringing reading to life
Use expression, do the voices, point at the pictures, ask questions. Let the child turn the pages, go back, choose the book. A child who takes part grows more attached to reading. It doesn't matter if they want the same book ten times: repetition drives learning.
Setting the example
A child who sees their parents read understands that books have value. Leave books within reach, visit the library, talk about stories. A personalised book where the child becomes the hero is often the spark that turns reading into an awaited moment.
Frequently asked questions
From what age should you read to a child?
From the first months. A baby benefits from the voice, rhythm and images long before understanding the words.
What if my child always wants the same book?
That's normal and even beneficial: repetition reassures and supports language learning. Follow their lead.
How long should you read each day?
A few regular minutes are enough. Consistency matters more than length, and the bedtime book is an excellent ritual.