Bookworms in the Making: How to Spark a Love of Reading in Children

OSCAR Care Group
Aug 14
4 min read

There’s something magical about snuggling up with a child and opening a book. Whether it’s the rustle of pages, the colourful pictures, or the silly voices we use, reading together is more than just a lovely bonding moment—it’s a powerful way to build brains, boost communication, and plant the seeds of lifelong learning.

But what if your little one would rather eat the book than read it? Or your toddler has the attention span of a gnat? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, childcare educator, or after-school care worker, there are simple ways to turn reading into a fun and stress-free part of your day. Let’s dive into the why, the how, and the what when it comes to developing a love of books in children.

Speech Pathologist explains how to Spark a Love of Reading in Children

Why Reading to Children is So Important

Reading to children does more than build vocabulary.

It helps with:

Understanding how language works (hello, grammar!)
Developing listening and attention skills
Building memory and imagination
Strengthening the bond between child and adult
Encouraging curiosity and empathy

And from a speech and language perspective, reading aloud exposes kids to sounds, sentence structure, and storytelling in ways that everyday conversation sometimes doesn’t.

In short: reading is like a gym workout for the brain… but with less sweat and more cuddles.

The Speechie Perspective: How Books Boost Language

Speech Pathologists (aka “Speechies”) love books! Why? Because they help kids learn how to:

Use new words in real-life situations
Understand stories, questions, and directions
Develop expressive and receptive language (fancy words for ‘talking’ and ‘understanding’)
Practise turn-taking and social skills

And here’s the best bit—you don’t need fancy flashcards or expensive tools. A simple picture book and a comfy lap will do the trick.

Best Books for Different Ages

Newborn to 6 months: Look for black and white or high-contrast books. Babies this young can’t see colours well, so bold patterns are best. Examples: Look Look! by Peter Linenthal or Baby Sees series.

6 to 12 months: Try books with texture, mirrors, or lift-the-flap features. Babies love repetition and rhythm. Think sing-songy rhymes. Examples: That’s Not My... series or Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?

1 to 2 years: Board books with simple pictures and predictable text. Kids this age love pointing, naming, and turning pages themselves. Examples: Dear Zoo, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, or Moo, Baa, La La La!

2 to 3 years: Add in interactive books with questions or counting. Use books to label feelings and everyday routines. Examples: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Spot books, or The Pout-Pout Fish.

3 to 5 years: Time for longer stories, sillier rhymes, and characters with feelings. Books with repeating phrases let kids "read" along. Examples: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Hairy Maclary, or The Gruffalo.

5 years and up: Now kids are ready for more complex stories, jokes, and facts. Mix fiction with non-fiction. Think dinosaurs, space, and weird animal facts. Examples: Pig the Pug, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, National Geographic Kids.

5 Speech Pathologist Tips for Reading Time

Follow their lead. Let your child pick the book—even if it’s the same one for the tenth time today. Repetition helps!
Use silly voices and facial expressions. You don’t have to be an actor, but a little drama goes a long way. Use sound effects or make animal noises.
Pause to chat. Ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think he feels?” You don’t need to finish the book in one go.
Talk about the pictures. Label what you see: “Look! That dog is sleeping. He’s under the table.”
Keep books within reach. Have books in the play area, the car, or even the bathroom. The more they see books, the more they’ll explore.

For Childcare Educators & After-School Care Teams

You are book heroes in disguise! Here’s how you can help foster book love in your setting:

Create a cosy reading nook (pillows, rugs, and soft lighting work wonders)
Include a rotating range of books: different cultures, languages, themes
Read in small groups, not just circle time
Use books as part of craft, song, or play themes
Involve older kids in storytelling for younger ones

Reading doesn’t have to be quiet either—pair it with songs, actions, or props to keep things interactive.

How Can a Speech Pathologist Help?

If your child isn’t showing much interest in books, isn’t talking yet, or seems to struggle with language, a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist can help.

They’ll check how your child understands and uses language, and give you fun, play-based strategies you can use at home. Speechies can also suggest the right types of books for your child’s developmental level—and show you how to turn any book into a language-building adventure.

What About Other Health Professionals?

If you’re concerned about a child’s development, other professionals can help too:

GPs (Doctors) – a great first step for referrals or developmental checks
Maternal and Child Health Nurses – offer guidance from birth to school age
Occupational Therapists – support attention, sensory, and fine motor needs (helpful for holding books!)
Audiologists – if hearing is a concern, especially if a child isn’t talking much

Working as a team can make a big difference.

Final Words: Make Reading Fun, Not Forced

Reading should feel like play, not a chore. If a child is squirmy or not interested, that’s okay. Try again later. Make it part of your routine—just 5 minutes a day is a great start.

No matter your child’s age or ability, it’s never too early (or too late) to build a love of books.

And if you ever feel unsure, reach out to a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. They’re here to help.

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