Choosing what to read 

It doesn’t always matter what you read together – it’s all about inspiring your child to be confident and comfortable reading, so they learn to love it too.

Start by thinking about what kind of reading the book is for. Has your child brought it home from school so they can practise their reading and build fluency? Is it a book they find easy to read that will help them to build their confidence? Or is it a book for you to read to your child for pleasure?

How do I choose books at the right level for my child?

"Reading is great for everyone, and loving books is something that can start when you're very young. We can learn about people and life from stories, poems and non-fiction, and if you read to your children regularly for fun you will definitely be helping them in so many ways."

- Tony Bradman

"Reading is vital for developing the imagination - the ability to stand in other people's shoes and look through other eyes. With a book you can experience other lives, other worlds, other times. Books are the key to opening up opportunities."

- Michael Morgan

Author’s picks

We asked top children’s writers what they like to read to their own families, and a few old favourites cropped up:

"We enjoyed the Dogger and Alfie series by Shirley Hughes, the wonderful illustrations of John Burningham or classic picture books from Janet and Allan Ahlberg such as Each Peach Pear Plum. As my kids got older I particularly liked reading rhythmic, rhyming texts and two of my favourites were Mr Magnolia by Quentin Blake, and In The Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak – great to read aloud!"

- Tony Bradman, author of Dilly the Dinosaur 

"I read lots of Julia Donaldson's and Axel Scheffler's books: The Smartest Giant in Town, Tiddler, Tabby McTat – great to join in with and something in every spread for inquisitive eyes to spot."

- Christopher Edge, author of the Dead Ways series

Download our guide

Enjoy Reading guide for parents