The children's library
At the children's library you can borrow books you'd rather not buy, try new topics and talk to a librarian who knows children's books well. The trip itself becomes a small event.
Resources
Helpful resources
For a child to fall in love with books, you don't need to buy out a whole bookstore. It matters far more that books are close at hand, change from time to time and get talked about. In this section we describe the kinds of resources almost every family has access to: from the neighborhood children's library to a shelf in the kids' room and swaps with friends. We don't give specific names or addresses — look for what works best for you.
A child who sees grown-ups reading learns the most important thing: a book is something you choose of your own free will.
How this section works: we describe kinds of resources — libraries, home shelves, group reading, audiobooks, book swaps and help from specialists — and explain how each one helps. We don't name organizations, publishers or services, and we don't recommend anything in exchange for payment.
Kinds of resources
Six kinds of resources you can rely on when reading as a family.
The family shelf
Place children's books low down with the covers facing out, so your child can reach and choose on their own. Rearrange the books now and then and put some away for a while: a book that comes back feels brand new.
Book clubs and library story times
Many libraries host read-aloud sessions, book discussions and book-based workshops. It's good for children to see that a book can be talked about not only with mom or dad but with other kids, too.
Audiobooks — how to use them
Audiobooks are great in the car, while drawing or when the grown-up is tired. Listen together and talk about what you heard, but don't let them replace live reading aloud, where you can stop and look at a picture.
Book swaps
Arrange with friends, neighbors or other parents from your child's class or group to swap books the kids have outgrown. The shelf gets refreshed without big expenses, and your child learns that a book can have several happy owners.
Teachers and speech therapists — when to ask
If you're worried about your child's speech, they mix up similar sounds or reading meets strong resistance, talk to their preschool or classroom teacher or a speech-language pathologist. A specialist will see the whole picture and suggest how to help.
How to choose a book for your child
- Start with interests: trucks, animals, princesses or construction sites — any topic is good if your child listens with shining eyes.
- Leaf through a book before buying or borrowing it: do the pictures suit, is there too much text on a page, do you like the language yourself?
- For listening, you can choose more complex stories than for reading alone: children understand more by ear than they can read on their own.
- For first independent attempts, choose large print, short lines and simple, familiar words.
- Pay attention to the book's tone: it shouldn't contain humiliation, rudeness or frightening scenes your child isn't ready for.
- Let your child put down a book they didn't like and come back to it someday later.
Related sections
- Topics
Picture books, rhymes and nursery rhymes, fairy tales, first independent books, nonfiction and screens, plus our article catalogue.
- Lessons
Lessons for parents: how to read aloud, talk about a book, play with sounds and meet letters without hurrying.
- FAQ
Answers about this guide, about reading at home, and about when and whom to ask if reading is a struggle.
- Glossary
Simple definitions of words about sounds and letters, about reading and about how a children's book works.
Sources
- Children's library recommendations on family reading (in general terms)
- Editorial materials of the All For Children guide
The advice in this guide is kept general and draws on guidance materials for parents and on children's library recommendations about reading as a family. Every child finds their way to books along their own path and at their own pace, so follow your child's interest and mood, and bring any questions about speech or reading to a teacher or a speech-language pathologist.