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Books and Reading

Books can be part of family life from the earliest months through the primary-school years. Reading together supports conversation, imagination, attention and familiarity with written language, while independent reading gradually develops through school and practice.

Children do not all become readers in the same way or at the same age. Some enjoy stories immediately, some prefer factual books, comics or magazines, and others need more support before reading feels comfortable.

This UK guide explains how families can build positive reading habits without turning every book into a test.

How to Use This Guide

This page offers general reading ideas and links to UK literacy and education resources. It does not assess reading ability, diagnose dyslexia, hearing or vision difficulties, or replace advice from the child’s school, GP, optometrist, audiology service or another qualified professional.

Additional Trusted UK Reading and Safety Links

Trusted UK Reading Resources

Families can use the following reliable UK resources:

Library services, school reading programmes and book-gifting arrangements differ across the UK, so also check your local council, education authority, school or health-visiting service.

Reading Begins Before Children Can Read Words

Babies and young children can enjoy books long before they understand every word.

Early book sharing may include:

Looking at pictures
Listening to a familiar voice
Turning pages
Pointing at objects
Joining in with repeated phrases
Making sounds linked to pictures

There is no need to finish every page or read every word exactly as printed.

Books for Babies

Suitable early books may include:

Black-and-white picture books
Cloth books
Board books
Books with simple faces
Touch-and-feel books
Books with short rhymes

Check that books are intact, clean and free from loose parts.

Reading with Toddlers

Toddlers may:

Choose the same book repeatedly
Skip pages
Point rather than listen to the whole story
Walk away and return
Join in with favourite words

This is normal. Keep the experience flexible and enjoyable.

Reading with Preschool Children

Preschool children often enjoy:

Rhyming stories
Repeated phrases
Funny characters
Books about everyday routines
Simple factual books
Stories about starting nursery or school

Ask simple questions, but avoid turning every page into a quiz.

Reading with Primary-School Children

Primary-aged children may read:

School reading books
Picture books
Chapter books
Comics
Graphic novels
Magazines
Poetry
Non-fiction
Instructions and recipes

All of these can count as meaningful reading.

Keep Reading Positive

Useful approaches include:

Letting the child choose
Reading at a calm time
Keeping sessions short when needed
Taking turns
Stopping before frustration becomes overwhelming
Praising effort rather than speed

Repeated Books Are Useful

Children often return to the same story because it feels familiar and enjoyable.

Repeated reading can help them:

Remember the sequence
Join in with phrases
Notice new details
Build confidence

There is no need to insist on a different book every time.

Talk About Pictures

Pictures can support understanding even when the child cannot read the words.

Try:

Naming objects
Talking about expressions
Finding hidden details
Predicting what happens next
Comparing the story with real life

Ask Open Questions

Useful questions include:

“What do you think will happen next?”
“How do you think the character feels?”
“What was your favourite part?”
“What would you have done?”

Do not ask so many questions that the story stops feeling enjoyable.

Let Children Retell Stories

Children can retell using:

The pictures
Toys
Drawings
Role play
Their own words

The retelling does not need to match the original exactly.

Phonics and School Reading

Many UK primary schools use a structured phonics programme for early reading.

Ask the school:

Which programme it uses
How sounds are pronounced
How books are matched to learning
How often reading should happen at home
How to record reading

Following the school’s pronunciation and method can help avoid confusion.

School Reading Books

School books may be selected to practise particular sounds, words or comprehension skills.

Parents can help by:

Choosing a quiet time
Allowing the child to attempt words
Giving help before frustration becomes too high
Discussing meaning
Returning books on time

Do Not Judge Reading Only by Book Level

A reading level is one part of progress.

Also consider:

Understanding
Expression
Confidence
Vocabulary
Enjoyment
Ability to discuss a story

Reading Aloud to Older Children

Children do not need to lose shared story time once they can read independently.

Reading aloud can allow families to enjoy:

Longer stories
More complex vocabulary
Books beyond the child’s independent level
Shared discussion
A calm family routine

Reluctant Readers

A child may avoid reading because:

The book is too difficult
The subject is uninteresting
Reading feels like schoolwork
They are tired
They are worried about making mistakes
They have an unidentified reading, hearing or vision difficulty

Match Books to Interests

Try books about:

Football
Animals
Vehicles
Science
History
Jokes
Crafts
Gaming
Favourite films or television characters

Try Different Formats

Some children may prefer:

Comics
Graphic novels
Short stories
Fact books
Poetry
Audiobooks
Large-print books
Books with shorter chapters

Do Not Use Reading as a Punishment

Avoid presenting reading as something the child must do because they have misbehaved.

This can make books feel associated with conflict rather than enjoyment.

When Reading Causes Regular Distress

Speak to the teacher if the child:

Regularly guesses rather than reads
Cannot remember familiar sounds or words
Avoids all reading
Becomes extremely upset
Reports blurred text or headaches
Has difficulty hearing instructions
Makes little progress despite support

The teacher may involve the school’s SENCO or equivalent additional-learning-needs lead where appropriate.

Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties

Reading difficulty can have many possible causes and cannot be diagnosed from an online checklist, book level or one school result.

Raise concerns with the school and ask what has been observed, what support is already being used and how progress will be reviewed. Hearing, vision, language, attendance, teaching access and other needs may also require consideration.

Education and SEND systems differ across the UK. Seek a professional assessment where the school, healthcare service or another qualified professional advises it.

Hearing and Vision

Hearing and vision differences can affect access to books and classroom learning, but behaviours such as holding a book close or misunderstanding speech do not establish a diagnosis.

Speak to the school, GP, registered optometrist, audiology service or another appropriate professional when concerned about hearing, vision, headaches, eye strain, speech understanding or a sudden change.

Multilingual Families

Children can enjoy books in more than one language.

Parents should usually read and talk in the language they use most naturally and confidently.

Useful approaches include:

Reading the same story in two languages
Using dual-language books
Talking about pictures in the home language
Borrowing books from community libraries
Sharing songs and traditional stories

Mixing words from different languages can be part of normal multilingual development.

Books That Reflect the Child

Children benefit from seeing a wide range of:

Families
Cultures
Skin tones
Languages
Disabilities
Communities
Everyday experiences

Books can act both as mirrors of a child’s own life and windows into other people’s experiences.

Books About Difficult Topics

Age-appropriate books can help children talk about:

Starting school
New siblings
Bereavement
Divorce or separation
Illness
Friendship difficulties
Feelings
Body safety

Choose books carefully and be available for questions.

Accessible Books

Children may benefit from:

Large-print books
Braille
Tactile books
Books with clear layouts
Audiobooks
Signed stories
Books using symbols
Dyslexia-friendly formatting

Ask the school, library, sensory-support service or relevant specialist organisation about accessible formats.

Audiobooks

Audiobooks can be useful for:

Enjoying stories above the child’s independent reading level
Long journeys
Children with print-access difficulties
Listening together as a family
Supporting interest in books

Audiobooks can complement printed reading rather than being treated as a lesser form of storytelling.

Ebooks and Reading Apps

Digital books may be useful for travel, accessibility or library borrowing.

Check:

Age suitability
Advertising
In-app purchases
External links
Chat or sharing features
Privacy settings

For online-safety advice, use the NSPCC guidance for keeping children safe online.

Local Libraries

Libraries may provide:

Free borrowing
Children’s book recommendations
Story sessions
Rhyme time
Summer reading activities
Audiobooks and ebooks
Homework resources
Accessible formats

Use the GOV.UK library finder for England and Wales. Families in Scotland and Northern Ireland should use their local council or library authority website.

Joining the Library

Ask the local library about:

Proof of address
Children’s membership
Borrowing limits
Loan periods
Renewals
Charges for lost items

Bookstart and Book-Gifting Support

BookTrust works with local services to support family reading and book-gifting programmes in parts of the UK.

Ask your health visitor, early-years setting or library what is currently available locally, or visit BookTrust.

Create a Reading Routine

Reading can fit into:

Bedtime
After school
Breakfast
Travel
Quiet weekend time
Waiting for appointments

A few regular minutes may be easier to maintain than a long compulsory session.

Make Books Easy to Reach

Store a manageable selection:

On low shelves
In baskets
Near a comfortable seat
In more than one room
In the car or changing bag where practical

Rotate Books

Rotating books can:

Reduce clutter
Renew interest
Make choices easier
Protect special books

Let Children See Adults Reading

Children may be more interested in reading when they see adults using:

Books
Newspapers
Magazines
Recipes
Instructions
Library materials

Reading Challenges and Rewards

Some children enjoy reading charts or library challenges.

Keep rewards focused on participation and enjoyment rather than speed, competition or finishing books that are unsuitable.

Choosing Books by Age

Age recommendations are guides only.

Also consider:

Reading ability
Emotional maturity
Interests
Length
Print size
Subject matter

Check Content Where Needed

Before giving a book to a younger or sensitive child, check for:

Frightening themes
Violence
Bereavement
Discrimination
Sexual content
Language
Age-inappropriate online references

Buying Books Preloved

Preloved books can offer excellent value and allow families to build a varied home library at lower cost.

Suitable purchases may include:

Board books
Picture books
Early readers
Chapter books
Comics and graphic novels
Reference books
Activity books that remain unused
School reading sets

Check Preloved Books Carefully

Before buying, check:

Missing pages
Loose bindings
Water damage
Mould
Strong odours
Writing or torn activity pages
Loose sound-book batteries
Age suitability

Sound Books and Electronic Books

Treat a sound, light-up or interactive book as an electrical product as well as a book.

Check:

Battery-compartment security
Every screw or fixing
Corrosion, swelling or heat damage
Loose buttons or parts
Volume and working controls
Official recalls

Do not use or pass on a product with an insecure battery compartment or exposed wiring.

If a child may have swallowed a button battery, go straight to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance. Do not wait for symptoms. Use current button-battery guidance.

Passing Books On

Books can be:

Sold
Given to another family
Donated where accepted
Swapped with friends
Saved for younger siblings

Do not pass on books affected by mould, contamination or unsafe battery damage.

Books on Kidora

Kidora is a UK-only marketplace where parents can buy and sell new and preloved baby and children’s books and related items.

Families may find board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, comics, activity books and reference books. Check condition, missing pages, writing, mould, age suitability and electronic components.

Sellers pay no selling fees and keep 100% of the item sale price. Buyers pay a mandatory Buyer Protection fee on paid purchases, shown before checkout.

Suitable books can be listed at £0 as FREE rather than being thrown away, helping another family. FREE listings are collection-only and do not include a Buyer Protection fee.

Kidora does not assess reading level, educational suitability or electronic-product safety.

A Books and Reading Checklist

Let the child choose books
Read regularly without pressure
Use pictures and conversation
Keep repeated favourites
Try comics, facts and audiobooks
Follow the school’s phonics approach
Join the local library
Ask for help if reading causes regular distress
Check electronic books carefully
Buy and pass on suitable books preloved

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I read with my child?

Regular short reading is often easier to sustain than long sessions. Choose a routine that works for your family and keep it positive.

Is it a problem if my child wants the same book repeatedly?

No. Familiar stories can help children join in, notice details and build confidence.

Do comics and audiobooks count as reading?

Comics provide meaningful print reading, while audiobooks support access to stories and vocabulary. Both can form part of a varied reading life.

What should I do if my child dislikes reading?

Try different subjects and formats, lower the pressure and speak to the teacher if reading remains unusually difficult or distressing.

Can children’s books be bought preloved?

Yes. Check that they are complete, dry, free from mould and suitable for the child’s age. Inspect electronic books and battery compartments carefully.