THE BENEFITS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD READING — and the Best Books for Ages 0-5 Years Old

Did you know that one of the easiest ways to help a baby or young child’s brain grow and develop is to read to them? Research consistently proves that reading to young children improves their language skills, strengthens their emotional bonds with caregivers, and helps prepare them for success in school and beyond. If you’re the parent or caregiver of a young child, rest assured — it’s never too early (or late) to start creating a healthy reading habit for them.

Why Reading to Young Children is Important

From the very moment they are born, babies begin to develop skills, including their language. Hearing words, even before a child understands them, helps their brain make connections that they’ll use later to speak, read, and problem solve. That’s why reading regularly to babies helps them to hear many words frequently. By the time they reach school age, kids who have been read to a lot have already heard millions of words compared to children who weren’t. Reading to babies and young kids sets them up for a better vocabulary, reading ability, and academic success.

Additionally, reading helps with emotional development. Sitting close to a family member or other caregivers while sharing a story builds feelings of security and attachment. Books also offer opportunities for kids to talk about feelings, routines, and new experiences, making some transitions a little more familiar or less scary.

Reading also encourages young kids to use their imaginations and to be curious about new things. The new and different stories and illustrations inside books can spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and helps kids to think bigger than the world around them.

Reading By the Ages

0-12 MONTHS — INTRODUCING WORDS

Even though children typically use very few words within their first year, hearing words from others really matters. Babies benefit simply from hearing your voice. The story doesn’t matter much to them yet, but they do benefit from hearing the rhythm, tone, and repetition of words.

For kids 0-12 months of age, the best kinds of books:

• High-contrast board books, such as books with black and white patterns, which are easiest for newborns to see

• Simple stories or just words with bold pictures

• Soft cloth covers and pages that can be grabbed or vinyl for taking into the bath

• Books that offer opportunities to sing, such as nursery rhymes

Don’t worry about whether you finish the story, just try to make the activity of reading a fun, positive experience. It’s also ok for babies to mouth and handle the books (that’s why cloth, vinyl, and board books are helpful – they can stand up to some pulling, tugging, and tasting.)

2 YEARS OLD — WORD EXPLOSION

By two years old, a child’s vocabulary starts exploding. They begin recognizing words like “cup,” “dog,” and “no!” Reading can help build a two-year old’s vocabulary even faster and begins to build the idea of story structure.

For 2-year-olds, the best kind of books:

• Simple stories with a beginning, middle, and end

• Ones that encourage participation — for example, “Can you find the cat?” “Do you see the color blue?”

• Rhyming and repetition-heavy

• Explore emotions and daily routines or activities that are familiar (bedtime, going to the park, happy, sad, or mad)

  
  

When reading these books, it’s helpful to ask simple questions about the story, like “What do you think the dog is doing?” Pause sometimes to let your child fill in familiar words or story endings.

3 YEARS OLD — LITTLE STORYTELLERS

At around three years old, kids can follow longer stories and begin to understand about characters and simple story plots. 

For 3-year-olds, the best kind of books are:

• Simple but have complete stories

• Funny and silly

• Fairy tales that are simplified for younger children

• About friendship, feelings, and family

  
  

It can be fun to act out parts of the story or use silly voices to make the books, and their characters, come to life. Your child may be able to “read” a favorite story back to you because they’ve memorized books read to them repeatedly.

4 YEARS OLD — IMAGINATION BLAST-OFF

By 4 years old, a child’s imagination is going wild. They love new stories and ideas that help them use their full imaginations.

Best types of books for four-year-olds:

• Stories with relatable characters and creative settings/surroundings

• Include opportunities for simple problem-solving

• Offer early nonfiction/real situations (books about real animals, space, vehicles, etc.) with big, clear pictures

• Include the alphabet or numbers, to start preparing for school

  
  

These books provide opportunities to ask questions about what might happen next or how your child would feel if they were in the story.

5 YEARS OLD — GETTING SCHOOL READY

By five years old, many kids are gearing up for kindergarten. They are beginning to master the basics of storytelling and beginning to visually recognize words (called “sight words”).

Best types of books for five-year-olds:

• “Early readers” with simple text they may be able to recognize and follow

• Classic storybooks with more detailed plots

• Nonfiction books about their favorite interests (real trains, sports, animals)

• Topics that are relevant for new experiences at this age — school, making friends, going to the park, etc.
  

At this age, it’s fun to let children choose books that most interest them (as long as they are age appropriate). Some common interests at this age are dinosaurs, princesses, and superheroes — whatever they like! Encourage them to point out words they may recognize and practice sounding out letters.

The Key to Early Childhood Reading — Practice

Frequent reading is the key to creating a great reading habit. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of reading every day. Bedtime is a great choice because it helps keep their minds occupied while their bodies wind down from the day. Morning reading is also good for waking up and snuggles. Mealtimes or taking books to the park or the doctor’s office can fit reading into tight schedules. The goal is to make reading positive and enjoyable.

It’s also helpful for kids to see their caregivers enjoying reading. Whether it’s a book or a magazine, showing your child that reading is important to you models its value.

Creating a Lifelong Love of Reading

The benefits of reading with young children go far beyond helping them to learn words. Reading with children helps build strong relationships, sparks wonder, and creates a lifelong love of learning. So, grab a book, cuddle close, and let words create magic!

Benefits of Early Childhood Reading