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Discover how the right book keeps little readers engaged! Explore age-appropriate picks, fun themes, and tips for creating magical storytime moments‍

Have you ever started reading a book to your little one, only for you to realise you’ve lost their attention by page three? 

Well, the secret to keeping little readers engaged for longer often lies in choosing the right book for them.

Why Book Selection Matters

The right story doesn’t just entertain our little readers, it sparks their curiosity, unlocks their imagination, and creates meaningful connections with the story, characters, and even their own feelings and experiences. 

What to consider when picking a book?

• Age-appropriate reads: The books you choose should line up with your child’s stage of development, using themes and language they can easily understand.
• A child’s Interests and Curiosity: Whether it’s dinosaurs, space adventures, or magical fairies, choosing a book that speaks to your little adventurer’s current interests keeps them engaged and excited at every turn of the page.
• Don’t forget the pretty pictures: Bright and engaging visuals can capture their attention, adding yet another rich layer to the story.
• Just the right length: A short, snappy story might work wonders for a toddler, while a preschooler might enjoy slightly longer tales.
• Themes to help them grow: Nooksy’s collection of books explores meaningful themes like friendship, kindness, and empathy. These stories aren’t just fun to read, they also help children (and their parents) navigate emotions, relationships, and real-life situations through the power of storytime.

Balancing Comfort and Challenge

It can be a fine line between comfort and challenge. Too comfortable and you run the risk of your little one getting bored with reading, too challenging and they might become frustrated and their confidence could be affected. 

It’s important to find books that are slightly challenging but not overwhelming. Over time as your little reader progresses in their reading, you could introduce ‘stretch books’ which are stories that gently introduce new vocabulary or concepts, helping them grow in their reading ability and confidence.

Encourage Participation and Make it Personal

Beyond book selection, it’s important to remember to let your child participate by encouraging them to pick a book, predict what happens next, or repeat their favourite (oftentimes funny) lines. This helps them feel a sense of ownership and ‘buy-in’ in the reading process.

It’s also always helpful to create a dedicated, cosy reading routine in a special corner, with a warm blanket, (maybe even some snacks) and your undivided attention to turn reading time into a moment cherished by readers young and old. 

Get your first 3 books for free or get your hands on the entire Nooksy library for your whole family, for life, for 90% off. Head over to the Nooksy App to see our entire collection of beautifully curated children's books just for you and your family.