STORIES BY AGE

Babies and toddlers learn about their new world through all five senses. When choosing books for littles, look for age-appropriate options that can handle the wear and tear of curious hands (and mouths!).

Let them interact freely with books—pulling, poking, touching, lifting flaps, and exploring.

Reading with babies is more about connection than completion.

The best books are the ones that spark curiosity, smiles, and interaction. Ask simple questions about the pictures like, “Can you find the mouse?” Follow their lead.

Remember:

• You don’t need to read every word

• Smiling, laughing, pointing, or playing all count

• Any positive interaction with a book builds your bond

“Reading” together is much more than words on a page — it’s about sharing wonder, joy, and relationship.

Toddlers are learning independence and seeking reassurance that they are always loved.

Toddlers are especially drawn to:

• Simple stories with flaps to lift

• Repetition and rhyming language

• Predictable rhythms that invite participation

Hearing familiar stories again and again isn’t just comforting — it’s how their brains build new language pathways. (So when they ask for the same book one more time, something important really is happening.) Creating a daily reading routine that both parent and child enjoy helps meet these emotional needs and strengthens your bond.

Once a favorite book is well known, pause and let your child finish the sentence.

For example:
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you…?”

This simple practice:

• Builds confidence and early language skills

• Creates a sense of predictability and safety

• Supports developing nervous systems through connection and rhythm

Preschoolers are naturally curious, imaginative, and full of wonder. Reading stories together invites you to see the world through their eyes — and that shared perspective can create positive ripples throughout your entire day. Preschool is also a key time for developing empathy, friendship, and emotional awareness.

Through thoughtfully written books — created by true children’s literature authors — engaging stories with illustrations naturally invite conversation between parent and child.

Reading with babies is more about connection than completion.

The best books are the ones that spark curiosity, smiles, and interaction. Ask simple questions about the pictures like, “Can you find the mouse?” Follow their lead.

Lean into your preschooler’s curiosity and sense of humor by inviting them to search the illustrations.

For example:

• In 10 Minutes ’Till Bedtime, ask:
  “Can you find the hamster wearing underwear on his head on every page?”

• Or look for silly, repeating characters in Officer Buckle, Goodnight Gorilla, or other Peggy Rathmann favorites.

Kids love discovering patterns — and even spotting characters that appear across multiple books. This playful interaction deepens engagement and makes reading feel like a shared adventure.

Early school-age children are diving into “big kid” experiences — starting school, learning to read, and exploring independence. They thrive with stories that spark imagination, offer gentle life lessons, and make them feel connected to the world around them.

Daily reading routines at this stage can:

• Build excitement for learning to read

• Foster social-emotional growth through relatable stories

• Provide a comforting rhythm at the end of busy days, helping both parent and child go to bed happy and wake up refreshed

Myth: Reading to your child while they are learning to read will make them not want to learn.

Fact: Reading to your child in a fun, enjoyable way actually makes them want to read!

Why? Because they associate reading time with:

• Happy, loving moments with you

• Fun, interesting stories

• Shared conversation and connection

Even once children are reading independently, this bonding time remains valuable. My teenage son and I still look forward to reading together at the end of long days, discussing stories, laughing, and connecting.

Children ages 7–9 are developing independence as readers, but they still love being read to. This shared reading builds a happy association with books and naturally encourages the transition to chapter books.

Stories at this stage can also:

• Open conversations about emotions, friendships, and problem-solving

• Support growth mindset by exploring mistakes and learning

• Foster empathy and perspective-taking through relatable characters

Funny stories from younger age sections can diffuse tension with laughter, creating space to talk about feelings afterward.

Reading aloud can help children:

• Feel heard and understood

• See another perspective

• Learn empathy for siblings and friends

Tweens (ages 9–12) are ready for longer, more complex stories that challenge their thinking and spark imagination. At this stage, children enjoy:

• Relatable characters they can identify with

• Fast-moving adventure plots

• Stories that explore thought-provoking themes or social dilemmas

Reading together at this age can also help maintain connection, offering a safe space for conversations about feelings, fears, and life changes.

Let your child take the lead in choosing what you read together. Even if it’s not your favorite story, this approach:

• Gives insight into their interests and fears

• Encourages open dialogue about life and emotions

• Keeps your nightly reading routine a safe, enjoyable space

Teenagers are ready for more complex stories, both fiction and non-fiction, that challenge their thinking and encourage self-reflection. At this stage, reading can:

• Spark independent thinking and personal values

• Encourage conversations about ethics, society, and identity

• Connect teens with history, social issues, and personal development

Maintaining some shared reading (or discussion about reading) keeps communication open during these formative years.

If your teen isn’t interested in reading together, try this:

• Ask what their favorite book or audiobook is lately

• Read it separately yourself

• Share and ask about your favorite parts

Key points:

• Avoid judging what they’re reading

• Keep conversations neutral, curious, and loving

• Use reading as a window into understanding your teen’s thoughts, feelings, and interests

This approach can naturally lead to open dialogue about more serious topics — mental health, relationships, and life choices — while keeping connection strong.

Even as children grow more independent, reading aloud together remains a powerful way to connect — especially during times of change, stress, or family transitions.

Family read-aloud time can:

• Create a comforting, stable routine

• Spark shared laughter and discussion

• Provide a safe space to explore feelings, share thoughts, and connect across ages

Even teens still enjoy gathering for stories — sometimes preferring that you do the reading — which links them back to the comfort of childhood routines.

• Let everyone have a say in book selection

• Try audiobooks on car trips — a favorite is Winnie-the-Pooh narrated by Peter Dennis

• Follow the family’s enjoyment: if no one likes the book, choose a different one

• Don’t feel obligated to finish books that aren’t fun — the goal is happy, connecting family time

Babies and toddlers learn about their new world through all five senses. When choosing books for littles, look for age-appropriate options that can handle the wear and tear of curious hands (and mouths!).

Let them interact freely with books—pulling, poking, touching, lifting flaps, and exploring.

Reading with babies is more about connection than completion.

The best books are the ones that spark curiosity, smiles, and interaction. Ask simple questions about the pictures like, “Can you find the mouse?” Follow their lead.

Remember:

• You don’t need to read every word

• Smiling, laughing, pointing, or playing all count

• Any positive interaction with a book builds your bond

“Reading” together is much more than words on a page — it’s about sharing wonder, joy, and relationship.

Toddlers are learning independence and seeking reassurance that they are always loved.

Toddlers are especially drawn to:

• Simple stories with flaps to lift

• Repetition and rhyming language

• Predictable rhythms that invite participation

Hearing familiar stories again and again isn’t just comforting — it’s how their brains build new language pathways. (So when they ask for the same book one more time, something important really is happening.) Creating a daily reading routine that both parent and child enjoy helps meet these emotional needs and strengthens your bond.

Once a favorite book is well known, pause and let your child finish the sentence.

For example:
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you…?”

This simple practice:

• Builds confidence and early language skills

• Creates a sense of predictability and safety

• Supports developing nervous systems through connection and rhythm

Preschoolers are naturally curious, imaginative, and full of wonder. Reading stories together invites you to see the world through their eyes — and that shared perspective can create positive ripples throughout your entire day. Preschool is also a key time for developing empathy, friendship, and emotional awareness.

Through thoughtfully written books — created by true children’s literature authors — engaging stories with illustrations naturally invite conversation between parent and child.

Reading with babies is more about connection than completion.

The best books are the ones that spark curiosity, smiles, and interaction. Ask simple questions about the pictures like, “Can you find the mouse?” Follow their lead.

Lean into your preschooler’s curiosity and sense of humor by inviting them to search the illustrations.

For example:

• In 10 Minutes ’Till Bedtime, ask:
  “Can you find the hamster wearing underwear on his head on every page?”

• Or look for silly, repeating characters in Officer Buckle, Goodnight Gorilla, or other Peggy Rathmann favorites.

Kids love discovering patterns — and even spotting characters that appear across multiple books. This playful interaction deepens engagement and makes reading feel like a shared adventure.

Early school-age children are diving into “big kid” experiences — starting school, learning to read, and exploring independence. They thrive with stories that spark imagination, offer gentle life lessons, and make them feel connected to the world around them.

Daily reading routines at this stage can:

• Build excitement for learning to read

• Foster social-emotional growth through relatable stories

• Provide a comforting rhythm at the end of busy days, helping both parent and child go to bed happy and wake up refreshed

Myth: Reading to your child while they are learning to read will make them not want to learn.

Fact: Reading to your child in a fun, enjoyable way actually makes them want to read!

Why? Because they associate reading time with:

• Happy, loving moments with you

• Fun, interesting stories

• Shared conversation and connection

Even once children are reading independently, this bonding time remains valuable. My teenage son and I still look forward to reading together at the end of long days, discussing stories, laughing, and connecting.

Children ages 7–9 are developing independence as readers, but they still love being read to. This shared reading builds a happy association with books and naturally encourages the transition to chapter books.

Stories at this stage can also:

• Open conversations about emotions, friendships, and problem-solving

• Support growth mindset by exploring mistakes and learning

• Foster empathy and perspective-taking through relatable characters

Funny stories from younger age sections can diffuse tension with laughter, creating space to talk about feelings afterward.

Reading aloud can help children:

• Feel heard and understood

• See another perspective

• Learn empathy for siblings and friends

Tweens (ages 9–12) are ready for longer, more complex stories that challenge their thinking and spark imagination. At this stage, children enjoy:

• Relatable characters they can identify with

• Fast-moving adventure plots

• Stories that explore thought-provoking themes or social dilemmas

Reading together at this age can also help maintain connection, offering a safe space for conversations about feelings, fears, and life changes.

Let your child take the lead in choosing what you read together. Even if it’s not your favorite story, this approach:

• Gives insight into their interests and fears

• Encourages open dialogue about life and emotions

• Keeps your nightly reading routine a safe, enjoyable space

Teenagers are ready for more complex stories, both fiction and non-fiction, that challenge their thinking and encourage self-reflection. At this stage, reading can:

• Spark independent thinking and personal values

• Encourage conversations about ethics, society, and identity

• Connect teens with history, social issues, and personal development

Maintaining some shared reading (or discussion about reading) keeps communication open during these formative years.

If your teen isn’t interested in reading together, try this:

• Ask what their favorite book or audiobook is lately

• Read it separately yourself

• Share and ask about your favorite parts

Key points:

• Avoid judging what they’re reading

• Keep conversations neutral, curious, and loving

• Use reading as a window into understanding your teen’s thoughts, feelings, and interests

This approach can naturally lead to open dialogue about more serious topics — mental health, relationships, and life choices — while keeping connection strong.

Even as children grow more independent, reading aloud together remains a powerful way to connect — especially during times of change, stress, or family transitions.

Family read-aloud time can:

• Create a comforting, stable routine

• Spark shared laughter and discussion

• Provide a safe space to explore feelings, share thoughts, and connect across ages

Even teens still enjoy gathering for stories — sometimes preferring that you do the reading — which links them back to the comfort of childhood routines.

• Let everyone have a say in book selection

• Try audiobooks on car trips — a favorite is Winnie-the-Pooh narrated by Peter Dennis

• Follow the family’s enjoyment: if no one likes the book, choose a different one

• Don’t feel obligated to finish books that aren’t fun — the goal is happy, connecting family time