Parents who know how to make reading fun for kids are giving them a gift that lasts a lifetime. Research shows kids who love to read do better in school and have long-term advantages in life.
Making reading fun is all about creating positive experiences with books. Start by choosing stories that align with their interests, whether that’s dinosaurs, superheroes or outer space. When kids are excited about the subject, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
For younger children, picture books with colorful illustrations or interactive features like lift-the-flap or touch-and-feel elements are ideal. For older kids, graphic novels and series books are great options to keep them hooked on storytelling.
Make reading fun by turning it into a game
Incorporating reading into everyday activities can also boost engagement. Try turning grocery shopping into a word hunt by asking your child to read labels or signs. Reading recipes together while cooking, following instructions for a craft, or even decoding clues during a scavenger hunt can show kids that reading is useful and fun.
By making it a shared experience—whether by acting out scenes from a book, using funny voices, or creating a cozy reading nook—you can help kids associate reading with comfort and connection.
Try a tablet or e-reader to make reading fun
Lastly, getting your child a tablet or e-reader can make reading more fun. They often come with features like adjustable text size, built-in dictionaries, and interactive elements that can enhance comprehension. And they can hold a virtual library of titles, making it easier to read on the go. By combining technology with reading, you can tap into your child’s curiosity and help foster a positive reading habit.
Choose books your child will love
To make reading fun for kids, looks for books you know they’ll love. Here are some of our top picks for 2025.
Books for toddlers (ages 1-3)
- “Buffalo Fluffalo,” by Bess Kalb, Erin Kraan (Illustrator). This national bestseller introduces a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he is. It’s a story that will inspire kids and grownups to accept who they are. Price: $18.99 hardcover; $8.99 ebook
- “Bunnies on the Bus,” by Philip Ardagh, Ben Mantle (Illustrator). Acclaimed author Philip Ardagh’s rhyming, high-energy text and “bunnies on the bus!” refrain is ideal for reading aloud and Ben Mantle’s colorful illustrations are full of zany details your kids will love. Price: $8.99 board book; $18.99 hardcover; $8.99 ebook
Young readers (ages 4-6)
- “So Tortoise Dug,” by Emmy Kastner. From the creator of While You’re Asleep comes a hilarious story about a burrowing tortoise and her mouse best friend—as well as mishaps, misunderstandings, and the friendships you make along the way. Price: $19.99 hardcover; $10.99 ebook
- “The Day the Crayons Made Friends,” by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers. In this new installment of the popular Crayons series, Duncan’s crayons explore new friendships outside his bedroom, introducing new characters like a headless fashion doll and a teddy bear. Price: $19.99 hardcover; $10.99 ebook
- “Hansel and Gretel,” by Stephen King, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. This haunting tale of two brave children lost in a dark forest has been reimagined by literary legends Stephen King and Maurice Sendak in an all-new picture book. If you or your kids are a fan of the Sendak classic “Where the Wild Things Are,” you’ll love this gorgeous storybook. Price: $24.99
Middle grades (ages 6-11)
- “The Wild Robot” series by Peter Brown. The first novel in this series, “The Wild Robot,” was turned into an award-winning movie in 2024 and tells the story of a robot named Roz who wakes up on a deserted island and learns to survive and adapt by observing the animals around her. You’ll love these books as much as you loved the film. Price: Books 1 and 2 are in paperback for $8.99; book 3 is in still hardcover, $17.99.
- “The Dog Man” series by Dav Pilkey. This popular children’s book series by the creator of the equally awesome Captain Underpants series chronicles the adventures of Dog Man, a police officer who is part dog, part man, and all hero. The latest edition is “Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea.”
Teens and young adults
- “Sunrise on the Reaping,” by Suzanne Collins. This fifth book in the Hunger Games series opens as the 50th annual Hunger Games are about to begin. Who will be tribute? Who will live and die? Return to Panem for more pulse-pounding action than ever before. (If your teens are new to the Hunger Game series, consider starting at Book 1, “The Hunger Games.” Otherwise, jump right into this popular prequel.) Price: $23.49; ebook $18.99
- “Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter. Sometimes life doesn’t always play out like the movies. Hopeless romantic Liz is positive that her childhood crush Michael is Mr. Right, but her plan to woo him falls apart when she starts to develop feelings for her ever-aggravating neighbor Wes. Price: $19.99 hardcover; $12.99 paperback; $8.99 ebook
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