Bedtime reading is so much more than a tool to help children sleep (although it’s pretty useful for that too!). A story each night can grow a child’s imagination, build their vocabulary and offer you precious bonding time. Not bad, eh? If you’re looking for a new bedtime book to read, try our brilliant 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime book series on the Pickatale app, which has been narrated by Joanna Lumley! You’ll soon be drifting off to the land of nod.

Create a special place for books at home

Be it a bookshelf, book box or cosy reading corner; having a dedicated place for stories to live at home is a nice way for children to familiarise themselves with literature. The more books a child sees, the more likely they are to integrate reading into their everyday life. Some gentle encouragement from a grown-up to enjoy a story together is also a wonderful opportunity to create special memories.

Play reading challenges

Make reading extra-fun by setting a series of literary challenges for your kids! These brilliant activities can be done at home, with friends and even over Zoom – be prepared for lots of laughs and enjoy these six reading recommendations to help you on your way:

1. Read out loud to a pet.
2. Read a book by an author with the same first name as you.
3. Read a joke book – we have a brilliant series of books called Jokes for Funny Kids on the Pickatale app.
4. Read a book outside.
5. Read a book set in space.
6. Read a book with a friend on a video call.

Start a reading tradition together

Perhaps you buy and read the paper every Sunday? Why not involve your child in your weekly tradition by offering them a magazine to read of their choice. Sit down together and enjoy the peace and quiet with some new uplifting and fun reading material.

Relax with an audiobook

Audiobooks are an excellent way to connect with literature and storytelling. Be transported into a new world and switch off from the ‘now’ when you plug in your headphones. Reluctant readers can especially benefit from audiobooks, which make reading both accessible and enjoyable!