Reading to your child: 1–3 years

Between the ages of 1 and 3, children become increasingly interested in books. They learn to turn the pages, spend more time looking at the illustrations, and gradually discover the joy of storytime. Reading is a wonderful way to bond with you and develop their language skills.

• If your child is under 1 year old, read our fact sheet on Introducing your baby to reading: 0–12 months.
• If your child is aged 3 or older, read our fact sheet on Reading to your child: 3–5 years.

How reading benefits your child

Even young children can greatly benefit from reading:

• Reading promotes language development. From age 1 to 3, your toddler will start saying their first words and eventually, their first complete sentences. Books help kids widen their vocabulary and vary their sentence structures.
• Reading is an opportunity to interact with your child and helps build a strong attachment bond.
• Books become a source of enjoyment and pleasure. When your child discovers books at a young age, they associate reading with spending quality time with you. If their first experience with books is at school, they may see reading as a chore.
• Reading improves attention span and concentration, and builds listening skills.
• Reading builds knowledge and is a great opportunity to learn new things. For example, books help your child discover animals (lions, tigers, elephants) and places (the savannah, jungle) that they aren’t exposed to in their immediate environment.

• Reading sparks an interest in writing. With you by their side, your child will subconsciously learn how to interact with a book, pick up new words, and discover the basics of writing: we hold books a certain way, we turn pages, the letters on the page have meaning, etc. Before they even start kindergarten, they’ll be acquainted with the letters of the alphabet.
• Books foster your child’s imagination and develop their curiosity. Your little one will quickly understand that stories are doors to other worlds.
• When introduced at an early age, books foster academic perseverance and success. Reading helps children develop essential academic skills, including concentration, language development, a love of learning, and self-confidence.

How to read to your little one

12 to 18 months

• Let your child explore the book. They may want to touch it, open it, turn the pages, etc.
• Pay attention to the illustrations that capture their interest and focus on them. Point to and name what you see, or ask your child to show you specific things (e.g., characters, objects, actions). You can also comment on what you see (e.g., the kitty has fur, the bird has feathers). Your comments will support your child’s language development.
• Make storytelling exciting. Read with expression, do animal calls and other silly sounds, and draw connections between the pictures and real-life objects (e.g., your child’s animal figurines, their toy train).
• Ask your child simple “where” and “who” questions, such as: “Where is the tractor?” and “Who ate the apple?”.

18 months to 3 years

• Encourage your child to choose the book you’ll read. This way, they’ll be more attentive.
• Let them set the pace and follow their cues. Since a toddler’s attention span is short, don’t insist on finishing the book if they’ve lost interest.
• Read the book as written to help boost your child’s vocabulary. If they don’t understand what you’ve read, try to explain it in your own words. However, if their interest wanes or if the book is too complicated, feel free to adapt the story to their level.
• Get your child to participate. Ask them questions about the story and characters. Find stories with relatable themes (e.g., not wanting to go to bed, celebrating a birthday) that connect to your child’s life. Encourage them to comment on the story by sharing your thoughts (e.g., “I think he’s going to get angry. What do you think?”).
• Personalize the story. Make your child the hero of the story and name the other characters after their friends or family members.
• Follow the sentences with your finger as you read. This way, your child will learn that you read with letters, not pictures.

Choosing a book

Here are a few types of books that might interest your child:

• Colourful books with clear, easy-to-understand pictures. Abstract illustrations are better suited to older children.
• Books with simple stories that relate to your child’s everyday life (e.g., daycare, bedtime, potty training, birth of a baby brother), as these are more likely to pique their interest. Plus, hearing these stories may help them navigate similar, difficult experiences in their own life (bibliotherapy).
• Books on a specific theme (e.g., cats, trucks, dinosaurs). Themed books help your little one learn more about the subjects that interest them.
• Books that reflect your child’s preferences. If you notice that your child is really interested in a particular book, try other books by the same author, in the same series, or from the same publisher.

How to foster your child’s interest in reading

• Read books with your child often, not just before bed. Try reading together before naptime or supper, or even during bathtime if you have a waterproof book.
• Agree to read the same book again if that’s what your child wants. It’s normal for kids this age to want to read the same book over and over. The repetition helps them feel secure, and they understand the story better with each new reading.
• Get your child a library card so they can discover the joy of picking out their own books. Borrow books from the library regularly or trade books with friends. This way, your child always has access to new books and can develop an interest in particular subjects or genres. Keep reading their favourite books as often as they want.

• Attend your library’s story hour with your child. Your little one might enjoy listening to stories with a group of other children.
• Set up a little reading nook in the living room or in your child’s bedroom to get them excited about reading time. Make sure they can reach their books on their own. Add pillows and blankets to create a fun and cozy reading environment.
• Read books or magazines for enjoyment. You’ll show your child that books are fun and exciting sources of knowledge. As their role model, you are the ideal person to instill them with a love of reading.
• Show your child that writing is everywhere. For example, read outdoor signs, text on cereal boxes, or birthday cards in front of your child. Little by little, they will start to understand that reading is important.

Things to keep in mind

• When you read with your toddler, you’re supporting their language development and strengthening your parent-child bond.
• Frequently reading books with your child, letting them pick their own books, and going to the library are all good ways to foster an interest in reading.
• To keep your child interested, choose books with relatable stories that connect to their everyday life, or opt for educational books about their favourite topics.

Scientific review: Agathe Tupula Kabola, speech therapist Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: September 2025

Photo: GettyImages/LumiNola