In the age of quick entertainment and consumption, reading has taken a back seat to television and mobile phones. The eyes of children are often found buried in screens rather than books. While a recent study showed that Gen-Z are more likely to purchase books than previous generations, there are still plenty of kids younger than ten who can be seen using a mobile phone rather than reading books.

International Children’s Book Day is celebrated every 2nd of April, on Hans Christian Andersen's birth anniversary, to encourage children to read more books.

The theme of the year 2024 is "Cross the Seas on the Wing of Your Imagination", with the key focus being on imagination.

In this article, we are going to list down five positive impacts reading can have on children and also recommend some books for children.

1. Develops a yearning for learning

When children read from an early age they tend to perform better academically. It increases their vocabulary, improves their attention span and helps with their concentration. Add to that, it hones their reading skills and helps them understand more.

2. Develops a Child’s Brain

Stimulating your child’s mind from an early age can have a positive impact on their brain development. The more you stimulate your child’s brain, the more its strength increases. This stimulation will help them become better listeners, readers and learners in the future.

3. Psychological Benefit

Creativity, Curiosity and Imagination are just a few of the qualities that a child may develop due to early reading. This also helps them develop empathy, problem solving and morality, as children start relating to the characters in the book. It also inculcates discipline, as children are required to sit patiently and listen while reading.

4. Improves Self Confidence

Children might develop self-esteem issues if they see other children performing better academically, this has the potential to become a serious self-image issue. Reading from an early age might solve this issue, as they might become comfortable with reading in front of others.

5. Develops a Bond with Your Child








Shared passions and hobbies can do wonders for your relationship with your child. It can grow into a regular get-together where you sit and discuss your favourite books by authors. These get-togethers make you closer to your child and encourage them to develop love and affection for you.

Personal Recommendation for Children:

1. The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The author criticizes society with the tale of a little prince trapped in a world of narrow-minded and materialistic adult rulers. The book showcases the beauty that lies in the simple pleasures of life.

2. The Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Unearthed the Truth About the Dinosaurs - Kate Winter

Instil a love for dinosaurs by delving into the works of unsung palaeontologist, Mary Anning. Filled with illustrations, this book will mesmerize your child with science and discovery.

3. I Am Lenny Brown - Dan Freedman

Lenny Brown, who can’t talk to anyone except his mother and his dog, has to face his fears after he has to move house and change schools.

4. Wild Cities - Ben Lerwill, Harriet Hobday

With the rising population in cities, the lives of stray animals become more and more difficult. This book examines the life of animals in the hustle and bustle of big cities.

5. Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling

The trio of Hermione, Harry and Ron have entered the pop culture zeitgeist for a good reason. This timeless tale of friendship, bravery and witchcraft can spark your child’s imagination and also impart moral lessons to them.

Child Help Foundation recognizes the importance of learning and reading and has helped 4,89,465 students with quality education.

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