Disclosure – post in collaboration with Very

As an avid book reader I knew I always wanted my kids to love reading too. My husband is not a reader and although he loves watching films, he’s just never been the kind of person to lose himself in a book. Reading has always been a passion, I loved my trips to our local library with my Dad, and looked forward to my birthday or Christmas when I always received more books to devour.

Reading is powerful. Not only does it stretch your vocabulary it also helps stretch your imagination. Fact or fiction, there’s a book out there for everyone to read. Growing up I would read for hours, and it’s a healthy habit I make time for every day. Over the last few years I’ve found a love for historical fiction and craft books. I’ve also had the chance to rediscover some of my favourite children’s books through my own children, from Roald Dahl to Julia Donaldson, C.S. Lewis to Beatrix Potter, and Lewis Carroll to A.A.Milne.

How to encourage kids to love reading

I wanted to make sure I introduced healthy reading habits to both our children so started introducing books right from the start. Board books, busy books, touchy feely books, bath books – we had them all and made sure to share stories every day. We ensured the children saw us reading too, and let them know that a book was for any time of the day, not just bedtime.

Today I thought I would share our top tips on how to encourage kids to love reading.

Join the local library

We are the biggest fans of our local library. Libraries are free, fun and an endless source of books. The staff at our local library are lovely and have known the children since they were small. Join the local library for free, you will be able to borrow books, reserve books and transport children into new worlds.

Attend story time

Of course a library is not just for borrowing books. Most local libraries will hold events for children such as a story time session. I used to love story time and went every week with my children before they started school. It was a great opportunity to connect with other families, listen to stories, sing songs and craft. We discovered some great authors by listening to stories each week, as well as helping my children learn key developmental skills such as the art of listening and the patterns of language.

Join a summer reading challenge

I couldn’t wait for my children to be old enough to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. The Summer Reading Challenge is an educational competition held annually by The Reading Agency and run through local libraries. With the idea of encouraging younger children to read books during the summer holiday we couldn’t wait to join in. My children love the simple rewards of stickers and collectible cards every time they read a new book and enjoy taking their certificates into school at the start of the new school year.

Discover authors they love

This one may sound obvious but it worked for us. My son took a while to discover his inner bookworm. He was a huge Star Wars fan so I looked for Star Wars books which could hook him in. I found a simple boxset of early reader books and it worked. He demolished the books several times over and couldn’t wait to read more. You can also find different ways to connect with their favourite authors, older children can follow them on social media or attend a book signing.

Craft

It’s no surprise that we love to link the books we read with our crafting. It’s something we’ve always done and allows us to extend the magic of reading and discuss the stories and characters. My son came up with lots of crafty ideas when we started to read George’s Marvellous Medicine, we have made our own BFG ears, and had fun making gingerbread Mr Twit beards! You can even make your own costumes for World Book Day!

Very X Roald Dahl

We are so excited to team up with Very who have just launched their new and exclusive Roald Dahl collection at Very.co.uk. We love the books of Roald Dahl and the range of Roald Dahl pyjamas and bedding for kids are the perfect way to transport children into new worlds.

The bedding and clothing range (for ages 3 to 10) features all your favourite Roald Dahl characters drawn by Quentin Blake from Matilda to Fantastic Mr Fox, The Enormous Crocodile and The Witches. The pyjamas are soft and comfy, great for snuggling up in bed and sharing a story. I loved re-reading Roald Dahl’s stories with my son and now I am reading them all over again with my daughter.

My daughter received Roald Dahl Charlie and the Chocolate Factory pyjamas with a magical Wonka Bar or Golden Ticket in sequins on the front. She also chose Matilda themed bedding as she is a bookworm, just like Matilda. The Roald Dahl range is great for those who love the stories of Roald Dahl or those who are yet to discover them. What could be nicer that drifting off to sleep, and hopefully some night time adventures, with these colourful characters!

That’s not all, for every sale from the exclusive collection, Very will be donating all profits to reading charity, Coram Beanstalk, supporting a generation of children to become readers.