Families
Turn what they love into a love of reading
Children come alive when they’re exploring the things they’re passionate about. From superheroes and football to cooking, dancing and dinosaurs – every word counts.
The National Year of Reading 2026 is your chance to help your child discover new worlds, grow confidence and build a lifelong love of reading – all through the everyday moments you already share.
why this matters
Fewer children are reading for pleasure
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It’s disappearing from daily life
Across the UK, children are reading less than they used to and stories aren’t getting the same space they once did. And it’s happening across all age groups, from toddlers to teenagers.
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Children feel the impact
When reading drops, confidence, imagination and learning take a hit as well. Reading helps children focus, express themselves, develop their curiosity, and it gives families an opportunity to connect.
supporting families
A national push to get every child reading
In 2026, a national spotlight is being put on reading and on the simplest way to help children enjoy it: connecting it to what they already love. From dinosaurs to dancing, from comics to cooking, passions make stories feel natural and fun.
For families, the National Year of Reading also means more support, more ideas and more opportunities to weave reading into busy routines, whatever age your child is.
Babies & children (0–4 years old)
The earliest years make the biggest difference
It’s never too early to start sharing stories. Babies in the womb can already hear sounds and recognise familiar voices, so reading and talking to them during pregnancy is a lovely way to begin.
Throughout their early years, a short story, a song, or a rhyme while you’re cuddled up, on the bus, or waiting for dinner – it all counts.
It’s those small moments of connection and joy that matter most – that’s what children will remember.
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Sing rhymes and songs
This is a good way to help your child learn new sounds and words through rhyme and repetition, as well as being a great way to have fun together.
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Share stories together
You don’t always need to read the words in books. Looking at and talking about picture books is a great way to encourage your child to enjoy stories.
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Create your own story sack
A story sack is a fun, hands-on way to bring books to life at home. With just a few simple objects, you can make reading feel exciting and interactive for your baby or toddler.
Young children (5–10 years old)
Help them grow into confident, curious readers
Between 5 and 10, children’s passions explode – dinosaurs, dancing, gaming, art, the outdoors. These interests are your biggest ally.
The National Year of Reading will give you ideas, encouragement and simple ways to keep reading fun and part of everyday life, whatever your child loves.
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Make reading feel easy
Busy days can get in the way of reading. These practical tips show how to weave stories into everyday family life in ways that feel natural, enjoyable and achievable.
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Focus on their hobbies
Hobbies can be a great way to get them reading, writing and chatting. Read these five tips on how to make the most of your child’s passion.
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Football and reading
Is your child a football fan? You can use their passion for to support their reading. We’ve put together book suggestions, tips and activities to share with them.
Older children (11+ years old)
Help their reading grow with them
Reading often takes a dip in the teenage years as school pressure, screens and social lives grow. But, at the same time, their interests grow stronger than ever.
The National Year of Reading offers resources and ideas that use their passions to get them engaged and make reading feel like something they choose, not something they’re told to do.
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Advice for parents
Refocusing reading as something enjoyable shaped around your child’s interests – rather than school or exams – can take away the pressure.
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Listening to audiobooks
If reading has become a struggle, audiobooks can help your teen reconnect with stories. They’re also easy to enjoy alongside other activities.
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Top reads for 11–13 year olds
From page-turning adventures to thought-provoking stories, these picks can help keep them motivated and excited to read.
Reading tips
Great stories don’t need to cost a thing
Your local library is full of free books, e-books and storytimes for families. If you can’t get there, try digital platforms such as Libby or Borrowbox, or even ask friends, neighbours or family if they can lend or pass down reads.
Many schools, Family Hubs and early years settings also run book swaps or lend boxes to help children explore new stories.
Reading tips
Children don’t need a perfect storyteller. They just need you.
We haven’t all grown up loving reading, and that’s okay. But it helps for children to see you taking part, even in small ways.
Look at pictures together, ask them to tell you what’s happening, or enjoy stories in the language you know best. The key is sharing the moment, not getting every word right.
2026 highlights
National reading moments to help you Go All In
Whether your child loves dinosaurs, dancing, football or fairytales, national reading moments bring stories to life. They’re simple ways to get involved throughout the year.
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2–8 February
National Storytelling Week
A joyful celebration of the power of sharing stories. This year's theme for schools is 'Soundtrack your Story’
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5 March
World Book Day
The reading for fun charity, World Book Day inspires children everywhere to enjoy the life-changing benefits of reading for fun.
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23 April
World Book Night
On the UNESCO International Day of the Book, a celebration of reading for adults. Pick up one of this year's Quick Reads.
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1–7 June
Volunteers Week
A week-long celebration and recognition of the incredible impact of volunteering in communities, schools and libraries.
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July–September
Summer Reading Challenge
Partnering with Universal Music Group UK, this year's challenge is themed 'Read to the Beat!'
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10 October
Take 10 to Read
On World Mental Health Day, take 10 minutes to read to relax, boost your mood or escape for a moment.
Events Calendar
A year full on family-friendly events and activities
The National Year of Reading 2026 is packed with opportunities for families to get involved. Find out what’s happening near you and celebrate the joy of reading together.