The Power of Picture Books: Why Early Reading Matters
I’ve seen firsthand how books can change the way children see the world - and themselves. But I also know it doesn’t always come naturally. Some children are drawn to books from the very start; others need a bit more encouragement. That’s perfectly normal.
In this post, I want to share not only why I write and illustrate books, but also some simple steps parents can take to help their child develop a lifelong love of reading.
Why Books Matter
Books do so much more than teach letters and words. They help children:
Make sense of emotions and big questions
Build empathy by seeing through other perspectives
Strengthen their language, memory, and focus
Discover joy in imagination and storytelling
Reading together also creates moments of calm and connection - something both kids and adults need more of these days.
How I Create Books for Kids
Every story I create starts with a feeling. Sometimes it’s inspired by something my daughter says or does. Sometimes it’s from my teaching experience - those funny, thoughtful, curious moments kids give you when you’re really listening. I begin with loose sketches, develop characters, and build a visual world that feels playful, honest, and full of small surprises. My goal is always to spark imagination and make children feel seen.
But now, here’s the part I think will be most helpful to you:
5 Simple Ways to Encourage a Love of Books at Home
1. Make books part of the environment
Keep books within reach, not just on a high shelf. Have a basket in the living room or a few picture books next to their bed. When books are easy to grab, kids are more likely to engage.
2. Follow their interests
If your child loves dinosaurs, find books about dinosaurs. If they like jokes, try funny picture books. Letting them choose what to read gives them ownership and shows that reading can reflect their unique personality. Kids sometimes lose interest quickly, so don’t get discouraged if you buy a book about their favorite thing and they don’t care about much. The chances are quite high that they’ll come back to it.
3. Create a simple routine
Reading doesn’t have to be a big event. Just 10–15 minutes a day can build a strong habit. Bedtime is great, but even reading during breakfast or in the car counts. I found that weekend mornings are quite good as well. My daughter gets up very early, and reading in the morning is a great chance to lay in bed a bit longer.
4. Ask the child about the story
Ask open-ended questions while reading: “Why do you think they did that?” or “What would you do?” This builds comprehension and gets kids thinking beyond the page. When you finish you can ask about favorite moments, illustrations or a general message.
5. Set an example
Let your child see you reading - books, magazines, even recipes. It sends the message that reading isn’t just for school - it’s something people choose to do.
Every child is different, and there’s no “perfect” way to raise a reader. But if you’re present, playful, and open to discovering stories together, the love of books will follow.
Thanks for being here - and for raising curious, thoughtful readers.
If you’re looking for a good place to start, my latest picture book ‘Are You Bored?’ is all about turning boredom into imagination. You can read more here.
