more than just a story

Every time you open a book with your baby or toddler, you’re doing something extraordinary. Reading aloud isn’t just about words on a page — it’s about growing your child’s brain, sparking their imagination, and building a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Why reading matters

A young child with light hair wearing a red and white shirt with blue accents, sitting on a bed, reading a children's book with an illustration of a bunny out of viewing range.

“Reading aloud and talking about what we’re reading sharpens children's brains. It helps develop their ability to concentrate at length, to solve problems logically, and to express themselves more easily and clearly.”

— Mem Fox, early literacy expert renowned for Reading Magic and her work on childhood literacy

A man holding a baby girl while reading a colorful children's book together on a couch.

The research is clear

Language & Vocabulary Growth

  • Children who are read to daily hear 1.4 million more words by age 5 compared to those who aren’t read to (Ohio State University, 2019 — “The Million Word Gap”).

  • Even one book a day adds up to nearly 300,000 extra words before kindergarten.

Brain Development

  • MRI scans show that preschoolers who are read to regularly have stronger activity in areas of the brain tied to language and imagination (Hutton et al., 2015, Pediatrics).

  • These “story circuits” help children visualize and understand text, preparing them for school success.

Bedtime & Bonding

  • Research shows children with consistent bedtime routines that include reading fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and experience fewer night wakings (Mindell et al., 2015, Sleep Medicine).

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting shared reading from birth, noting that it strengthens both literacy skills and emotional security.

A woman and a child playing with a dinosaur book, the woman holding the book and the child reaching up with both hands, both smiling and laughing.

“Kids who hear more vocabulary words are better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school.”

— Dr. Jessica Logan, Ohio State University

What experts say

“Kids who hear more vocabulary words are better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school.” — Dr. Jessica Logan, Ohio State University

“The most important 20 minutes of your day? The time you spend reading with your child.” — American Academy of Pediatrics

Reading aloud with your infant or toddler:

  • Builds attention span and focus (yes, even if they’re wiggly!)

  • Creates joyful routines and reduces bedtime battles

  • Teaches empathy, patience, and curiosity

  • Helps children feel safe, loved, and connected

why it matters for you

want the full story?

A woman with two children sitting on a bed, reading a book together in a cozy, warmly lit room with a window and a wreath on the wall.

This page is just a glimpse of the incredible benefits of daily storytime. In our downloadable guide, The Magic of Bedtime Stories, you’ll find:

  • Step-by-step strategies for making reading a daily habit

  • Age-by-age tips for infants and toddlers

  • More studies, statistics, and insights (presented in parent-friendly language)

  • Printable checklists, bedtime routines, and book trackers

👉 [Get the Guide Now] and start transforming your storytime into a foundation for lifelong learning and love.