How to Get Your Preschooler Excited About Books

24 October 2025

Let’s talk about something super important—books. Not the ones sitting on your top shelf gathering dust, but the kind that open up magical worlds for your little tornado of energy (a.k.a. your preschooler). If you’re a parent trying to figure out how to get your preschooler excited about books without turning reading time into a hostage negotiation—pull up a chair. You’re not alone.

I mean, who hasn’t waved a sparkly alphabet book around like it's the latest toy from a cereal box, hoping for a magical reaction? And yet, your preschooler remains more interested in licking the windows or turning the laundry basket into a spaceship.

Fear not! This guide is packed with humor, practical tips, and a whole lot of parenting truth. It's not just about reading books—it's about making books irresistible, like chocolate... but for the brain.

Table of Contents

1. Why Bother With Books, Anyway?
2. Start ‘Em Young—Like, REALLY Young
3. Create a Reading Nook (AKA A Blanket Fort of Magic)
4. Let Them Pick Their Own Books (Even If It’s That Same Dinosaur Book for the 47th Time)
5. Turn Reading Into Theater (Yes, You May Need to Roar Like a Lion)
6. Be a Bookworm Role Model (No Pressure or Anything)
7. Rhyme Time: Sing, Chant, and Clap It Out
8. Use Their Toys to Tell Stories
9. Library Visits: Adventures Without the Jetlag
10. Make Reading Part of the Daily Routine (Like Brushing Teeth, But Fun)
11. Celebrate Book Milestones (Party Hats Optional, But Encouraged)
12. Final Thoughts: It's Not a Sprint, It's a Storytime Marathon

Why Bother With Books, Anyway?

First off—why go through this whole book-loving mission in the first place? Can’t they just learn all they need from YouTube Kids and your 12-year-old neighbor?

Well, books do more than teach ABCs. Reading expands vocabulary, boosts imagination, and actually builds the neurological pathways of future brilliance. Fancy, huh?

Plus, bonding over books is like sneaking vegetables into spaghetti sauce—they won’t know it’s good for them, but it still works. It also reduces screen time, which we all know is the elusive unicorn of parenting goals.

Start ‘Em Young—Like, REALLY Young

You don’t have to wait until your kid can spell “cat” to start reading. In fact, babies love books, too. Sure, at first they’ll drool on them more than listen—but hey, it's a start.

The earlier they associate books with snuggles, giggles, and one-on-one time with you (a.k.a. their favorite human jungle gym), the sooner they’ll see reading as something cozy and fun.

And here’s a secret weapon: board books. Built like little tanks, they can survive chewing, throwing, and being stepped on by a toddler in full zoom mode.

Create a Reading Nook (AKA A Blanket Fort of Magic)

Want your toddler to choose books over screen time? Create them a sacred little reading corner—complete with blankets, pillows, fairy lights, and all the cozy vibes.

Call it their “book cave” or “reading spaceship” and suddenly, it’s not just reading—it’s an adventure. Kids love having a “special” place, and this turns books into treasure hidden inside their own personal story fort.

Bonus: It also doubles as a great place to hide when you’ve stepped on one too many Legos.

Let Them Pick Their Own Books (Even If It’s That Same Dinosaur Book for the 47th Time)

Yes, you’ll roll your eyes when your child insists on reading Dino-Snore Rex for what feels like the 105th night in a row. But here’s the thing: choice is power.

Preschoolers LOVE control (just ask the broccoli from last night’s dinner). Letting them choose their books gives them a sense of ownership. It says, “Hey, this is your thing!”

Don’t worry if the stories don’t have any literary merit. If it makes them giggle, gasp, or shout “AGAIN!”—you’re winning.

Turn Reading Into Theater (Yes, You May Need to Roar Like a Lion)

Reading doesn’t have to be a quiet, librarian-approved activity. Got a book about farm animals? Bust out your best cow impression. Pirate story? Time to “Arrr” like you mean it.

Use funny voices, exaggerated expressions, and dramatic pauses. Your preschooler won’t just listen—they’ll join in. Soon, reading becomes a play, a concert, a comedy show—and most importantly, a blast.

Don't be afraid to get ridiculous. Kids thrive on your enthusiasm (and secretly, so do you).

Be a Bookworm Role Model (No Pressure or Anything)

Do you know who their biggest influencer is? Nope, not Blippi. It’s YOU.

If they see you reading—whether it’s a novel, a magazine, or the back of a cereal box—they’ll pick up on the idea that reading is cool. Even if you don’t have tons of time (because... parenting), sneak in a few minutes to flip through a book in front of them.

“Monkey see, monkey do” works like a charm. Especially if Monkey is your preschooler and the book has bright colors and a talking llama.

Rhyme Time: Sing, Chant, and Clap It Out

Who said books can’t have rhythm? Preschoolers are naturally musical little beings. They bop, they hop, they wiggle—you name it.

Books with rhymes and repetition are like catnip for toddlers. Think Brown Bear, Brown Bear or anything by Dr. Seuss. Sing it, chant it, make up dances to go with the words. It’s all fair game.

They’re not just having fun—they’re building phonemic awareness. (That’s a fancy way of saying “getting good at reading,” but let’s not scare them off with big words yet.)

Use Their Toys to Tell Stories

"Once upon a time, a brave little T-Rex went on a quest for marshmallows..." Sound silly? Exactly.

Grab a few action figures, dolls, or even their favorite stuffed peanut butter sandwich—what, your kid doesn’t have one?—and build a mini-story together.

This isn’t just play—it’s storytelling. And storytelling, my friend, is a gateway drug to loving books. Eventually, they’ll want to see more stories, and good news: books are full of ‘em.

Library Visits: Adventures Without the Jetlag

If you haven’t taken your tiny human to a library yet—first of all, WHAT? Second, fix that ASAP.

Libraries are like magical book kingdoms. Most have storytimes, puppet shows, and areas made for bouncing, shouting, and maybe even a little reading.

Make it a weekly adventure. Pretend you’re explorers on a mission. Give them a “book-hunting backpack.” Return books together and let them scan them at the self-checkout (major boss-level toddler moment).

Plus, it’s free. And you don’t even need to clean up afterward.

Make Reading Part of the Daily Routine (Like Brushing Teeth, But Fun)

You already have to herd them toward bedtime like a sheepdog every night—why not plug reading right into that routine?

Make reading one of those non-negotiable parts of the day. Not punishment, not schoolwork—but something they look forward to… just like those ten bedtime snacks.

Morning? Read over breakfast. Midday? Cozy up after lunch. Bedtime? Lights down, snuggles up, story on.

Consistency creates habits. And guess what? Happy little reading habits turn into happy little readers.

Celebrate Book Milestones (Party Hats Optional, But Encouraged)

Your preschooler finished their first 10 books? That’s a party, baby!

Print out a “reading chart” with stickers, use a reward jar, or throw a mini celebration. No need to go overboard (unless you want to decorate the living room like Hogwarts, in which case, let me know and I’ll be over in five).

Kids love to feel proud. Recognize their reading wins and they'll keep chasing that praise like it's ice cream on a hot sidewalk.

And if you do let them wear a crown every time they finish a book, just know I fully support you.

Final Thoughts: It's Not a Sprint, It's a Storytime Marathon

Let’s be real. Some days, they’ll listen to three books in a row and ask for more. Other days, you’ll get halfway through page one before they’re upside down on the couch pretending to be a pancake.

It’s okay. You’re planting little literacy seeds. Water them with silly voices, hugs, and patience. Eventually, they’ll sprout into a genuine, lifelong love of reading.

Before you know it, your preschooler will be “reading” favorite books to their stuffed animals, spelling out words with fridge magnets, or asking you how to write their own stories.

And when that day comes? Your heart will swell, your eyes might leak a little, and you’ll realize—it was all worth it.

So go ahead. Grab that book, that kid, and that cup of coffee you keep reheating.

It’s storytime, baby. And you’re crushing it.