The Happy Readers

Reading Aloud Changes Everything.

Tips, book lists, and a love of reading — for families who believe the best moments happen one page at a time.

Colorful stacked books

"What is reading aloud, really? It is a brand of invisible glue that bonds you closer to your kids."

Now on Substack @thehappyreaders

Our Reading Journey

Here's how to get your children reading more

1

Babies & Toddlers

They should be exploring books, looking at pictures and being read to.

2

Pre-School

Set a "reading time" for your child. They can quietly play with their books, telling stories to their siblings, their stuffed animals or to you. This is not the time to give them an iPad.

3

Early Readers

Your child will be beginning to read at school. Make reading at home "pleasurable". There should be a set reading time, but it should be books of their choosing.

4

Readers

Establish a "family reading time" so everyone is reading at the same time. Read the same book your child is reading so you can have discussions about it.

Books We Have Read

A complete list of books we've read aloud

At least as many as we could remember. From picture books to Harry Potter — here's our reading journey together.

Books we have read together
Harry PotterWonderThe PenderwicksCharlotte's Web

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I've started sharing lines from books that have moved me, made me think of someone I love, or simply struck me as beautifully written. Looking back through them is like revisiting different versions of myself.