The National Literacy Trust reported last year on a continuing “reading crisis”. Their early 2025 study found that reading for pleasure among children and young people is at its lowest level in 20 years.
And yet reading can be incredibly helpful in many aspects of children’s development.
So how can you foster a lifelong love of reading in your children and grandchildren, and why is 2026 a great year to try?
Reading, empathy, and Theory of Mind
When we read, we are forced to put ourselves into others’ shoes: to see the world from a new perspective.
Research suggests that this improves empathy and Theory of Mind – our capacity to understand that others hold beliefs and desires that may differ from our own. Both are crucial to building flourishing human societies and can be improved through reading (according to various studies as reported by Science.org).
The process of reading with young children before bed each night can help them to process the events of the day, while providing important bonding time for parent and child.
Lexicographer and star of TV’s Countdown, Susie Dent, recently spoke to the Guardian, urging parents to read – and play word games – with young children. Dent hopes doing so will boost language development in the face of increasing screen time. This screen time is believed to be a key factor in the decline of children’s vocabulary development identified by a recent Oxford University Press report.
The National Year of Reading 2026 hopes to reverse a decline in reading for pleasure
The National Literacy Trust found that under a third (32%) of those aged 8 to 18 enjoyed reading in their free time. That marks a 36% decrease since the survey began in 2005.
Just 18% of those aged 8 to 18 read something daily in their free time, and the problem is worse among primary school children and boys aged 11 to 16.
One simple way to increase reading for enjoyment is to understand what is causing the decline. When children and young people were asked what drives their reading habits, the survey found that:
- 38% were motivated by material related to favourite films or TV series
- 37% looked to books that matched interests or hobbies
- 26% valued the freedom to choose their own books.
With this in mind, the government-backed National Year of Reading 2026 is leading with the Go All In Campaign, which aims to “reconnect reading with the things that already inspire us – from playlists and football matches to films, food, and family time”.
The initiative is set to hand out 72,000 new books to children in need of them, and introduce the first-ever Children’s Booker prize, aimed at readers aged 8 to 12. The current children’s laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, will chair the prize, which will be awarded annually.
15 books to read with your children or grandchildren now
From an award-winning adaptation of a folk song to a tale of friendship, a father’s instruction manual for living on Earth to classics that have stood the test of time, there are plenty of incredible books sure to spark a young child’s imagination.
Here are a few to consider and their rough reading ages, to be taken as a guide only.
Under 6
1. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
In which an adventurous family go in search of a bear, overcoming obstacles along the way.
2. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
The tale of Gerald the giraffe, whose long legs and wobbly knees threaten to hamper his dreams of dancing.
3. Shark in the Park by Nick Sharratt
A new telescope provides the perfect round hole for children to peer through. But what will they discover?
4. Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers
Written as a manual for understanding life on Earth and our own place in the world, from Jeffers to his baby son.
5. Gruffalo’s Granny by Julia Donaldson
The highly anticipated next instalment in the popular Gruffalo series is due out in September 2026.
Age 7 to 12
6. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
This classic is subtitled The Autobiography of a Horse.
7. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Also a live action film and stage show, this modern classic is a moving introduction to the second world war.
8. Stitch by Padraig Kenny
This gothic adventure is a Frankenstein-inspired lesson in grief and belonging.
9. Matilda by Roald Dahl
A love letter to the joy of reading and a spellbinding adventure, Matilda remains as beloved now as on its release almost 40 years ago.
10. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis
The first book to be published in Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, this Christian allegory is also a thrilling portal fantasy.
12 and over
11. Silverfin by Charlie Higson
The first of Higson’s series of books featuring a teenage James Bond, seen here during his first term at Eton College.
12. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Named Waterstones’ Book of the Year across all categories in 2023, a follow-up (The Poisoned King) arrived in 2025.
13. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
Reeves incredible world-building helps to draw readers into a story of political intrigue and high adventure in a post-apocalyptic (town-eat-town) world of Municipal Darwinism.
14. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Expect mature themes and violence in another dystopian future where children are selected to fight to the death in arenas for the glory of their district (and the entertainment of the Capitol).
15. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
This fantasy classic barely needs an introduction but could provide a thrilling, challenging read for older readers.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
