Here are some pointers that might help if your child isn’t showing any interest:
Visit a library. Check out what’s happening at your local library, they often hold special events which can help introduce children to new books and authors. Find out if your local library has a 'meet a children's author session'.
Engage with an author. Get a signed copy of a book, or message one on a social media platform to ask for advice. Try to visit an author's book signing event or ask your school to arrange an author visit. Feedback from children on these is extremely positive and they can even ignite a future passion not just in reading but perhaps in writing their own story, or even creating illustrations.
Create a reading routine. An evening time is ideal to help wind-down before bedtime. Have a set time, switch off all screens and distractions and, depending on age and reading ability, you could take turns in reading aloud.
Choose visually appealing books. One that has a striking cover and looks fun rather than those that are too obviously focused on delivering a message. Reading should be fun and not too preachy.
What are their friends reading? Ask their parents; this could help to spark conversations between them on their favourite books. We know what it’s like when our friends are discussing a show that we haven’t seen yet…
Watch a film and then follow-up with the book version. One that is a popular favourite is Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Having some of the visualisation can help them to build on their own imagination as they read.
Praise reading achievements. A reward chart for reading with a prize after so many reads can work wonders.
Follow their interests. My six-year-old is a huge football fan and is currently loving the Ultimate Football Heroes range by Matt and Tom Oldfield. A book doesn’t have to be fiction to spark their imagination.
Hook them into a new series where they can continue on to the next book, and then the next if they enjoy it. (May I recommend my fun series ‘Tommy’s Unstoppable Gran’).
Lastly, lead by example…
Happy Reading