Why Reading Aloud is Still Essential for Young Readers

Written By : Lucie Wullschleger
why reading

In our fast-paced, screen-filled world, the simple act of reading aloud to a child remains one of the most powerful tools to spark a lifelong love of books. At Sharing Stories by The Kids Bookery, we believe that reading aloud isn’t just a bedtime routine — it’s an essential part of early learning and emotional connection.

The Science Behind the Magic
Reading aloud helps children build vocabulary, develop listening and comprehension skills, and improve attention span. Neuroscience shows that it activates areas of the brain that support narrative understanding, empathy, and memory. Even babies who can’t yet speak benefit enormously from hearing the rhythm and melody of language.

Emotional Connection & Confidence
When we read to children, we offer them more than words — we offer presence. This moment of undivided attention strengthens parent-child bonds and fosters emotional security. Hearing stories also helps children recognize emotions, process experiences, and build confidence to express themselves.

Builds the Foundation for Future Learning
Listening to stories improves a child’s understanding of sentence structure, storytelling, and even grammar — all of which are key to later independent reading and writing. It also expands their imagination, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.

Keep It Going — Even When They Can Read
Even when children begin to read on their own, being read to continues to be beneficial. It exposes them to more complex language, allows them to enjoy richer plots, and reassures them that reading is a pleasure — not a chore.

Books We Love to Read Aloud (available at sharingstories.me)

Here are a few of our favourite read-aloud books you can borrow this month:

  • A cartoon of an owl

AI-generated content may be incorrect.  “Little Owl Lost” by Chris Haughton – A sweet and humorous story with repetitive text perfect for toddlers. Also available in French and German.
     
  • A cartoon of a monster and a mouse

AI-generated content may be incorrect. The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson – A classic with rhyme and rhythm that children adore. Available in English, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, French.
     
  • A cartoon of a wolf

AI-generated content may be incorrect. “I am so strong” by Mario Ramos – Gentle rhythm, hunor and a great lesson of humility ! Also available in Spanish, Italian, French, German.
     
  • A book cover with a planet earth and rocket

AI-generated content may be incorrect. “Here we are” by Oliver Jeffers – A beautifully illustrated book that introduces concepts of kindness, tolerance and environmental responsibility.
     
  • A book cover with a child on top of a stack of books

AI-generated content may be incorrect.  “The highest mountain of books in the world” by Rocio Bonilla – A delightful story and a celebration of the wonder of books and their power to transport us to places beyond our imagination. Also available in Spanish, Italian, French. 

Let Us Help You Raise a Reader
At Sharing Stories by The Kids Bookery, we curate books that grow with your child — in the languages you speak at home. Choose your own titles or let us recommend hidden gems and new releases. Every four weeks, we deliver a bundle of age-appropriate books directly to your door, with the option to swap, keep, or explore more.

Because building a love for reading starts with one simple habit: a story shared out loud. Join the booklover community!

Writer's Bio

Lucie Wullschleger
Founder - Sharing Stories

I’m Lucie, mother of 2 Book lovers, 2 and 5 years old.

I have 10+ years experience in Marketing, Digital and Ecommerce in international companies as well as start-ups. I am looking today to use my skills for projects that make sense, having social and/or environmental positive impacts.

I’m convinced about sustainable ways of doing business and believe in the power of circular economy: many objects do not need to be owned but have their value in the usage we make of them. Following this conviction and a growing interest in Education, I founded my first start-up in Dubai in 2023, Sharingstories.me, a multicultural Kids Library delivered home in order to help parents raising multilingual readers !

Sharing Stories is first a community of book lovers receiving home tailored reading for their kids swapped monthly for new stories. We extended our services to teachers and especially Blossom nurseries teachers delivering them our last reading gems ready to be shared with many little ones !