Encouraging Children to Read for Pleasure: Start with What They Love

2026 is the National Year of Reading, and it's highlighting how children can develop a love of reading by 'Going All In' on their interests - with the slogan 'If you're into it, read into it'.

Reading for Pleasure opens up the doors for other reading material: information books, comics, music lyrics, magazines, blogs and newspapers are all included!

What does 'Go All In' Mean for Reading?

The National Year of Reading encourages children to read about the things they're interested in, whether it's leaflets about historical houses, song lyrics by their favourite artist, magazine articles about their hobby, sports updates in a newspaper, or fiction and non-fiction books.

It also encourages teachers and parents to let children choose the topics that genuinely interest them, instead of giving them things that you think they should be reading. It also aims to show reluctant readers that reading isn't just limited to books.

Follow their Interests with the Purple Mash Library

Purple Mash Library gives children access to over 250 eBooks for Key Stages 1 and 2. This includes fiction and non-fiction, picture books, longer chapter books, and even comics. There is a whole range of subjects and genres to cover a wide variety of interests.

If they love...

Dinosaurs, then try:

Sports, then try:

Animals, then try:

Space, then try:

5 Ways to Keep Children Reading

Whether at home or at school, small opportunities to read can help children develop a lasting love of reading. Here are five ways to bring reading into everyday life.

1. Turn Curiosity into a Reading Challenge

Encourage children to find the answer to a question through reading. Set a class challenge or explore a question together at home, using books and other resources to discover something new.

2. Make Reading a Shared Experience

Read together, take turns reading aloud or talk about a book you've enjoyed. In the classroom, try paired reading or book-sharing activities. At home, make time for a story or a chat about what your child is reading.

3. Let Children Recommend Books

Give children opportunities to share their favourite reads with friends, family or classmates. Create a book recommendation wall in the classroom or encourage children to suggest books for others to try.

4. Celebrate Reading Progress

Celebrate the books children finish, the new things they learn and the reading goals they achieve. Reading journals, book reviews and simple reading challenges can help children reflect on their reading journey.

5. Keep Reading Going Between Home and School

Encourage children to continue reading beyond the classroom by sharing recommendations and providing opportunities to read at home. With the Purple Mash Library's school and home access, children can continue exploring books wherever they are.