A Love to Read resource
This guide helps teachers support children to choose books they enjoy. It builds confidence, independence and a lasting love of reading.
Many children find choosing a book difficult. Even confident readers often stick to familiar titles. With the right support, children can explore more widely and enjoy reading more often.
For children, see How to Choose a Book – Children’s Guide to support independent reading.
Encourage thinking first
Start by asking children what kind of book they want to read. For example, are they in the mood for something funny, exciting or familiar?
When children reflect on their reading mood, they make more confident choices.
Teach simple strategies
Show children different ways to choose a book. They might look at the cover, read the blurb, explore illustrations or try the first few pages.
Then give time to practise and talk about what worked. As a result, children learn how to choose independently.
Use peer support
Encourage children to share books they enjoy. Short book talks, recommendations or reviews help children discover new titles.
Because ideas come from peers, children often feel more willing to try something new.
Normalise swapping books
Let children know it is okay to stop a book that does not feel right. Choosing and swapping books builds confidence and trust in their own judgement.
In contrast, forcing a book can make reading feel like work.
Offer guidance when needed
Too much choice can feel overwhelming. In these moments, offer a smaller selection and talk through options together.
By sharing your own strategies, you model how confident readers choose books.
Make displays work harder
Arrange books by genre or theme and face covers forward where possible. Add short recommendations and refresh displays regularly.
As a result, displays become tools for exploration, not just storage.
Match interests and experiences
Offer books that reflect children’s interests, lives and reading levels. Invite children to help choose new books and review what is popular.
This keeps collections relevant and valued.
Related resources
- How to choose a book – a children’s guide
- Find out more about this year’s £1/€1.50 World Book Day books
- Social reading activities that do not need costumes
Use of World Book Day resources
These resources are free to use for schools, early years settings, libraries, charities, and community groups celebrating World Book Day. Commercial organisations must have a partnership or licence agreement in place before using World Book Day assets. If you are interested in working with us, please contact partnerships@worldbookday.com.