Bring back the JOY of reading, even if it's not FUN right now.

A recent Scripps News article underscores a troubling trend: fewer than half of children aged four and under are being read to frequently, dipping from 64% in 2012 to just 41% today Scripps News. The culprit? Many Gen Z parents—those born between 1997 and 2012—say reading aloud simply isn’t fun. Instead, it’s viewed as an academic task, not a cozy, playful bonding moment.

And it’s not just a numbers game. This mindset seems contagious: children aged 5–10 who read for pleasure have fallen from 55% in 2012 to just 32% today. Boys are especially at risk; even under the age of two, they are significantly less likely to experience storytime than girls.

What’s at stake here is more than literacy—it’s emotional connection, cognitive development, and a lifelong love of stories. Alison David of HarperCollins puts it plainly: “Being read to makes reading fun for children… children who are read to frequently very quickly come to love it and become motivated to read themselves”—with kids read to daily nearly three times as likely to pick up books independently compared to those read to just weekly The TimesThe Guardian.

How can we combat this at home?

Making Storytime Fun Again: 3 Easy, Actionable Tips

• Turn reading into a joint adventure. Let your child pick the book—even if it’s silly or full of bathroom humor. Reading what makes them giggle or animated helps transform books into shared fun, not chores.

• Start small—and smart. You don’t need 20 quiet minutes. A few pages at breakfast, a funny short story before bedtime, or chatting about pictures counts. Short, playful snippets beat nothing at all.

• Add a creative twist. Make reading interactive—act out voices, ask your child to retell scenes, or switch storytellers. Conversation around the story builds connection and keeps emotions and minds engaged.

Where to Start?

Speaking of fun, PaperPie quietly brings playful reading into the mix. It gathers resources—from phonics-rich libraries to engaging nonfiction titles—to support both parents and kids in discovering the joy of reading. Whether you’re a parent who isn’t sure where to start or a kiddo who’s outgrown picture books, PaperPie offers tools that make the experience less about duty and more about discovery. Reach out and let me know how we can add the JOY back into reading in your home!

Reading aloud doesn’t have to feel like homework. It can be a daily spark: quick, silly, interactive, and unforgettable. When we infuse storytime with play, we’re not just sharing words—we’re weaving memories, curiosity, and confidence. And that’s something both parents and kids can—dare I say—really enjoy.

Let’s reopen the storybook, not out of obligation, but out of the fun we can rediscover together.

Happy Reading!

-Julia