Opinion: Why Children’s Books Are More Important Than Ever

Picture a child curled up in a cosy corner, completely absorbed by the turn of a page. That moment—when imagination awakens—isn’t just heartwarming. It’s essential. At All Top Books, we believe children’s books aren’t simply entertainment; they’re an investment in thinking, feeling and thriving.

With notifications buzzing and attention spans shrinking, physical books offer something rare: stillness. They draw children in, spark their minds and invite focus. Each story shared between child and adult builds connection, understanding and calm.

We’ve seen it time and time again—children who read grow into more thoughtful learners, listeners and dreamers. That’s why we work hard to stock the very best titles, to recommend books that make a lasting difference and to create a space where stories feel alive.

Key Takeaways

• Books offer vital stillness in an increasingly digital world, helping children focus, imagine, and connect deeply with stories.
• Reading for pleasure supports academic success, enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, and even maths and problem-solving skills.
• Children’s books nurture emotional intelligence, giving young readers the language to express feelings and develop empathy.
• Representation in literature matters, helping children feel seen and encouraging understanding of diverse perspectives.
• Independent bookshops play a crucial role, offering personalised recommendations, championing new voices, and fostering lifelong reading habits.

Reading just 5 minutes a day with a child can boost language skills, memory, and emotional development. Books really do build better brains. 📖🧠

The Changing World of Childhood

Screens have become a dominant force in many children’s lives. From tablets to smart TVs, digital content is available at every turn. Alongside this shift, time spent reading for pleasure has been declining.

Research shows that many children are now exceeding recommended daily screen time, while fewer are picking up books for fun. The drop in daily reading among 8–18-year-olds is especially stark.

When screens take over, something gets edged out: quiet time with books, imaginative play, and those precious conversations that start with “What do you think happens next?” This shift isn’t just about time management—it has an impact on memory, focus, and even emotional wellbeing.

At All Top Books, we often meet parents and carers looking to recalibrate. They want to reconnect children with reading not out of nostalgia, but because they see the long-term benefits. They want their kids to be curious, reflective and calm—and books help make that happen.

Cognitive & Linguistic Benefits

Reading for pleasure is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s academic success. Children who read regularly tend to have larger vocabularies, better comprehension, and stronger memory skills.

It’s not just about English grades. The ability to process information, stay focused, and analyse situations is boosted through regular reading. And it starts early. Even five minutes a day with a picture book can enhance language acquisition in toddlers.

We also see benefits that extend beyond literacy. Children who read often are more likely to perform better in maths and problem-solving. Why? Because reading builds the mental muscles needed for all kinds of learning—concentration, pattern recognition, and logical sequencing.

At All Top Books, we’ve always championed printed books, especially for early and middle readers. Paper encourages deeper focus. Children tend to remember more, stay with a story longer, and develop richer understanding when reading from a page instead of a screen.

Here’s a snapshot of how reading habits influence test scores:

These aren’t just numbers. They reflect real-world outcomes for children in classrooms, homes and beyond.

Emotional Intelligence & Empathy

Children’s books are full of emotions—frustration, joy, jealousy, fear, bravery—and through story, children begin to understand them. Characters become companions, their experiences shaping the emotional vocabulary of young readers.

Books help children name feelings. Instead of saying “I feel bad”, a child might say “I feel worried like the bear in that story.” This kind of emotional expression is powerful, especially in early years when children are just learning how to articulate complex feelings.

But it’s not just about the self. Books also teach empathy. Reading about characters from different backgrounds, or with different abilities, helps children imagine the world from someone else’s shoes.

At All Top Books, we take great care in selecting titles that nurture emotional growth. We love stories that challenge, comfort and inspire—all while giving children the language and tools to better understand themselves and others.

Social and Cultural Awareness

Every child deserves to see themselves in a book. That’s why representation matters so deeply in children’s literature.

A wide range of voices and experiences not only validates a child’s identity, but also broadens understanding of the world. When children read about lives unlike their own, they develop openness, curiosity and respect.

This isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a vital part of raising thoughtful, socially aware individuals. Books can introduce big topics—climate, migration, fairness, belonging—in ways that feel safe, age-appropriate and full of hope.

At All Top Books, we’re proud to stock titles that reflect a diverse world. We prioritise publishers who give voice to underrepresented authors and illustrators. We celebrate stories that reflect modern families, cultures and perspectives.

Books are a bridge. The more inclusive the stories, the stronger the bridge becomes.

The Role of Independent Bookshops

What makes an independent bookshop like All Top Books different? It starts with people. Our team doesn’t rely on algorithms—we read the books, talk to our community and curate with care.

We offer guidance that’s grounded in knowledge and experience. Whether it’s a toddler’s first board book or a gripping chapter read for a reluctant nine-year-old, we match readers with stories that stick.

And we don’t stop there. We champion new voices, debut authors, and books from smaller publishers. These stories often fly under the radar online, but they shine on our shelves.

We also believe in community. From author visits to reading events, we create spaces where stories come alive and connections are made. These shared moments help turn reading from a solitary act into a joyful, social one.

At All Top Books, we’re not just selling books—we’re helping raise readers.

Encouraging Lifelong Reading Habits

The earlier a child develops a love of reading, the more likely they are to carry it into adulthood. And the key to that love? Routine, access and choice.

We’ve seen how simple rituals—bedtime stories, Saturday visits to the bookshop, choosing a book for a holiday—can build habits that last. Children begin to associate reading with comfort, fun and autonomy.

Having books at home makes a huge difference. Children in homes with larger book collections are more likely to read for pleasure, feel confident in school and see reading as part of daily life.

That’s why we encourage parents to build little libraries—baskets by the sofa, shelves in the hallway, or a dedicated reading nook. It doesn’t have to be fancy. What matters is variety, visibility and access.

At All Top Books, we regularly update our children’s range and highlight affordable options in our sale section. We love seeing families return to stock up and swap recommendations. It’s those everyday habits that shape a reader’s journey.

Practical Tips for Parents & Educators

Helping a child fall in love with reading doesn’t require a teaching degree—just a few mindful habits and plenty of patience. Here’s what we’ve found works:

Age-Appropriate Suggestions

• 0–2 years: Board books with textures, flaps and rhythm
   
• 3–5 years: Picture books with repetition and bright illustrations
   
• 6–8 years: Early chapter books with engaging plots
   
• 9+ years: Longer fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction

Build Reading into Daily Life

• Make reading part of the bedtime routine—even five minutes counts.
   
• Visit your local library or bookshop together weekly.
   
• Allow children to re-read favourites—it builds fluency and comfort.

Create a Reading-Friendly Environment

• Designate a cosy space at home with soft lighting and rotating selections.
   
• Keep books within reach, not hidden away on high shelves. 
   
• Use book baskets, display ledges or bedside stacks.

Empower with Choice

• Let children pick their own books. When they choose, they’re more likely to engage.
   
• Offer variety—fiction, non-fiction, comics, poetry.
   
• Celebrate books as gifts for birthdays or special moments.
   
   

At All Top Books, we’re always happy to help parents and educators find just the right title. Whether it’s a confident reader or one who’s still warming up, there’s a book waiting to spark something.

The Digital Complement, Not a Replacement

Screens are part of life. There’s no escaping that—and nor should we. Audiobooks, e-books and story apps can all have a place in a child’s reading journey.

Used wisely, they offer flexibility and convenience. An audiobook can soothe a restless traveller or make chores more fun. An e-book can be handy on a family holiday or in the classroom.

But we believe printed books should form the foundation. Paper offers fewer distractions, better retention and a deeper reading experience.

The key is balance. A rich reading diet includes formats that engage different senses and suit different situations. But print still does something no screen can replicate—it creates pause, encourages reflection and invites imagination.

Conclusion: Children’s books

Children’s books aren’t just about stories. They’re tools for learning, feeling, growing and connecting. At a time when everything moves quickly, books ask us to slow down—and that’s a gift worth giving.

At All Top Books, we’ve made it our mission to support families, schools and young readers. We curate thoughtfully, recommend honestly and cheer on every child who turns a page.

Because in every book there’s a spark—of empathy, of insight, of joy—and once lit, that spark can guide a lifetime.

Explore our children’s section, ask us for a recommendation, or bring your little one in for their first storytime. Together, we can raise a new generation of book lovers.

Sources & Further Reading

• Reading for Pleasure Impact: Report on sharp fall in UK children's reading for pleasure, based on National Literacy Trust research.
• UK Parliament Education Committee: Summary of the House of Commons Education Committee report on strengthening primary education, including literacy focus.
• Book Ownership Stats: National Literacy Trust research hub on reading habits, book ownership, and their impact on literacy.
• Reading for pleasure early in childhood linked to better cognitive performance and mental wellbeing: Research from the University of Cambridge exploring how early reading for enjoyment supports cognitive development and emotional health in children and adolescents.
• Reading fiction and children’s empathy development: A longitudinal and experimental study from the University of Sussex examining how exposure to fictional narratives enhances Theory of Mind and empathetic skills.
• The relationship between reading comprehension and emotional–cognitive ability: A detailed study analysing how reading comprehension and emotional empathy reinforce each other among primary school children.
• Developing emotional intelligence in children through dialogic reading: Published in Early Childhood Education Journal, this paper explores how interactive reading strategies build emotional intelligence in young learners.