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- United States
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Read to Your Child Day champions the profound benefits of reading aloud to children every February 14. This cherished tradition fosters imagination, empathy, and intellect, guiding young minds through stories of morality and honesty. Dedicate time today to share a book, visit your local library, or start a new story time ritual.
Want to sponsor Read to Your Child Day? Learn how
Expected Read to Your Child Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that Read to Your Child Day often inspires special offers from bookstores and educational retailers. Expect discounts on children’s books and reading accessories from major chains like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million. Online retailers such as Amazon and Target frequently feature sales on popular children’s series and early reader collections. Local independent bookstores may host story times with special guests or offer loyalty program bonuses. Educational toy stores like Lakeshore Learning could provide deals on literacy games and learning tools. Keep an eye on publishers like Scholastic for book fair events or online promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for Read to Your Child Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ReadToYourChildDay. Share photos or videos of your favorite reading nook or a special story time moment with your child.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ReadToYourChildDay. Share tips for engaging story time or ask followers about their child’s favorite book.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #ReadToYourChildDay. Create short, fun videos showcasing children’s book recommendations or creative ways to make reading interactive.
Read to Your Child Day Hero
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel)
History of Read to Your Child Day
We don’t know how or when Read to Your Child Day came to be, but we do understand why there’s so much emphasis on its celebrations. Reading to a child is one of the surest ways to develop their literacy and make them more receptive to instructions. Studies have found that reading a child one short book per day will familiarize them with 290,000 more words before they even walk into their kindergarten class than those who don’t have a regular reading session. And if you read to your child five short books a day, their vocabulary will surge to 1.4 million words!
Jessica Logan, one of the researchers in the study, says kids with a more expansive vocabulary are also more likely to pick up reading skills at a younger age. Growing up with books also improves reading comprehension, math skills, and communication abilities. Further studies suggest that reading can extend your lifespan, alleviate stress, and make you more creative and empathetic.
Some of the most memorable moments of our childhood are the stories we listened to — at the backseat of the car on our way back from school, on long trips with our parents, and in the seclusion of our bedrooms. If you loved reading books and sharing tales of princesses and triumph with your parents, then this day is for you.
Reading to your child boosts your personal bond, and it improves their brain development. See? There is no downside to reading to your kids. Instead, the quiet moments of solitude, when your voice is the only sound filling the room, can be a therapeutic experience for you and the parent, as well.
Read to Your Child Day timeline
English Poet John Lydgate publishes the first-ever children's book on mannerisms and behavior for royal kids of the courthouse.
John Amos Comenius, a.k.a. the Father of Modern Education, publishes "The Visible World in Pictures," the first picture book for children.
Lewis Caroll’s fantasy "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" marks the First Golden Age of children's literature in Europe.
Frank Baum publishes “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and commences the beginning of fairy tales and magic in children’s literature.
Enid Blyton publishes the first of her “Famous Five” books.
Roald Dahl publishes the children’s classic story.
J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book is published.
Rick Riordan publishes the first book in his series.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Read to Your Child Day
Local businesses can honor Read to Your Child Day by hosting special story time events or partnering with schools for book drives. Coffee shops could offer discounts to parents who bring their children to read, while independent bookstores might feature curated selections of recommended children’s literature. Pediatric offices or family-friendly restaurants could create designated reading corners with engaging books available for young visitors. Consider a ‘read-aloud’ challenge for employees to encourage participation and highlight the importance of literacy.
Read to Your Child Day FAQs
When is Read to Your Child Day?
In 2027, Read to Your Child Day falls on Sunday, February 14. This annual observance encourages parents and caregivers to dedicate time to reading aloud with their children.
How does reading to children benefit them?
Beyond academic gains, shared reading fosters a lifelong love for books, strengthens parent-child bonds, and helps children develop empathy by exploring diverse characters and situations.
How many children are read to regularly?
While many young children are read to, studies indicate that only about 50% of children ages 6-8 are read to daily, suggesting a drop-off as they get older.
What are the best types of books to read to children?
Choose books that align with a child’s interests, whether it’s fantasy, non-fiction, or adventure. Interactive books with lift-the-flaps or textures can also enhance the reading experience.
Read to Your Child Day Activities
Get a library membership
Celebrate Read to Your Child Day by getting a library membership for your child. Sign up at the local community library. This is also a wonderful way to meet other readers and discover new books.
Read to your child
There’s no better way to celebrate Read to Your Child Day than by spending the day reading to your child. Pick their favorite stories. You can also promise to read to them every day. Reading before bed is a good practice, and is a great way for you and your child to bond. Even if you do not have children, you can celebrate by volunteering to read to other kids.
Donate your old books
February is a beautiful month to share your blessings, and on Read to Your Child Day, you can share the gift of books with those less privileged than you. Books your kids have outgrown, books you no longer want to read again, and books you have copies of — donate them all to an orphanage or a nearby community center.
5 Benefits Of Reading To Your Children Daily
We can read many words easily
Reading 20 minutes a day is equal to reading 1,800,000 words a year.
It develops cognitive skills
Regular verbal interaction between a child and a parent improves their I.Q. and aids in developing cognitive skills.
It expands the vocabulary
A study concluded that kids who are read to regularly are exposed to 78,000 new words each year.
Reading is a stress buster
Reading for six minutes a day can alleviate stress levels by 68%.
It feeds creativity
Being the one-person audience of magical tales can do wonders for a child’s creativity.
Why We Love Read to Your Child Day
Reading sessions are precious
We don’t need an excuse to celebrate the valuable reading sessions we share with our kids. On Read to Your Child Day, we renew our promise of always sharing stories of bravery, compassion, and friendship with our children.
Internet takeover is scary
Internet-ladened mobiles and tablets have replaced the little time we shared with our kids. Do not let the tradition of sharing stories with your kids die. Make a rule to shut down the Internet an hour before bedtime, and read them stories before they go to sleep every day.
Reading never gets old
Read to Your Child Day can be celebrated at any age. The bonds formed with the act of reading together last for a lifetime. This February 14, demand a dramatic reading of your favorite childhood book and revisit some childhood memories.
Read to Your Child Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 14 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 14 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 14 | Thursday |
| 2031 | February 14 | Friday |
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