International Children's Book Day: 8 Tips to Optimize Benefits of Reading
- 02 Apr 2026 14:02 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Every April 2nd, the world commemorates International Children's Book Day. According to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the celebration has been held since 1967.
The day coincides with the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the renowned Danish author best known for his literary fairy tales, and aims to encourage a love of reading while drawing attention to children's books.
Reading books to children, especially storybooks, is not only an enjoyable activity, but it also has a significant positive impact on their development. Through stories, children can be transported into imaginative worlds, expand their vocabulary, and understand moral and social values.
However, according to DKI Jakarta Provincial Library and Archives Office, to ensure that the benefits of reading storybooks are fully optimized, there are several tips that parents can follow. Let’s explore them further.
1. Choose Books Appropriate to the Child’s Age and Interests
The first thing to consider is selecting storybooks that match the child’s age and interests. Each stage of development has different needs.
You must make sure the book is not too difficult or too easy for the child to understand. Then, you must also consider their specific interests—whether they like stories about animals, adventures, or certain characters.
2. Make Reading a Daily Ritual
You must turn reading into a good habit, make it a daily ritual from an early age. Set a specific time to read together, such as before bedtime or after dinner. This helps children associate reading with enjoyable moments and builds a positive habit.
3. Involve the Child in the Reading Process
During reading time, actively involve the child. Encourage them to observe the pictures, ask questions about what they see, and discuss the story. This stimulates comprehension, sharpens critical thinking skills, and strengthens interaction between parent and child.
4. Use Engaging Voice and Expressions
When reading aloud, try to use engaging voice tones and expressions. Vary your voice according to different characters, add sound effects, and show facial expressions that match the story. This brings the story to life and makes it more interesting for the child.
5. Emphasize Moral Values
Storybooks often contain important moral messages. After reading, discuss these values with the child. Teach them about honesty, cooperation, friendship, and kindness. This helps shape their character and encourages them to think about the consequences of their actions.
6. Diversify Reading Materials
In addition to storybooks, don’t hesitate to introduce various types of reading materials. These can include non-fiction books, illustrated books, poetry, and even short articles. A diverse range of materials helps broaden the child’s literacy interests.
7. Provide Access to Many Books
Create a diverse book collection at home. Ensure children have easy access to different kinds of books. This stimulates curiosity and allows them to explore the world of literacy more freely.
8. Maintain Patience and Consistency
Lastly, stay patient and consistent when reading to children. Every child has a different learning pace and some may take longer to develop an interest in reading. Don’t hesitate to repeat their favorite stories if they enjoy them.
Reading storybooks to children is an effective way to stimulate both their intellectual and emotional development. By following the tips above, we can ensure that the benefits of this activity are truly maximized. Let’s work together to nurture a generation that loves reading and has a deep understanding of life’s values through the magic of literacy.
News Recomendation
Loading latest news.....