1. Choose books you like.

2. Have a big enough bag to carry the book with you. Sturdy canvas totes are great – also good for hauling picture books to and from the library.

3. Use audio books and/or book apps in the car and while on the go.

4. Hold the book at an angle your kids can comfortably see.

5. Look at and discuss the illustrations, too. They are clues to the story.

6. Involve your kids by asking questions such as, “What was he doing in this picture?”

7. Accept all answers. Don’t say, “No” or “That’s wrong.” Instead ask, “Why do you think that?” The book belongs to the reader’s imagination as well as the creator. Ask questions such as, “Why,” “How” and “What do you think happened after the end of the story?”

8. Sub-text is what goes on underneath the story. Some kids “get” it. Others do later. This is one way books and stories help broaden our horizons. Embrace it.

9. If you have children who are different ages, start a family serial using a junior chapter book. Encourage character voices for the dialogue.

10. Try to build a regular reading time into every day!

(adapted from Elissa Lawrence’s suggestions, published in the Herald Sun)