Reading with children doesn’t have to look one particular way. Sometimes it’s a stack of picture books before bed. Other times it’s an audiobook story playing in the car while everyone listens quietly (or not so quietly). At the library, we love reminding families that all of these moments count because there are many ways to read!
Picture books are often where reading together begins. They lend themselves to conversation, encourage children to notice details, and invite questions, predictions, and connections. Lingering over illustrations, rereading a favorite page, or letting your child “read” from memory are all a part of it. We have picture books in many different languages that span a vast variety of topics here at Nashville Public Library! In our early literacy workshops, we even encourage families to try reading stories without words! There are lots of wordless books, and this can be done in any language or context.
Audiobooks are stories you can enjoy together without needing to sit still. Listening helps children tune into language, rhythm, and expression, and it’s a wonderful option for car rides, quiet time, or winding down at the end of the day. Some families even like to listen while drawing or playing. There are lots of artfully recorded audiobooks, complete with sound effects and background music! You can check these out via the Library Catalog, and even download audiobooks for free using the Libby app.
Talking books combine reading and listening in one interactive format. Children can follow along with the text while hearing the story read aloud, often with music or sound effects woven in. These books can be especially helpful for emerging or struggling readers, supporting word recognition while keeping the experience playful.
Graphic novels are a favorite for many young readers, and for good reason. By combining text with illustrations, they help children build reading confidence while strengthening comprehension skills. Kids can practice following a story across the panels, interpreting facial expressions and visual clues, and connecting words with images—all while enjoying a fast-paced, engaging format. Graphic novels can be especially appealing to emerging readers or kids who may feel hesitant about longer chapter books, offering another joyful and valid way to experience stories.
Especially for babies and toddlers, board books are a format all their own. Built to be sturdy and handled independently, they invite exploration, page-turning, and repeated reading. Chewing, tapping, and dropping count as early reading behaviors, too!
For some families, reading on a tablet or device is part of daily life. eBooks—especially when used together—can absolutely still support shared reading, conversation, and engagement with stories. The key is reading and engaging with children, rather than just handing off the device.
Magazines, informational books, and browse-friendly nonfiction count too! Short articles, photos, and fact-filled pages are perfect for curious kids who prefer to dip in and out rather than read straight through. Nonfiction is a huge genre that encompasses many other unexpected subgenres, even including cookbooks!
Story times (and puppet shows) at Nashville Public Library are an incredibly beneficial experience for families with little ones. Children are guided through songs, fingerplays, read-alouds, and other early literacy activities by our beloved expert Children's librarians, while they enjoy socializing with other children and families. Check your local branch calendar to stay up-to-date with story times in your neighborhood!
There are so many moments throughout the day that we can enjoy reading, in any capacity! Reading or listening to stories can be done almost anywhere. Some families might enjoy reading to their children during bath time, meal times, or on bus or car rides. You can read inside or outside, in any language, and at any time of the day!
Sharing a story with a child is a ritual that offers connection, and can help children feel more grounded during daily transitions. We can also share stories that relate to something we are going through, as a way to help children understand and talk about things together. Storytelling is an age-old tradition that weaves us together, and we are so lucky to live in a time when so many different formats are available at our fingertips (and for FREE using your NPL card)!
