Reach Out and Read

06/17/2026

Children are naturally curious about the people around them, and one of the gifts of books is the chance for them to step into someone else's world.

This list from The Virginian-Pilot features pictures books that celebrate differences, while reminding young children of something simple — every person has value, and every story matters: reachoutandread.me/3Q5vqZ5. 🏳️‍🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜📚

06/17/2026

There's something special about gathering around a book. Everyone leans in, focuses on the same pages, and spends a few minutes together without worrying about anything else.

It's a simple way to slow down and be together.

For a child, that closeness can mean everything. ❤️📚

06/16/2026

Some stories help children see the world a little more clearly.

As Juneteenth approaches, this Book Riot roundup highlights picture books that introduce young readers to the history, people, and events behind this important day.

Whether you're adding a new book to a bedtime routine or reading together over the holiday weekend, these titles are a great place to start. 📚❤️

Celebrate Juneteenth with these five picture books that feature parades to family celebrations and the history of the holiday.

06/16/2026

Reading together doesn't have to be complicated.

Our Family Resources page is full of free tools designed for parents and caregivers.

You'll find:

✅ Reading tips for every age, from newborns to preschoolers
✅ Curated booklists for different interests, seasons, and celebrations
✅ Videos that show what reading with young children can look like
✅ Practical guidance for making reading fun and comforting

The best part? You don't need special materials or hours of free time. Some of the most meaningful learning happens during everyday moments spent reading, talking, and connecting.

Reading together is a powerful way to build a strong bond with your child. It also helps children grow their language skills and get ready to learn.

06/15/2026

As parents, we spend a lot of time thinking about our children's health, development, and screen time. But how often do we think about connection?

Even young children need opportunities to build strong relationships and feel a sense of belonging with the people around them.

That's one of the themes explored in this new PBS documentary examining why friendship and human connection matter so much to our mental health.

Add it to your watch list — it's now streaming free ... and may leave you thinking differently about what children need most to thrive. 🧠 📺

Scientists now link friendship to a remarkable range of benefits—both physical and mental.

06/15/2026

Years from now, children may not remember each book that was read to them, but they'll remember the people who made time to read with them.

That's the power of reading — creating moments that remind a child they are loved.❤️📚

06/12/2026

As a parent, you've probably wondered at some point: When should my child start recognizing letters? Are they developing language skills on track? What can I do at home to support their learning?

In this Q&A with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Marsha D. Spitzer, M.D., FAAP, Medical Director Reach Out and Read San Diego, answers these common questions and shares why reading together is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support a child's development.

https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/34989/Reading-together-encourages-safe-nurturing?autologincheck=redirected

06/12/2026

It's vital for children to see that there are many ways to build a family, find a sense of belonging, and be themselves.

Books can help open the door to those conversations in a way that feels thoughtful and age-appropriate.

This Pride Month, we're sharing a collection of books that celebrate love, family, acceptance, and the many experiences that make up our communities. 🌈📚

06/11/2026

Children are reading for fun at the lowest rates on recent record. If we want to change that, we can't wait until children are old enough to read on their own.

A love of reading starts with pointing at pictures, curled up in a parent's lap, laughing at silly voices.

Long before children learn to read, they're learning whether books are worth coming back to.

New data from the Education Department shows double-digit percentage point drops in the shares of 9- and 13-year-olds who read for fun almost every day.

06/11/2026

What if building lifelong resilience is simple? 🧠 ✨
Dr. Ann Masten of UMN - Institute of Child Development says resilience is about the everyday things: safe relationships, routines, and meeting kids' fundamental needs. Tap into your own "ordinary magic" on the — and discover how healthy distress tolerance and everyday protective processes lay the foundation children need to thrive:
reachoutandread.org/podcast.