5 activities to spark a love of reading through comics and picture books

Consider having a reading ritual or routine at a specific time of day. For example, it could be after homework, before a nap, or at bedtime. Young children often love looking at book illustrations, even if they don’t fully understand the story. Here are some tips on how to make your reading routine more enjoyable:

• Create a peaceful, well-lit reading nook in your home.
• Choose a topic or theme (e.g., dinosaurs, funny stories) or focus on a specific book series.
• Set an alarm with a pleasant ringtone to let your child know when it’s time to read. You can also use an hourglass to set a time limit.
• When reading to your child, do voices or act out scenes with their stuffed animals, dolls, or action figures.

Just like TV shows and film series, comic books often follow a single character or band of heroes over several installments. Readers get to look forward to the next issue and build a connection to the story’s protagonists. After finishing one issue, they can’t wait to get their hands on the next to find out what happens. Whether it’s Superman, Tintin, or Garfield, a comic book hero can capture a child’s heart. If you need some inspiration, check out our recommendations for one-of-a-kind picture books.

Illustrations can be a gateway to the world of reading. Why not visit the library and help your little one explore the comics and picture books in the children’s section? An illustrated cover might catch their eye! Once they’ve picked a book, snuggle up together and flip through it.

Comics and picture books can also help with vocabulary and spelling. For instance, the drawings help kids better understand what the characters are saying. What’s more, the characters’ facial expressions and surroundings make it easier for children to learn new words and phrases.

Plenty of movies have been turned into comic books, and vice versa. Naturally, kids and teenagers who are fans of the movie or TV series will find something to like in the book version. Since they’re already familiar with the characters and stories, they’ll have an easier time diving into the comic. Reading these types of adaptations can be beneficial in all sorts of ways:

• Your child will have an easier time following the story.
• They’ll be able to compare the comic to the on-screen version.
• They’ll know what happens next.
• They’ll get to relive their favourite parts of the story.
• They’ll be proud to be part of the fictional universe’s fanbase.
• Etc.

The world of comics and picture books is huge and varied. Don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t seem interested in a book you’ve suggested; they might enjoy something different! It’s also normal for a child’s preferences to change from year to year. For instance, a comic book they receive for their eighth birthday may only become interesting when they turn nine. Just like movies, comics come in an array of genres. Here are a few to explore:

• Western: Much like a Western film, this type of comic has cowboys, sheriffs, and saloons and is usually set in the American West.
• Educational: An educational comic provides, in simple terms, information on science, technology, or the arts.
• Adventure: Stories in this genre are action-packed, with heroes who travel the world and, of course, go on adventures!
• Comedy: This genre is all about humour; think funny situations, parodies, self-deprecation, black humour, and more.
• Science fiction: In the sci-fi universe, reality meets fiction. Common themes include interstellar travel, aliens, and cyborgs.
• Historical: The stories in this genre explore different historical events.
• Heroic fantasy: In these comics, a hero embarks on a fantastical quest.
• Comic strip: These are short, funny comics that are mainly published in daily newspapers.
• Manga: This genre hails from Japan. Manga are often in black and white, and their format differs from Western comics. They look like paperbacks and are typically read from right to left.
• Graphic novel: Unlike comic books, which are mainly for kids and teens, graphic novels are suitable for more advanced readers. They’re published as complete books and often explore literary themes. Some are compilations of comic books.
• Silent comic: This type of comic doesn’t have words, and the stories are told entirely through pictures.