Every child reads at their own pace, so treat ages as a starting point rather than a rule. Interest matters more than level: a child who loves a subject will read a harder book about it.
- Babies and toddlers: board books with strong pictures, rhythm and repetition. Books that are chewed are books that are loved.
- Ages 3 to 5: picture books to read aloud together, with a story to follow and pictures to talk about.
- Ages 5 to 7: early readers with short sentences and lots of pictures, alongside longer picture books read by a grown-up.
- Ages 7 to 9: first chapter books with short chapters, illustrations and series children can follow.
- Ages 9 to 12: longer novels, funny books, adventure and non-fiction on whatever they are into.
- Teenagers: young adult fiction and adult books. Ask what their friends are reading.
A quick way to check the level
Ask the child to read a page aloud. If they stumble over more than a few words, the book may be one to read together for now. A book that is too easy is not a problem: rereading favourites builds confidence.
Bookshop staff can help too. Tell them the last book the child enjoyed and what they like outside books.