Reading plays a magical role in a child’s development - it builds language skills, sparks imagination, and helps little minds make sense of the world. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a first adventure into independent reading, books have the power to shape a child’s future in incredible ways. 

But the benefits don’t stop in childhood! The same skills that make reading so valuable for kids continue to enrich our lives as adults too. So, whether you're reading with your little one or picking up a book for yourself, here are eight fascinating facts about reading that might surprise you…

1. Reading can literally rewire your brain

Did you know that every time you read, your brain forms new neural connections? MRI scans have shown that when children listen to stories, multiple areas of their brains become active, including those that process language, imagination, and emotions. So the more you read, the more the brain adapts and grows - making you not only more knowledgeable but also sharper.

2. Your brain treats fictional characters like real people

Have you ever felt emotionally attached to a book character? Our brain doesn’t make much of a distinction between real-life social interactions and fictional ones. This is why we get deeply invested in characters' lives, cheer for their victories, and even mourn their losses. So, the next time you cry over a book, just know - your brain thinks it’s real.

3. Reading reduces stress faster than a cup of tea

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, picking up a book could be the perfect remedy. Research suggests that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, making it more effective than listening to music or going for a walk.

4. People who read fiction are more empathetic

Fiction allows us to step into the shoes of different characters and experience life from their perspective. This is why reading is so important for Children as it helps them develop empathy by allowing them to understand different viewpoints and emotions. Stories about friendships, adventures, and overcoming challenges help kids understand emotions, making them more compassionate toward others.

5. Speed reading may not be as useful as you think

Many people dream of being able to read an entire book in a day, but speed reading may not be the best approach. While you can train yourself to read faster, studies show that comprehension takes a hit when you rush through a book. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to absorbing information and truly enjoying a story.

6. Physical books can help you sleep better

Scrolling through your phone before bed can disrupt your sleep cycle, but reading a physical book has the opposite effect. The absence of blue light and the relaxing act of reading can help you unwind and prepare for a restful night's sleep. So next time your little one asks for “just one more bedtime story,” it might actually help them drift off into dreamland faster!

7. Reading can help with language development in Children

Research suggests that reading to children from an early age, even before they start speaking, helps lay the foundation for language development. Hearing stories introduces them to new words and sentence structures that they might not encounter in everyday conversation. In fact, studies indicate that children who are read to daily are exposed to nearly 290,000 more words by the time they begin primary school, giving them a significant linguistic advantage!

8. Books have been around for over 5,000 years!

The first known books date back to ancient Mesopotamia, where they were written on clay tablets over 5,000 years ago. Since then, books have evolved from scrolls to manuscripts to the beautifully bound novels and digital e-books we enjoy today. No matter the format, one thing remains the same: reading continues to be one of the most powerful and transformative human experiences.

So, now you know these surprising facts - and you didn’t just learn about reading, you experienced its magic firsthand. After all, you just read a whole blog post! That’s a few new neural connections made, a boost in focus, and maybe even a little less stress.

Whether you’re diving into a fun adventure for your little one or a heartwarming tale for yourself, reading offers endless benefits for everyone. It’s a simple way to spark creativity, improve focus, and strengthen your connection with the world around you.

Explore our personalised children’s books and turn your next storytime into a moment they’ll remember - with a book that’s all about them.