Every parent wants their child to love reading. In a world of screens, social media, and instant entertainment, raising a child who genuinely enjoys books is both a gift and a challenge. What most parents don’t realise is that the physical environment plays a significant role in whether children read regularly.
And it starts with where you put the books.
The Visibility Rule
Books that children cannot see, they will not read. Books stored in closed cupboards, stacked in boxes, or placed on high shelves out of reach become invisible to a child’s mind. Out of sight, out of mind is never truer than with children and books.
The solution is simple: display books with their covers facing outward on low, open shelves. Children’s eyes are drawn to book covers. A colourful cover visible at eye level is far more inviting than a row of spines.
Low Shelves at Child Height
This is the principle behind the Montessori approach to book storage. Books should be stored at the child’s height – shelves they can reach without help, browse independently, and return books to without needing to ask an adult. When a child can access their books independently, they naturally engage with them more.
A Dedicated Reading Corner
Beyond where books are stored, having a dedicated reading space – even a small one – signals to children that reading is an activity worth giving special space to. This doesn’t need to be elaborate. A floor cushion, a beanbag, or even a pile of cushions in a corner near the bookshelf is enough.
Add a lamp for evening reading. A small rug defines the space. This corner becomes the child’s reading sanctuary.
The Tree Bookshelf – Form and Function
At Wali Kids Furniture, our tree-shaped wall bookshelf is one of our most beloved products. It mounts on the wall like a tree with branches for shelves. Children can arrange their books and small decorations on the branches. It becomes a focal point of the room and – crucially – keeps books visible and accessible.
How Many Books Does a Child Need?
For a young child (under 7), a rotating selection of 10 to 20 books is actually better than a huge library. Too many choices can be overwhelming. Rotate books regularly – put some away and bring new ones out – to keep the selection feeling fresh.
For older children and teens, a proper bookshelf with their growing collection becomes a source of pride and identity.
Pair the Bookshelf with a Routine
The physical setup helps enormously, but pair it with a reading routine. Reading for 20 minutes before bed – with the parent reading aloud for young children – builds the habit faster than any amount of book storage organisation.
