Choose a story for tonight
Reading times allow for a relaxed pace and a little time to look at the picture. A story marked Calm has a gentle ending and is lovely for the end of the day. An Exciting story has an adventure in the middle and a reassuring ending. Try reading it a little earlier, so there's time to settle down afterwards.
The age range is a guide, not a rule. A three-year-old might love a story for older children if you pause and explain things along the way. And a seven-year-old may still want to hear a favourite story for little ones again.
Bring the story to life
Give the characters different voices, whisper when someone whispers and pause before the exciting bits. Repeated sounds, like the hedgehog's tip, tap, are there for your child to join in with. Find out more about why it matters in our article on reading aloud.
When the story ends
Most stories have a few questions to talk about afterwards. There are no right answers: the questions invite your child to share what they thought. Talking about a story can be just as rewarding as reading it.
If your child wants the story to go on, you can make up the rest together with the story dice and story template, or draw a character from the story step by step. And the next story could be about your child.