How to Raise a Reader: A Guide for Parents in Nepal and Beyond

From the moment you welcome your child into the world, you’re encouraged to read to them. And for good reason. Raising a reader is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your child. A book-loving child grows up with improved vocabulary, better comprehension skills, heightened empathy, and boundless imagination. But raising a reader doesn’t just happen by chance; it takes consistency, intention, and joy.

At Books Mandala, we’ve had the privilege of watching thousands of parents and kids build this beautiful habit together. With the largest collection of non-academic children’s books in Nepal, we’ve seen firsthand how a vibrant reading culture can blossom in young minds. Kids love visiting our stores in Kathmandu (Baluwatar) and Pokhara (Lakeside) to browse through picture books, graphic novels, activity sets, and bilingual titles that spark curiosity and joy.

Here’s how you can raise a lifelong reader, right from the start.

Start reading aloud from day one

Even if your baby doesn’t understand the story, your voice, rhythm, and facial expressions create a warm emotional bond with books. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading aloud from infancy supports early brain development, language skills, and emotional security. Make bedtime stories a daily ritual and continue reading aloud even after they become independent readers.

Make books more accessible than screens

The easiest way to encourage reading is by making books visible and available. Replace tablet time with story time. Instead of giving your child a screen to quiet them, offer a book they can flip through. Let them hold books, carry them, talk about them, and even choose which ones to bring on a trip. This helps them associate books with autonomy and comfort.

Pro tip: Once you finish a book that has a movie adaptation, watch it together. It’s a great way to introduce media literacy and most kids will realize that the book is almost always better.

Create a book-rich environment at home

Surround your child with a variety of books across genres and formats. Keep books in different corners of your home; bedside, bathroom, living room. Build a mini bookshelf in their room that they can access freely. You don’t need hundreds of books, just the right ones. At Books Mandala’s Kids & Teens collection, you’ll find age-appropriate picks from toddler board books to middle-grade fiction, with everything in between.

Let them choose what they read

Children are more likely to read when they have agency. Visit libraries, bookstores, and book fairs together. Let them browse and pick out books they’re drawn to; even if it’s the fifth dinosaur book this month. Make book buying part of your family routine. Instead of traditional pocket money, offer them a new book each month as a reward. Our customers love this practice, and so do the kids who visit our stores to choose their “monthly read.”

Lead by example

If your child sees you scrolling endlessly but never picking up a book, they’ll do the same. Model the habit. You don’t have to be a literary expert, just show interest. Read while they’re reading. Talk about what you’re reading. Share your favorite books from when you were their age. Reading becomes more meaningful when it’s a shared family value.

Engage deeply during reading time

Make reading interactive. Ask your child about the characters, predict what might happen next, or even act out parts of the book. If the book has no pictures, encourage them to draw what they imagine. You can also narrate scenes together or create your own endings. According to research published in Reading Research Quarterly, interactive read-alouds significantly improve comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and listening skills.

Introduce diverse and inclusive books

Books are windows and mirrors. They should reflect your child’s identity while also opening doors to new perspectives. Ensure your shelves include books from different cultures, backgrounds, and family structures. This not only fosters empathy but helps your child feel seen. Representation matters, and diverse literature is one of the best ways to raise an inclusive, kind, and open-minded human being.

Explore bilingual and Nepali-language books

Learning language through stories is one of the most natural ways for children to absorb vocabulary. Our new publishing venture at Books Mandala is launching its first children’s title, First Nepali Words and Coloring Book: A creative, interactive way for kids to learn Nepali. Read more about it in this article. It’s perfect for bilingual families or for children learning Nepali as a second language.

Follow curated reading recommendations

Not sure where to begin? Check out our curated kids’ book content on Instagram @booksmandala and our dedicated children’s account @booksmandalakids.

We share age-specific recommendations, reading tips for parents, new arrivals, and seasonal picks to make choosing books easier and more exciting.

You can also explore our related blogs for deeper insight:

• Book Recommendations for Beginners
• The Scientific Benefits of Reading Physical Books
• How to Develop a Reading Habit

Final thought

Raising a reader isn’t about ticking off pages or finishing a certain number of books. It’s about planting the seed of curiosity and watering it with love, patience, and presence. At Books Mandala, we’ve created a space where children can fall in love with books in a way that feels natural and joyful. From our online Kids & Teens collection to our family-friendly stores in Kathmandu and Pokhara, we welcome you and your child to explore, read, and grow together.

Because a child who reads today will imagine, create, and lead tomorrow.