Raise Readers, Build Empathy—One Book at a Time
As the founder of Bright Littles and a mom, I believe reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give our children. It builds confidence, fuels imagination, sparks curiosity, and opens hearts and minds to new ideas, places, and people. This summer, we’re teaming up with our friends at Literacy Playground to bring families a free summer reading challenge that makes it easy (and fun!) to get kids excited about books.
➡️ Download the Free Summer Reading Challenge Printable Now!
Why Reading Matters
Reading isn’t just about sounding out words—it’s about growing minds, strengthening hearts, and nurturing empathy. Kids who read regularly tend to be better communicators, more compassionate friends, and more confident learners. Plus, studies show that kids who read less are twice as likely to feel sad or depressed.
Books also allow children to explore new perspectives, cultures, and emotions. Whether through a story about bravery, identity, kindness, or imagination, each book helps shape the world your child sees—and how they see themselves in it.
The Power (and Importance) of Banned Books
Some of the most meaningful books for kids are the very ones being challenged or banned in schools and libraries—often because they explore topics like race, religion, gender identity, and family diversity. But these stories are exactly the ones our kids need.
They help children feel seen. They encourage them to think critically. They foster understanding of people who are different from them.
Because silencing stories doesn’t make the world kinder, sharing them does!
Support Local Libraries and Bookstores
Now more than ever, it's crucial to support your local library and independent small bookstores. Libraries are safe havens that provide free access to diverse stories and essential learning tools for families of all backgrounds. Visiting the library together teaches children the value of community, curiosity, and sharing knowledge.
Buying books from local shops or independent websites keeps authors and small businesses thriving—and gives you a chance to discover unique, meaningful titles you won’t always find on big-box bestseller lists.
Our Favorite Ways to Connect Through Reading
In our house, reading is a shared experience and a way to slow down and reconnect. Here are a few of our favorite family reading rituals:
📚 Library Trips Together: There’s something magical about walking through the library, picking out books, and heading home with new adventures in hand.
📖 Sunday Family Reading Time: Every Sunday, we carve out time to read together or independently as a family. It's calm, cozy, and something we all look forward to as a family. Also, it shows our commitment to reading in front of our daughter.
🎧 Car-Time Listening: My daughter gets motion sickness when she reads in the car, so we listen to audiobooks and educational podcasts on road trips or drives across town.
🍦 Mini Book Club with Friends: She even has a mini book club with her friends! They all read the same book and, once they finish, they celebrate with a fun reward—like going out for ice cream and talking about the story.
Reading isn't just a skill—it’s a lifestyle that helps build connection, compassion, and creativity.
Join the Summer Reading Challenge!
📚 Our Summer Reading Challenge encourages kids to complete 9 different types of books—from banned books and books about feelings to science stories and stories set in other countries.
✨ Finish all 9 reading squares and your child will receive:
- A special GIFT from Literacy Playground
- An exclusive PRINTABLE from Bright Littles
📸 Snap a photo of the completed sheet, tag @Bright_Littles and @LiteracyPlayground, and use the hashtag #BrightReadingChallenge.
Keep Conversations Going with the Conversation Club
Reading sparks questions—and we’re here to help you answer them. Our Conversation Club offers digital conversation starters for meaningful chats on everything from emotions to online safety.
Perfect for:
- Road trips
- Camping
- Poolside hangs
- Anytime you want to connect
💬 Try Conversation Club FREE for 1 week: Click here to sign up
Learn More About Literacy Playground
We teamed up with Literacy Playground, a mom-founded company, because we deeply admire their mission to empower young readers through inclusive, screen-free, and fun learning experiences. Their personalized literacy kits are thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are, making reading and writing accessible and joyful for every child—regardless of background or learning style.
👉 Learn more about Literacy Playground
Let’s Raise Bright Readers
Let’s raise readers who care, who question, who grow up knowing their voices—and stories—matter. Whether it’s cozy Sunday reading, road trip audiobooks, or swapping books with friends, these moments shape thoughtful, kind-hearted kids.
➡️ Download the Free Summer Reading Challenge Now and Start Reading Today!