Celebrate International Read to Me Day: The Magic of Reading Together

Every year on March 19, book lovers, parents, and educators come together to celebrate International Read to Me Day—a global movement that highlights the importance of reading aloud to children. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, a librarian, or simply someone who cherishes the power of stories, this day serves as a beautiful reminder that reading is not just a skill—it’s a shared experience that fosters connection, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

At Booked & Busy, where our world revolves around digital planning, cozy vibes, and bookish magic, we know there’s nothing quite like the joy of getting lost in a story. So today, let’s dive into why reading aloud matters, how you can celebrate, and a few bookish ideas to make this day extra special.

Why Reading Aloud is Pure Magic

Reading aloud isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about creating memories, strengthening bonds, and sparking imagination. Here’s why it’s so powerful:

📖 Builds Stronger Readers – Hearing stories helps children develop language skills, expand their vocabulary, and improve comprehension. Even older kids (and adults!) benefit from listening to books aloud.

🧡 Creates Connection – Whether it’s bedtime stories or an impromptu afternoon read-aloud session, reading together builds emotional connections between kids and their caregivers.

🌎 Opens New Worlds – Books transport us to different places, cultures, and experiences. They help kids develop empathy and curiosity about the world.

🔮 Boosts Imagination – Listening to a story allows the mind to wander, dream, and visualize—nurturing creativity in young minds (and rekindling it in grown-ups, too!).

How to Celebrate International Read to Me Day

Want to make this day memorable? Here are some simple yet magical ways to celebrate:

• Read Aloud to a Child: The simplest and most meaningful way to celebrate is by reading a story to a child in your life. Whether it’s your own child, a niece or nephew, a student, or even a younger sibling, carve out time to share a book together.

• Let a Child Choose the Story: Encourage kids to pick their favorite book (or one they’ve never read before). Giving them the freedom to choose makes reading more exciting and personal.

• Listen to an Audiobook Together: If you’re on the go or prefer a change of pace, try an audiobook! Listening together is a great way to enjoy a story while commuting, cooking, or winding down.

• Record a Story for a Loved One: Can’t be there in person? Record yourself reading a book and send it to a little one. It’s a heartfelt way to stay connected even from afar.

• Donate Books to a Local School or Library: Support literacy by donating books to places that need them. Gifting a book means sharing the joy of reading with someone who might not have easy access to it.

• Get Cozy & Make It a Ritual: Set the scene with warm blankets, soft lighting, and a cup of tea or cocoa. Make reading together a cozy, cherished tradition—not just for today, but every day.

Keep the Read-Aloud Tradition Alive

International Read to Me Day is a reminder that reading aloud is one of the simplest yet most impactful gifts we can give a child. Whether it’s once a week, every night at bedtime, or during special occasions, reading together creates moments of magic that last a lifetime.