Instilling a Love of Books from the Very Start

Lorraine Levis’s Once Upon a Reader is a beautifully illustrated, research-backed guide designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading in children aged zero to ten. Published in 2020 by Currach Books, this 200-page hardcover blends literary advocacy with practical, evidence-based strategies that parents and educators can apply immediately. Levis draws on decades of developmental research to show how even the youngest minds absorb stories — and how to guide them to flourish.

What sets this guide apart is its unique fusion of heartfelt storytelling and actionable advice. Rather than prescribe rigid routines, it celebrates the joy of reading as a shared, evolving experience. Whether you’re a parent reading aloud in the evening or a teacher shaping a classroom library, the book offers gentle, effective tools to build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking through books.

With a warm, inviting tone and full-colour illustrations, Once Upon a Reader is as much a celebration of literature as it is a manual for raising readers. It’s the perfect companion for anyone committed to helping children discover the magic of stories — and why that matters more than ever.