As my kids begin to approach their teen years, I've found myself growing nostalgic about the memories we've made together. I remember family trips to the zoo, stopping by our favorite coffee shop for donuts and coffee, hiking new trails, and spending long afternoons at the swimming pool.

But one memory stands out the most for us and is still on going.

Stories.

When my husband's parents needed extra care for a season, we spent many hours driving across Kansas. During those long stretches, we listened to The Magician's Nephew and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Every time we stopped for gas or a quick bite to eat, the kids couldn't wait to climb back into the car so they could hear more.

When I picked up The Wingfeather Saga to read aloud, those evenings are some of my favorite family memories. We'd all crowd onto the bed together, laughing until our stomachs hurt one moment and wiping away tears the next. We still talk about some of the funny characters in that series and get a good laugh about them and I would do try to do a different voice for each one!

What surprised me most was realizing I wasn't the only one looking forward to story time. Some evenings my husband would ask, "Are you reading tonight?" I had thought I was reading for the kids, but somewhere along the way, the stories had become something our whole family looked forward to.

Recently I met with another mom whose five children are now grown. She shared that one of her children used to insist, "I'm just not a reader."

She refused to accept that as the end of the story.

Instead, she began introducing audiobooks she thought her children would enjoy. She kept reading aloud. She kept making books part of everyday life—not as a chore, but as something enjoyable.

Today, that same daughter, now twenty-five years old, has stacks of books on her bedside table.

Our own children have been very different readers.

My daughter devoured books from the very beginning. She loves adventures, fantasy, and stories she could disappear into for hours.

My son took a little longer to discover what hooked him in, but once we realized he enjoyed history, that lit a spark! We would find history books, magazines, graphic novels—anything that connected with his interests.

Not every child connects with stories the same way, and that's okay.

Audiobooks are a great option, especially for reluctant readers. Kids can build with Legos, color, clean their room, or ride in the car while listening. They're strengthening listening comprehension without even realizing it, all while enjoying a great story.

As a former elementary teacher, I've always believed in the importance of reading because I know how much it supports language development, vocabulary, comprehension, and literacy.

But as a parent, I've come to treasure the fun it opens up for us as a family.

Stories create connection.

They slow us down.

They spark conversations we might not have otherwise.

They ignite imagination.

They become memories.

Today my children are in middle school, and we still listen to audiobooks together. We still enjoy the occasional family read-aloud. There is something incredibly cozy about everyone dressed in pajamas and squeezing together on the bed to hear what happens next.

And if we all want to read just a little more...

Well, bedtime can wait a little bit longer.

If reading doesn't feel fun in your home right now, don't give up! Maybe it's finding stories your family genuinely enjoys.

Maybe that's a joke book that leaves everyone laughing.

Maybe it's a graphic novel.

Maybe it's poetry.

Maybe it's an audiobook during a Saturday drive.

Or maybe it's a family read-aloud before bed.

There is so much out there that can make reading fun for everyone!

Creating A Love Of Reading: One Story At A Time

by Jennie Bourquin 7.30.2026