Every child's taste is different. Don't worry if they're not

Host: The soft afternoon light filters through the window, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The bookshelves are filled with stories of every shape and size, their spines neatly aligned, each one waiting to be discovered. Jack sits on the edge of the couch, his fingers lazily flipping through a magazine, while Jeeny sits nearby, a stack of books beside her. The room feels quiet, peaceful, as if the conversation is just waiting for the right moment to unfold.

Jack: (glancing up from his magazine, voice thoughtful) "You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about what Rick Riordan said. About how every child’s taste is different, and how we shouldn’t worry if they’re not reading War and Peace at age 12. But it makes me wonder—how do you know what’s right for them? How do you help them discover that love of reading without pushing them into something that feels like a chore?"

Jeeny: (smiling softly, her voice calm and understanding) "It’s a good point, Jack. I think what Riordan is getting at is that the foundation of reading starts with the enjoyment of it, not with pushing kids to read something they’re not ready for. If they don’t enjoy what they’re reading, it’s hard to get them excited about it at all. The key is giving them the freedom to choose books they enjoy, to let them explore different genres and stories that speak to them."

Jack: (frowning slightly) "But isn’t there a point where we have to guide them? I mean, if all they ever want to read is comic books or graphic novels, how do they ever get into the deeper, more complex stories? Do we just let them pick whatever they want, or is there a balance we need to strike?"

Jeeny: (leaning forward, her tone warm but firm) "I think it’s about finding that balance. It’s not about forcing them to read something they’re not interested in, but about encouraging them to branch out. If they love comic books, start there, and let them see the value in storytelling. Gradually, you can introduce them to books that build on what they already love—whether it’s fantasy, adventure, or even history. The key is to make them excited to read, not to make it feel like a requirement."

Host: The room feels lighter now, the air filled with the gentle hum of their conversation. The books around them, once just objects on a shelf, now seem to hold an extra layer of meaning. Jack’s expression softens as he considers Jeeny’s words, and he finally puts down his magazine, giving her his full attention.

Jack: (voice quiet, with a hint of reflection) "So, it’s about building a habit first, then introducing new ideas in a way that feels natural. It’s not about pushing them to read the classics right away, but showing them that reading is something they can enjoy, something that can open up worlds for them."

Jeeny: (nodding, her voice warm and confident) "Exactly. And you know, it doesn’t hurt to make friends with a bookseller or librarian. They’re a goldmine of recommendations. They know what’s out there, what’s trending, and what kids enjoy. They can help find books that feel like a perfect fit, books that will make a child excited to open a page."

Jack: (smiling, a thought crossing his mind) "Yeah, I remember how much fun I used to have picking out books at the library. The librarian always seemed to know just the right books for me, ones I wouldn’t have found on my own. It’s about trust, isn’t it? Trusting them to guide you, to help you discover stories that speak to where you are in your life."

Jeeny: (laughing softly) "Exactly. And it’s not just about getting them to read a book—it’s about creating a relationship with reading, helping them feel empowered to make choices, and letting them explore. If they love what they’re reading, they’ll naturally want to read more. That’s how you create a lifelong reader."

Host: The conversation shifts, like the slow turning of pages in a book, each word adding to the narrative of what it means to help a child discover the joy of reading. The sunlight shifts as the day moves on, casting new patterns on the walls, as if echoing the changing ideas between them.

Jack: (nodding, more at peace with the idea) "I get it now. It’s not about rushing them to the ‘great books.’ It’s about creating a habit, a love for stories, and letting them discover their own path. It’s the little steps that matter."

Jeeny: (smiling, her voice gentle) "Exactly. Build that foundation of joy, and everything else will follow. Let them pick the stories they love, and they’ll end up exploring worlds they never imagined."

Host: The room is quiet once more, but the warmth of their conversation lingers in the air. The books on the shelves no longer seem just like objects to be read—they have become something much more, a bridge to a world of discovery, wonder, and joy. Jack looks at the books surrounding them with new understanding, ready to embrace the journey of reading, one story at a time.