"A child who reads will be an adult who thinks, and storybooks are the seeds of that growth." — Albert Einstein

The above quoted words of Dr Seuss and Albert Einstein are so very true. Story books play an important role in the personality development of children.

Reading storybooks has been a remarkable and incredible journey for me as a 12-year-old. It has kindled my passion for learning. Every new story I read, increases my craving to read more. In fact, reading is something I like to do whenever I get time. I never go to sleep without reading a book and the first thing I do after getting up in the morning is to read few pages. Reading has aroused and excited my imagination and taken me to multiple places, from magical lands to historical adventures.

Each book has introduced me to different thoughts and mindset, different characters that has helped me to understand different emotions and cultures. As I read, my vocabulary has expanded, making it easier for me to express myself in school and with friends. It has increased my inquisitiveness and has taught be to ask questions and seek out more information, which enhances my understanding of the world around me. I think it has made me more compassionate and considerate.

In today’s world where there is so much of digital distraction, reading books help in removing the distractions during study time, improve focus, and manage our workloads. Most importantly, reading helps in developing the art of storytelling and creativity. I often find myself daydreaming about my own adventures or creating stories based on what I’ve read. This has encouraged me to write my own stories and express my thoughts through creative writing, which is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Family plays an important role in developing the habit of reading in a child. Children are eager learners. They learn and imitate behaviors by watching and listening to others. I must thank my dad for developing my habit of reading as he is an ardent book lover and reader. A home filled with books, whether on shelves or in easily accessible spaces, makes reading a normal part of everyday life. Children naturally gets attracted towards books when they see them around and are encouraged to explore. We have a huge collection of books. Whenever we visit India or travel to any country, buying books is a MUST for us. Few minutes before sleeping, spending some time as a family, discussing what we have read or the story telling session has played an important role in developing my reading habit. This not only makes reading enjoyable but also creates positive association with books.

The joy of reading has given me a sense of accomplishment. Completing a book or series feels like achieving a personal goal, boosting my confidence and motivating me to tackle even more challenging reads. Overall, reading storybooks has enriched my life, shaped my personality and fueled my aspirations. Storybooks have also taught me important life lessons about friendship, bravery, and kindness, which I often think about in my daily life. Overall, reading has not only made me a better student but has also shaped who I am, making me more curious and open-minded.

Reading supports intellectual, emotional, social, and moral growth, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and development. So, I urge my friends and kids like me to start reading and enjoy its positive influences in their life.