Books that share the love of reading with your multilingual child
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. You do not pay a higher price.
Why Books Are the Heart of Our Multilingual Family (And Why They Should Be in Yours Too)
Every evening, something magical happens in our home. The dinner dishes are cleared, the toys are (mostly, or not) put away, and our family of bookworms gathers on the couch. My 3-year-old picks a picture book (or a pile of books, more likely) in the language of choice, that he wants to have read to him. So we start our reading journey, every book perhaps in a different language.
This simple ritual is the heartbeat of our multilingual home. It’s why I can’t stop sharing book recommendations on this blog about raising children with more than one language. Books aren’t just stories to us—they’re gateways, gifts, and glue. Here’s why I’m so passionate about them, and why I think you’ll fall in love with them too.
Reading: The Ultimate Passport to the World
For me, reading is the key that unlocks everything. It’s how we access stories, ideas, and knowledge from every corner of the globe—and when you’re raising a child with multiple languages, it’s pure gold. Imagine your little one, fluent in German, Portuguese, and English, diving into tales from each culture, connecting with grandparents through shared stories, or discovering new worlds in a language they’re still mastering. It’s not just about language skills; it’s about identity, empathy, and a lifelong love for learning.
If your child grows up loving books in all their languages, they’re not just learning words—they’re inheriting entire cultures. That’s a superpower worth nurturing.
A Love for Reading: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Instilling a love for reading in your child is like handing them a magic key—one that opens doors to endless adventures, ideas, and opportunities. Dr. Seuss nailed it when he said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Cheesy? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
But it’s not just about whimsy. Research backs it up: kids who read regularly have larger vocabularies, better comprehension skills, and stronger academic performance. For multilingual children, the benefits are even bigger. Reading in Spanish, French, and English sharpens their ability to switch between languages, deepens their grasp of grammar, and boosts their confidence in each tongue. It’s like a daily workout for their brilliant little brains.
And the best part? It’s never too early to start. Even at 3, my child is already a budding bookworm— “reading” to their stuffed animals, reciting the text from memory, and begging for “just one more” story before bed. It’s not about perfection—it’s about joy. And that joy is the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Books: The Glue That Holds Us Together
Raising a multilingual child can feel like a juggling act. There are days when I wonder if we’re doing enough, if Portuguese is slipping, or if we’re accidentally raising a tiny human who speaks a mash-up of all three languages. But in our house, books are the glue that holds it all together.
Reading makes for the best family bonding time. One of our favorite traditions is starting the day with a good picture book right away. It helps us all to slowly wake up and read a bit aloud while still lying down. These moments don’t just build language skills—they build memories.
Books also open up conversations we might not have otherwise. A story about kindness led to a heartwarming chat about feelings with my little one. Reading together tackles tricky subjects, sparks curiosity about the unknown, and keeps us connected.
Our Favourite Books About the Love for Reading
Now, here’s the fun part—our favourite books about the love for reading! These treasures make you want to snuggle on the couch with your own favourite book right away. They remind us of the joy reading brings, the doors it opens, and the pure pleasure of getting lost in a story. Here are our top picks to inspire your little ones (and you!):
“Der Lesewolf” - Bénédicte Carboneill, Michaël Derullieux
“Where are my books?” - Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Your Turn: Join the Multilingual Bookworm Club!
Books are our family’s greatest ally in this multilingual journey, and I hope they become yours too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small: pick one book in each language, set aside 10 minutes a day, and watch the magic unfold. You’re not just teaching words—you’re nurturing curiosity, connection, and a world of possibilities.
So, what about you? What are your family’s favourite reads? Do you have a special reading ritual? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear your stories and add your recommendations to our ever-growing list. Let’s inspire each other to raise a generation of little readers who can explore the world—one page at a time, in every language they know.
All books we recommend here have passed through our home and have been read in either German, Portuguese, or English. Many of them are probably also available in other languages - it’s usually advisable to search for the authors first in your own language, from there, you’ll find the available repertoire in your own language.
