Etude: La Lecture Chez Les Jeunes Canadiens

SECTION OPEN KIDS &
FAMILY
READING
REPORT
TM
CANADIAN EDITION
I think its important to read both for learning and for fun because
it helps to build a better imagination and vocabulary.
Father, infant boy, Alberta
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Letter from the Co-Presidents of Scholastic Canada..............................................................2
Key Canadian Findings.........................................................................................................................4
SECTION 1: The State of Kids & Reading in Canada.....................................................................8
SECTION 2: What Canadian Kids & Parents Want in Books.................................................... 26
SECTION 3: Reading Aloud.............................................................................................................. 50
SECTION 4: Reading in Canadian Schools................................................................................... 66
SECTION 5: Summer Reading......................................................................................................... 76
Appendix A: Methodology............................................................................................................... 86
Appendix B: Demographics of the Sample.................................................................................. 88
1
A LETTER FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS OF SCHOLASTIC CANADA
WELCOME
Scholastic Canada is pleased to share with you the findings from our first Kids & Family Reading Report,
Canadian Edition. We are delighted to join several of our international affiliates in an effort to get a better
understanding of the reading behaviours and habits of families from around the world. These surveys began
10 years ago, when Scholastic released their initial Kids & Family Reading Report. Recently, their 6th edition
was published, and last year, the U.K., Australia and India also released their first reports.
As 2017 marks the 60th year that Scholastic Canada has been in business in this country, we felt it was the
perfect time to conduct our own study of English- and French-speaking Canadian parents and children to
see if our reading habits are that different from the rest of the world. It turns out that Canadian kids and their
parents arent that different in their attitudes about the importance of reading. But we did see some areas
where, as a publisher of childrens reading materials, we have some work to do. For example, we need to
help spread the word about the importance of reading aloud to your children from the time they are born.
Our hope is to use the findings from this study to continue to drive conversations about kids reading and
the power of books, and to help us understand how we all can support children as they begin their reading
journey. Perhaps even more importantly, how do we continue to inspire a love of reading as children
themselves grow up and face other distractions and choices about how they spend their time.
This landmark research provides both reasons to celebrate, but motivation to work harder to ensure that
all children have access to and are able to find books they love every day. While everyone agreed on the
2
A LETTER FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS OF SCHOLASTIC CANADA
WELCOME
importance of books and reading, almost half the children said they have difficulty finding the books they
like, and said they look to school and parents for guidance. In todays busy world filled with competition for
parents and kids time and attention, many children mentioned that books gave them a chance to relax and
use their imaginations. Children over six also said that while they arent read to at home as much as when
they were younger, they would like to be read aloud to more often and looked forward to it as a special time
spent with their parents. While the world has changed dramatically in terms of technology and access to it, it
seems that children and parents agree: theres nothing like sitting down with a book and leafing through the
pages together.
Literacy empowers children to explore, communicate, debate and think critically. We hope you will find this
information valuable and join us as we celebrate 60 years of sharing stories with Canadians. We look forward
to continuing to foster the magic of reading in children with you.
Sincerely,
Nancy Pearson Anne Browne

Co-President, Scholastic Canada Co-President, Scholastic Canada
3
KEY FINDINGS
KEY FINDINGS
In early 2017, Scholastic, in conjunction with YouGov, [[ Children, particularly those who are frequent
conducted a survey to explore the attitudes and readers, gain inspiration (76%) and a sense of
behaviours of English- and French-speaking Canadian accomplishment (90%) from reading. (Page 25)
children and families around reading books for fun.
[[ Parents reading habits play a large role in
The key findings of this research, based on a nationally
determining how often kids read: 57% of kids
representative sample of 1,939 parents and children,
who are frequent readers have parents who read
including 371 parents of children ages 05; 784
books 57 days per week, compared to only 15%
parents of children ages 617; plus one child age 617
of kids who are infrequent readers. (Page 14)
from the same household, are as follows:
[[ As children get older, reading for fun starts to
THE STATE OF KIDS & READING IN CANADA lose out to other activities, with 50% of kids
[[ The majority of children ages 617 (86%) are ages 68 reading for fun 57 days per week,
currently reading or have just finished reading a compared to only 25% of 1517 year-olds.
book for fun. One-third of kids (34%) are frequent Eighty-four percent of parents of children ages
readers, reading books for fun 57 days per week. 617 would like to see reduced screen time for
Girls (38%) are more likely than boys (30%) to be their kids, more so for parents of infrequent readers
frequent readers. (Pages 12 & 13) (90%). (Pages 13 & 22)
4
KEY FINDINGS (CONTINUED)
KEY FINDINGS
WHAT CANADIAN KIDS & PARENTS [[ Nearly 50% of kids say they have trouble finding
WANT IN BOOKS books they like, even though only 36% of parents
think their child has that problem. (Page 35)
[[ On average, families report having 80 books in the
home, with frequent readers homes having 118 [[ Nearly half of kids ages 6-17 (46%) and their parents
books, compared to 61 books in the homes of (45%) want books that make kids laugh. Parents
infrequent readers. (Page 30) (41%) and kids (39%) in this age group also look for
characters who face a challenge and overcome it
[[ Both parents and teachers play a key role in
when choosing a book to read for fun. (Pages 39 & 40)
encouraging children to read books for fun and are
among the top sources for great book ideas. (Page 37)
READING ALOUD
[[ One in five children and parents look for books
[[ Nine in 10 kids ages 611 and their parents say
with characters that are culturally or ethnically
they enjoy/enjoyed read-aloud time, and parents
diverse, with 74% of parents identifying diversity in
of children ages 05 cite reading books aloud,
childrens books as people and experiences that are
telling stories and talking together as among the
different than those of their child. (Pages 41 & 42)
most important things parents should do with their
[[ Ninety-four percent of children agree that their children to develop language skills. (Pages 56 & 63)
favourite books are the ones they picked out
themselves, and almost all children (92%) agree that
they are more likely to finish a book they picked
out. (Page 33)
5
KEY FINDINGS
While more than half of children ages 05 reading to their child before 3 months of age.
are read aloud to 57 days per week, the (Pages 54 & 55)
frequency of reading aloud drops significantly
[[ Seven in 10 parents (70%) with children ages 05
after age 5 (41%) and again after age 8 (16%).
say they started reading aloud to their child before
Fifty-eight percent of kids ages 68 say they
age 1. (Page 55)
wanted reading aloud to continue. Among
all children who are no longer read aloud
to, boys are more likely to say this than girls. READING IN CANADIAN SCHOOLS
(Pages 59 & 62) [[ Sixty-five percent of kids ages 617 have the
[[ The top reasons parents and children ages 611 chance to read independently during the school
say they like reading aloud together are: day with 42% saying, I wish we would do this more
often and 34% saying, Its one of my favourite
It is a special time with my child/parent. parts of the school day. (Pages 70, 72 & 73)
Reading together is fun.
[[ Few children read for an hour or more during
It creates a love for reading. (Page 64) independent reading time, and more than half
(52%) read for less than 20 minutes. (Page 71)
[[ More than half of parents (54%) received advice
from parenting resources or friends and family that [[ Ninety-seven percent of parents agree that every
they should read aloud to their child from birth; school should have a library. (Page 75)
yet, only 35% of parents of 05 year-olds started
6
KEY FINDINGS
[[ Kids who read independently at school are more thirty-four percent of parents say they have to work
likely to: at encouraging their child to read over the summer.
(Page 80 & 82)
Find reading books for fun important.
[[ Parents use many strategies to encourage summer
Like reading books for fun.
reading, including:
Agree books have inspired them to believe
in themselves. Taking kids to the library.
Read 15 more books on average per year Taking books along on vacations or road trips.
than kids who do not read independently at Stocking up on books for the summer.
school. (Page 74) (Page 83)
[[ Only one in three (31%) parents have heard, read or

SUMMER READING received advice about the summer slidethe loss
[[ Many kids (84%), and even more parents (96%), of skills during the time when students are not in
believe in the value of summer reading and agree school. (Page 84)
that reading books during the summer will help
[[ Of parents who have heard of the summer slide
them during the school year. (Page 81)
(31%), 53% heard about it from their childs teacher
[[ Three in four kids (76%) say they really enjoy or school. (Page 85)
reading books in the summertime, but
7
One of the things I notice as a teacher is that children who read for pleasure
tend to be more successful not just in literacy, but in their academic studies
as a whole. It doesnt matter what exactly they read, just that they read, period.
Mother, 5-year-old girl, Ontario
THE STATE
OF KIDS &
READING IN
CANADA
THE STATE OF KIDS & READING IN CANADA
THE STATE OF KIDS & READING READING BOOKS FOR FUN
On average kids have

82% 82%
OF KIDS OF PARENTS WITH
read 23 books in the last year AGES 617 KIDS AGES 617
SAY SAY
86% I know I
should read
more books
I wish my child
would read more
OF KIDS AGES 617 for fun books for fun
are currently reading or have just
finished reading a book for fun
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH CHILDREN READ BOOKS FOR FUN
50% 34% 16%

OF KIDS AGES 617 OF KIDS AGES 617 OF KIDS AGES 617
READ BOOKS FOR FUN READ BOOKS FOR FUN READ BOOKS FOR FUN
14 DAYS A WEEK 57 DAYS A WEEK LESS THAN 1 DAY A WEEK
10
BENEFITS OF READING ACCORDING TO PARENTS READING FOR MY FUTURE
91% 97%
OF KIDS OF PARENTS WITH
78%
Developing vocabulary and AGES 617 KIDS AGES 617
language skills
AGREE AGREE
It is very It is very
important for important
Using his/her imagination
71% my future to
be a good
reader
for my childs
future to be a
good reader
READING BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Becoming excited about reading
68%
76% OF KIDS AGES
617 SAY 90%
Being successful in school
64% I feel proud and
Books Ive
read have have a sense of
inspired me accomplishment
when I finish
Spending time away
64%
to really
believe in reading
from technology myself a book
11
More than half of children are currently reading a book for fun, and one-third have
just finished one. Younger kids are the most likely to currently be reading or have
recently read a book for fun.
WHETHER CHILDREN ARE CURRENTLY READING BOOKS FOR FUN

Base: Children Ages 617
I10
I love to Currently reading

a book for fun
Not currently reading
a book for fun, but
Haven't read a book
for fun in a while
read. Books just finished one
take me into
another 7% 7%
15% 11%
world. 24% 20% 18%
23%
17-year-old girl, 39% 35%
Alberta 30%
30% 38%
TOTAL
KIDS
53% 70%
51% 54%
33% 54% 46% 41%
Ages Ages Ages Ages Boys Girls

68 911 1214 1517
QK10. Which best describes you?

12
Girls are more likely than boys to be frequent readers, as are KIDS AGES 617
WHO READ BOOKS FOR
young children compared with older children.
FUN 57 DAYS A WEEK
PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO ARE FREQUENT READERS

(57 DAYS PER WEEK)
GIRLS 38%
BOYS 30%
50%
34% 37%
24% 25%
Total Ages 68 Ages 911 Ages 1214 Ages 1517
QK6. How many days a week do you read [ADDED FOR AGES 68: or look at] books for fun?
13
Kids who are frequent readers are more likely to have parents who read books
57 days per week.
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH PARENTS READ BOOKS

Base: Parents with Children Ages 617
57 days a week 14 days a week Less than one day a week

I had a hard time W4
learning to read as
a child, but once I 57%
learned, it opened 24%
up a whole new 32%
world that I loved. 20%
I would love for her TOTAL
15%
PARENTS
to have the same
enjoyment that I
had as a child. Frequent Moderately Infrequent
readers frequent readers readers
Mother, 11-year-old girl,
Nova Scotia
45% PARENTS WITH KIDS IN EACH READING FREQUENCY GROUP
QP5. How many days in a typical week do you personally read print books? Please do not count reading to your child.
14
Kids have read 23 books on average in the last year, with the average decreasing as
children grow older.
NUMBER OF BOOKS CHILDREN HAVE READ IN PAST YEAR

Number of Books Read in Past Year Average Number of Books Read in Past Year
ReadingAA10
30
# OF BOOKS
TOTAL AGES AGES AGES AGES
21
25 24 books has
KIDS 68 911 1214 1517 19
changed
None 2 2 1 3 4
my life.
19 46 29 39 57 57
11-year-old boy,
Ontario Quebec British Alberta All others
1019 27 29 31 26 21 Columbia Quebec
2049 13 16 18 8 12 43
50+ 12 25 10 6 6
Average 23 37 23 16 15
14
7
Frequent Moderately Infrequent

QK15. About how many books have you read in the past year?
15
Six in 10 kids agree they often choose to read in their free timethis is
62% OF CHILDREN
AGES 617 more common among younger kids, girls and frequent readers.
AGREE
CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENT:
When I have free
WHEN I HAVE FREE TIME, I OFTEN CHOOSE TO READ
time, I often
choose to read. Base: Children Ages 617
Agree a lot Agree a little Disagree a little Disagree a lot
80%
68% 68%
13% 21% 63%
55% 54% 40%
47% 41%
TOTAL 48%
33%
KIDS 39%
18%
40%
26% 21% 22% 27% 15%
40% 15% 15%
3%
62% Ages Ages Boys Girls Frequent Moderately Infrequent
TOTAL AGREE 611 1217 readers frequent readers
readers
QK12. Please say whether you agree a lot, agree a little, disagree a little, or disagree a lot with each of the following statements.
16
Seven in 10 children enjoy reading books for fun, with enjoyment highest among
kids ages 911.
DEGREE TO WHICH CHILDREN ENJOY READING BOOKS FOR FUN

H11
Love it Like it a lot
I like reading
books because
77% in every
71%
68% 66%
story there
34% 59%
is a different
43%
38%
adventure, so
39%
35% I dont stop
reading until
30%
37%
34%
I have to go
26%
24% to bed!
Total Ages 68 Ages 911 Ages 1214 Ages 1517 9-year-old girl,
Ontario
QK4. How much do you enjoy reading books for fun?

17
Kids who enjoy reading most often say it is fun or entertaining and helps them
TOP 3 REASONS learn new things. Kids who dislike reading most often prefer doing other things.
KIDS ENJOY READING
BOOKS FOR FUN
18%
CHILDRENS REASONS FOR ENJOYING/NOT ENJOYING READING FOR FUN
Its fun/entertaining
Like it a lot
16% 18%
16%
12%
10% 9%
It helps me learn new 6% 5%
things or points of view It's fun/ It helps me learn I get to use my I like the It's It's a good I enjoy
entertaining new things or imagination/ characters relaxing escape or reading
12%
points of view go on a fantasy and story adventure
I get to use my Dont like it

imagination/go on
a fantasy 14%
5% 5%
I'd rather do I have trouble Im too busy
other things with reading
QK29. You mentioned that you [enjoy reading books for fun/dont enjoy reading for fun very much]. Please share with us why that is.
18
Across ages, eight in 10 children say they know they should read more books for fun;
the same percentage of parents wish their child would read more books for fun.
PARENTS AND CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENTS

H5
Reading
I wish my child would read more books for fun. I know I should read more books for fun.
keeps his
mind active
84% 83% 83% 83% 82% 82% Father,
4% 78% 4% 78%
14% 14% 9-year-old boy,
41% 29% New Brunswick
37% 46% 39% 43% 51%
37% 51%
51% 55%
TOTAL TOTAL
PARENTS KIDS
41% 44% 40%

38% 32% 31%
27% 27%
41% 53%
82% Ages Ages Ages Ages 82% Ages Ages Ages Ages
TOTAL AGREE 68 911 1214 1517 TOTAL AGREE 68 911 1214 1517
QP19. Please indicate whether you agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or disagree strongly with each of the following statements.
QK12. Please tell me whether you agree a lot, agree a little, disagree a little, or disagree a lot with each of the following statements.
19
Keeping their childs brain active and enhancing learning is the most frequently
mentioned reason parents think reading books for fun is important for their child.
REASONS PARENTS THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEIR

CHILD TO READ BOOKS FOR FUN
Reading will expand

W2 Keeps my childs brain active and enhances learning 36%
her knowledge,
help her use To enjoy reading and instill a love of books 22%
her imagination
My child gets to use their imagination 21%
and expand her
world. Books are
Expands vocabulary and language skills 19%
the doorway to a
completely different Literacy is an important life skill 12%
world, and its very
important that she Helps my child to succeed in school 7%
gets to see that world
rather than just To relax 7%
watching it on TV.
Good escape 6%
Mother, 4-year-old girl,
British Columbia Reduces screen time 6%
QP37. Earlier you mentioned that you think it is extremely important/very important/a little important/not important for your
child to read books for fun as he/she grows up. In the space provided, below, please share some reasons why you feel this way.
20
Older children are more likely to use the internet and technology
than to read books for fun.
PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO DO ACTIVITIES 57 DAYS A WEEK

Ages 68 Ages 911 Ages 1214 Ages 1517

I just feel these days3
kidsteens, in my case
58% 61%
50% 54% 53% are too attached to social
37%
32% 31% 36%
media and their phones.
24% 25% 27% Anything that gets them
8%
away from that is good,
Read books for fun Go online for fun, not for school Watch videos on YouTube especially reading.
Mother,
68% 66% 15-year-old girl, Ontario
52% 49%
41% 45% 43%
33%
18% 8%
13% 9% 14%
Play games or apps on any Text message or talk Use social media sites
kind of electronic device on your mobile device and apps
QK2. Now wed like to know how many days in a week you do each of these activities.
QK6. How many days a week do you read books for fun?
21
Eight in 10 parents would like to see reduced screen time for their kids, more so for
parents of infrequent readers.
PARENTS AGREE WITH STATEMENT:

I WISH MY CHILD WOULD DO MORE THINGS THAT DID NOT INVOLVE SCREEN TIME
A1 Agree strongly Agree somewhat Disagree somewhat Disagree strongly

Reading
keeps the 90%
86% 86%
mind active 81%
85%
81% 84%
in a way 3% 33%
that is not 13%
43%
46% 50%
connected 44% 51% 46%
to a screen. 38%
TOTAL
Mother, PARENTS
17-year-old girl, 57%
Ontario 43%
36% 33% 38% 36%
35%
46%
84% Frequent Moderately Infrequent Ages Ages Ages Ages
TOTAL AGREE readers frequent readers 68 911 1214 1517
readers
22
The majority of kids agree that being a good reader is very important for their future.
Virtually all parents agree that being a good reader is important for their childs future.
CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENT: PARENTS AGREE WITH STATEMENT:

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR MY FUTURE IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR MY CHILDS
TO BE A GOOD READER FUTURE TO BE A GOOD READER
Base: Children Ages 617 Base: Parents with Children Ages 617
31W
Agree a lot Agree a little

It gives me
Agree strongly Agree somewhat
time to reflect
Disagree a little Disagree a lot Disagree somewhat Disagree strongly
on whats
going on in
my life.
96% 98% 95% 95%
92% 90% 89% 92% 16-year-old girl,
8% 2% 4%
33% 27%
40% 33% 30% British Columbia
41% 51% 46% 48%
52%
TOTAL TOTAL
KIDS PARENTS
68% 62% 65%
58%
40% 44% 44%
49% 37%
63%
91% Ages Ages Ages Ages 96% Ages Ages Ages Ages
TOTAL AGREE 68 911 1214 1517 TOTAL AGREE 68 911 1214 1517
23
Among parents, developing vocabulary and language skills and using imagination are
the most sought-after benefits of reading.
DESIRED BENEFITS OF CHILDREN READING FOR FUN

78%
71% 68%
I feel that a joyEX6 64% 64%
of reading
will help him
go far in life,
educationally.
It will help him Developing vocabulary Using his/her Becoming excited Being successful Spending time away
learn about and language skills imagination about reading in school from technology
different
experiences, 58%
52% 49% 47%
places, people 39%
and times in
the world.
Mother, 3-year-old Having time to relax Discovering things Learning from Learning ways to Being able to
boy, Alberta he/she might not inspiring deal with experiences forget about real
experience first-hand characters he/she is going through life for a while
QP4. When you think about the benefits of reading books for fun, which of the following are the top benefits you most want your child to
get from reading books for fun [ADDED FOR PARENTS OF KIDS 05: as your child grows up]?
24
Children, particularly those who are frequent readers, gain inspiration and a sense of
accomplishment from reading.
CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENTS


A7
Some
characters
Books Ive read have inspired me I feel proud and have a sense of accomplishment
to really believe in myself when I finish reading a book in the stories
have inspired
94% 91% me to become
86%
4% 80% 79% a better
8% 2% person.
20% 25% 42%
48% 40% 52% 13-year-old girl,
TOTAL 58% 43% TOTAL Ontario
KIDS
61%
KIDS
36%
48% 52% 48%
38% 39%
51% 22%
7%
50% 18%
76% Frequent Moderately Infrequent 90% Frequent Moderately Infrequent

TOTAL AGREE readers frequent readers TOTAL AGREE readers frequent readers
readers readers
25
I want him to be inspired by the characters and have a wonderful
go-to hobby that he can do anywhere. Reading inspires a love of
learning and research and creativity.
Mother, 5-year-old boy, Saskatchewan
WHAT CANADIAN
KIDS & PARENTS
WANT IN BOOKS
WHAT CANADIAN KIDS & PARENTS WANT IN BOOKS
CHOICE RULES AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDRENS BOOKS
94% On average, families report

having 80 books in the home
OF KIDS AGES 617
AGREE Families with kids ages

617 who are frequent
My favourite books readers have 118 books,
are the ones that I have & families of infrequent
picked out myself readers have 61 books.
KIDS & PARENTS WANT CHARACTERS WHO... KIDS & PARENTS WANT BOOKS THAT...
face a challenge and overcome it or are smart, brave or strong
are the most popular among kids and parents. KIDS & PARENTS SAY
explore
make me places and
laugh. worlds Ive
SMART never been.
FACE A
BRAVE CHALLENGE
AND
OVERCOME IT!
STRONG
28
BUT MANY KIDS HAVE TROUBLE FINDING BOOKS THEY LIKEAND PARENTS UNDERESTIMATE THE CHALLENGE
47% Have trouble finding books they like 36% Say their child has
this challenge
OF KIDS OF PARENTS
69% OF INFREQUENT
READERS
STRUGGLE TO FIND BOOKS THEY LIKE
HAVE TROUBLE FINDING BOOKS VS.

52% 42%
43% OF FREQUENT
READERS BOYS GIRLS
Frequent readers are defined as children who read books for fun 57 days a week, whereas infrequent readers read books for fun less than one day a week.
WHEN IT COMES TO DIVERSITY IN CHILDRENS BOOKS
Parents of kids ages 017 say

diversity in books for kids and
teens includes
Differently abled people
(physical, emotional) 61%
People and experiences different
than those of my child 74% People of colour
55%
Various cultures, customs
or religions 69% LGBTQ people
34%
29
On average, families report having 80 books in the home, with

frequent readers having more books than both moderately
frequent and infrequent readers.
AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDRENS BOOKS IN HOME

Base: Parents with Children Ages 017 (Left), Parents with Children Ages 617 (Right)
A2
Frequent readers Moderately frequent readers Infrequent readers
I have a bookshelf
full of kids books and
Parents with Kids Ages 617 Who Are
magical stories, and
I want her to remember 80.1 118.0
these precious BOOKS
moments all her life.
Mother, 3-year-old girl, 68.0
Quebec 61.4
Frequent Moderate Infrequent

readers readers readers
QP31. Some homes have 0 books for kids while others have more than 50 books for kids. About how many
books for kids do you have in your home?
30
Alberta and the smaller provinces tend to have more books in the home.
AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDRENS BOOKS IN HOME

Frequent readers Moderately frequent readers Infrequent readers

La lecture forge
limaginaire, permet de se
Number of Books in Home by Province projeter dans une autre
vie, permet de comprendre
80.1 les choses et de voir les
92 autres points de vue.
BOOKS 88
80
76 Mre, garon de 1 an,
65 Qubec
Reading nourishes
imagination, allows you
to project yourself into
another life and helps you
better understand things
and see other viewpoints.
Ontario Quebec British Columbia Alberta All others Mother, 1-year-old
boy, Quebec
QP31. Some homes have 0 books for kids while others have more than 50 books for kids. About how many books for kids do you have in your home?
31
As might be expected, as kids grow older, on request becomes a more

REASON FOR ADDING common reason for parents to add books to kids home libraries, and parents
BOOKS TO CHILDS
COLLECTION purchasing while shopping or browsing decreases with age.
Moderately frequent readers Infrequent readers
My child asked REASONS FOR ADDING BOOKS TO CHILDS COLLECTION, BY CHILDRENS AGES
for the book Base: Parents with Children Ages 017
Ages 02 Ages 35 Ages 68 Ages 911 Ages 1214 Ages 1517
55% 55% 53%

44% 43%
6% 32% 31%
16% 20% 16% 12%
My child asked for the book I saw the book while shopping
or browsing (either in a store or online)
8% 6% 4%
16% 15% 9%
I read the book myself when I was a child
QP34. When you add books to your childs collection, is it most likely because
NOTE: mentions less than 10% across age groups not shown.
32
Children agree that My favourite books are the ones that I have picked out myself,
and that they are more likely to finish books they pick out themselves.
CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENTS:

EX2
My favourite books are the ones I am more likely to finish reading a
that I have picked out myself book that I have picked out myself I enjoy the
books I pick,
5% 1% 7% 2% and reading
them gives me
time to unwind
and find new
TOTAL TOTAL
characters
KIDS KIDS 51% to love
42% 52%
15-year-old girl,
41%
94% 92% Quebec
TOTAL AGREE TOTAL AGREE
33
Three-quarters of children choose the books they read for fun all
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH or most of the time, with frequent readers choosing more often.
CHILDREN CHOOSE THE BOOKS
THEY READ FOR FUN
76%
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH CHILDREN CHOOSE
THE BOOKS THEY READ FOR FUN
OF CHILDREN All the time Most of the time Some of the time Rarely/Never
CHOOSE THE 92%

BOOKS THEY 2%
READ FOR FUN
21% 71%
ALL/MOST OF THE TIME 31% 47%
56%
TOTAL 48%
KIDS
32%
45%
45% 23% 24%
76% Frequent Moderately Infrequent

ALL/MOST OF THE TIME readers frequent readers
readers
QK9. How often do you choose the books you read for fun? This means reading books that are not part of
your school work or homework.
34
Nearly half of children ages 617 have trouble finding books they like. Parents
underestimate the degree to which children have trouble finding books they like.
PARENTS AND CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENTS:

MY CHILD HAS TROUBLE FINDING BOOKS HE/SHE LIKES BOYS ARE...
I HAVE TROUBLE FINDING BOOKS THAT I LIKE
Base: Parents with Children Ages 617 and Children Ages 617
24%
MORE LIKELY
THAN GIRLS TO
HAVE TROUBLE
Kids Parents FINDING BOOKS
THEY LIKE
TOTAL AGES 68 AGES 911 AGES 1214 AGES 1517 BOYS GIRLS
55% 52%
47% 45% 42% 38% 42% 46% 42% 42%
36% 37% 31%
29%
Kids Parents Kids Parents Kids Parents Kids Parents Kids Parents Kids Parents Kids Parents
NOTE: Total agree for parents and kids is shown.
35
Finding books they like is a problem for many children, especially kids ages 1214.
43%
OF KIDS WHO
ARE FREQUENT CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENT:
READERS SAY: I HAVE TROUBLE FINDING BOOKS THAT I LIKE
I have trouble
finding books
that I like
69%
69%
19% 17% 55%
55%
45% 46%
46% 43% 43%
45% 42%42% 43% 43% 45% 45%
TOTAL
TOTAL
35% 35%
KIDS
KIDS
28%
28%
27%27% 31% 31% 22% 22%
31% 31%
30% 17%
17% 15%
15%
20% 20%15%
15%
21% 21%
12%
24% 24%
34% 12%
Ages Ages Ages Ages Frequent Moderately Infrequent
Ages 911Ages 1214 Ages Ages readers Frequent
frequent Moderately Infrequent
47%
68 1517 readers
47%
68 911 1214 1517 readers
readers frequent readers
COMPARED WITH TOTAL AGREE readers
TOTAL AGREE
69%
OF INFREQUENT READERS
36
Home and school both play big roles in encouraging children
to read books for fun.
WHO ENCOURAGES CHILDREN TO READ BOOKS FOR FUN

4
85% 83% 85%

77%
77%
85% 83% 85% 71% 72% 70% My dad
TOTAL TOTAL 71% 72% 70% 63% loves to
82%
TOTAL
69%
TOTAL
63%
read too,
82% 69% so we read
together.
Parents or other adult family members Teachers/School librarian (Net) 9-year-old boy,
Parents or other adult family members Teachers/School librarian (Net) Ontario
46%
39% 43% 41%
TOTAL 46% TOTAL
39% 43% 41%
42%
TOTAL
11%
TOTAL
42% 11% 10% 9% 12% 11%

10% at my 12% 11%
Friends, siblings or cousins (Net) Librarian 9% public library
Friends, siblings or cousins (Net) Librarian at my public library
QK19. Which of the following people encourage you to read books for fun?
37
Home and school play a role in giving children great ideas about which books to
read for fun.
SOURCES FROM WHICH CHILDREN GET THE BEST IDEAS ABOUT BOOKS TO READ FOR FUN

H14
My friends and
I have similar TOTAL 50% TOTAL 49% TOTAL 39% TOTAL 32%
interests and
52% 52% 55% 56% 53%
we can talk 44% 42% 45% 44%
39% 36% 32% 39% 40%
about the 29%
stories and 20%
characters.
Friends, siblings or Teachers/School Parent or other School Book Club/
14-year-old girl, cousins (Net) librarian (Net) adult family members Book Fair (Net)
Ontario
TOTAL 22% TOTAL 20% TOTAL 13%
24% 25% 21% 25%
18% 19% 23% 5%
23%
13% 10% 14%
Public library/Librarian Stores or websites that sell books Social media
QK28. From which of the following do you get the best ideas about books to read for fun?
NOTE: The 3rd net combines school book fair and book club order form that the teacher sends home.
38
Children and parents both want books that make kids laugh.
TYPES OF CHILDRENS BOOKS KIDS AND PARENTS LOOK FOR WHEN

CHOOSING A BOOK TO READ FOR FUN
Base: Children Ages 617 and Parents with Children Ages 617
W10
Kids Parents I like books
48%
that make
46% 45%
39% 40% me laugh.
32% 29% 32%
28% 26% 6-year-old girl,
British Columbia
Make me/ Explore places and worlds Make me/my child Are about a topic I want Help me/my child
my child laugh Ive/my child has never been think and feel [my child] to become imagine and understand
familiar with other peoples lives
42%
30% 28% 29%
25% 23% 24% 22%
Inspire me/my child Help me/my child forget Are about things I am/ No kinds of books in particular,
to do something good about real life for a while my child is experiencing it just has to be a good story
QP25. What kinds of books do you look for when selecting books for your child?
QK14. What kinds of books do you look for when choosing a book to read for fun? NOTE: Items asked of all children ages 617 are shown.
39
TYPES OF CHARACTERS IN
Aspirational characters are commonly sought.
CHILDRENS BOOKS KIDS
AND PARENTS LOOK FOR
WHEN CHOOSING A BOOK
TO READ FOR FUN TYPES OF CHARACTERS IN CHILDRENS BOOKS KIDS AND PARENTS
LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BOOK TO READ FOR FUN
Face a challenge
and overcome it
Kids Parents
39% 41% 40%

38% 38%
34% 33% 33%
27% 26%
39% Face a challenge

and overcome it
I want to be like/who
can be role models for
Are similar to me/
my child
Help me/my child
understand people
No kinds of characters
in particular, it just
OF KIDS my child because they are who arent like me/ has to be a good story
AGREE
smart, brave or strong him or her
41%
OF PARENTS QK13. What kinds of characters do you look for in books you want to read for fun?
QP23. What kinds of characters do you look for in books for your child?
40 AGREE NOTE: Items asked of all children ages 617 are shown.
One in five children and parents look for characters who are diverse, differently abled
or break stereotypes.
TYPES OF CHARACTERS IN CHILDRENS BOOKS

KIDS AND PARENTS LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BOOK FOR FUN
I like W3
fictional
Kids Parents characters
29% and fantasy
21% 23% 21% 22% 20% stories
9% 16 year-old girl,
6% Quebec
Break stereotypes Are differently abled Are culturally or Are LGBTQ

(physical or emotional) ethnically diverse
QK13. What kinds of characters do you look for in books you want to read for fun?
QP23. What kinds of characters do you look for in books for your child?
41 41
When asked what diversity in books for children and teens

means to them, parents go beyond cultural diversity.
WHAT DIVERSITY IN CHILDRENS BOOKS MEANS TO PARENTS

TO ME, DIVERSITY IN BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS INCLUDES TOTAL PARENTS
It is a fun way to
explore different People and experiences different than those of my child 74%
places and ideas and Various cultures, customs or religions 69%

learn about more than
Differently abled people (physical, emotional) 61%
she would be exposed
to if she did not read. People of colour 55%
Mother, 4-year-old girl, LGBTQ people 34%

Ontario
QP26. To me, diversity in books for children and teens includes

42
Four in 10 kids have read an e-book, but the preference remains for print books.
CHILDRENS E-BOOK BEHAVIOURS AND PREFERENCES

Base: Children Ages 6-17
Yes No Print books E-books No preference
Book Type Preferred H3

Have Read an E-book (among kids who have read an e-book)
I like reading
books for
23% pleasure.
16 year-old girl,
42% Quebec
TOTAL TOTAL
KIDS KIDS
58% 10%
67%
QK5. In the past year, have you read a book on any electronic device like an e-reader, tablet, smart phone, laptop or computer?
QK24. In general, would you rather read...
43
Eight in 10 children will always want to read print books, more so among
80% OF KIDS AGREE

THEY WILL...
frequent and moderately frequent readers.

ILL ALWAYS WANT TO READ BOOKS PRINTED ON PAPER EVEN
always want to THOUGH THERE ARE E-BOOKS AVAILABLE
read books in print Base: Children Ages 617
84% 86%
79% 80% 81%
76%
4%
17% 41% 62%
33% 52% 47%
43% 47%
54%
TOTAL 38%
KIDS
45%
32% 33% 32% 33%
27% 24%
47%
80% Ages Ages Boys Girls Frequent Moderately Infrequent
TOTAL AGREE 611 1217 readers frequent readers
readers
44
BOOK OR SERIES CANADIAN PARENTS RECOMMEND EVERY CHILD SHOULD READ
Nancy Drew
Magic Tree House
Geronimo Stilton Dr. Seuss
Harry Potter Little Critter
The Hardy Boys Robert Munsch

The Chronicles of Narnia Goosebumps
Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Berenstain Bears Disney
QP35. What book or series would you recommend every child should read?
45
BOOKS OR SERIES CANADIAN KIDS AGES 68 SAY ARE THEIR FAVOURITE
Harry Potter
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Disney
Le Petit Prince
Judy Moody
Captain Underpants Cinderella
Dr. Seuss
The Jungle Book Grumpy Cat
Elephant and Piggie
Robert Munsch
Geronimo Stilton Fly Guy Rainbow Magic
Pokmon Frozen
Minecraft The Cat in the Hat
QK11. What book or series would you say is your very favourite? Please type in a title of the book or series.
46
Percy Jackson Dork Diaries

Harry
My Little Pony
Goosebumps
Potter Warriors
The Bible
Star Wars
Nancy Drew
Captain Underpants Garfield
Geronimo Stilton
Minecraft Pokmon
47
Harry Potter
The Maze Runner
Dork Diaries Warriors

Star Wars

Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children
Twilight The Baby-Sitters Club
By Any Other Name Divergent Goosebumps
Captain Underpants
The Hunger Games

Percy Jackson Big Nate
Monster High
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Lord of the Rings The Fault in Our Stars
48
The Hobbit Divergent

The Hunger Games
Harry Potter Goosebumps
Roald Dahl The Lord of the Rings
Stephen King Teen Wolf Minecraft
Percy Jackson
49
I read aloud to my child every night and have since she was born. I do so
because I am a teacher and I know one of the keys to success is literacy, and the
best way to nurture a love of reading is to read books to your child, have your
child witness you reading and to have books available in your home.
Mother, 5-year-old girl, Ontario
READING
ALOUD
READING ALOUD
READING ALOUD AT HOME

Percentage of parents with kids ages 05 who The frequency of parents reading
58% of kids ages
68 want reading
started reading aloud to their child before aloud 57 days a week decreases
aloud to continue
35% 70%
dramatically after ages 5 and 8
3 MONTHS OLD AGE 1 41%

KIDS AGES 68
Percentage of parents with kids ages 35
reading aloud to their child 57 days a week
65% 16%
KIDS AGES 911
KIDS AGES 35
PARENTS ARE READING SEVERAL BOOKS ALOUD THE POWER OF CHOICE

Percentage of parents with kids Percentage of kids who
ages 05 who read aloud at least are read aloud to at
weekly, and who read more than least weekly who pick
one book each time their own books
61% 73%
A
C
B
52
READING ALOUD
KIDS & PARENTS WHO SHARED READ-ALOUD TIME ENJOY IT!
87% 86%
KIDS AGES 611 & THEIR PARENTS
LOVE(D) OR LIKE(D) READ-ALOUD TIME
90%
OF PARENTS WITH KIDS AGES 05
ALSO AGREE
TOP REASON KIDS & PARENTS LOVE READ-ALOUD TIME
It is a special time together!
71%
OF PARENTS WITH 69%
KIDS AGES 611 KIDS AGES 611
53
READING ALOUD
Fifty-four percent of parents received advice that children should be read aloud
to from birth; parenting resources, such as magazines, and friends and family are
common sources of this advice.
SOURCES OF ADVICE THAT CHILDREN SHOULD BE READ ALOUD TO FROM BIRTH

W5
Reading aloud
to your child Percentage of Parents Who Heard Advice Sources of the Advice
creates a bond
and stimulates Yes No Not sure/Don't remember
their mind and

imagination. 23%
Parenting magazines, websites,
Father, 2-year-old boy, blogs or books (Net)
67%
Prince Edward Island
Friends and family (Net) 62%
54%
23% My child's pediatrician 23%
QP21. Thinking back to when your child was a baby, did you hear, read or receive advice that your child should be read aloud to from birth?
QP22. Which of the following were sources of the advice to read aloud from birth? [Data in chart is among those who received this advice when their child
was a baby.] NOTE: Friends and family net item combines four items: childs grandparents, other parents, teachers I know and other relatives/friends.
54
READING ALOUD
Only 35% of parents started reading to their children before

3 months of age.
AGE OF CHILD WHEN READING BOOKS ALOUD AT HOME STARTED

Less than 3 months 1 to less than 2 years H2
3 to less than 6 months 2 years or older Il a juste 1 an, mais il

6 months to less than 1 year Child is/was not read to est tout content lorsqu
on lui montre un livre.
2% Il sourit et commence
tre attentif.
22% 35% Grand-mre, garon de 1 an,
Qubec
70% Hes only 1, but he
6% Less than
1 year old gets really happy when
you show him a book.
22% He smiles and starts to
13% pay attention.
Grandmother,
1-year-old boy, Quebec
QP12. Thinking back, how old was your child when he/she first started being read books aloud at home by you
or another family member?
55
READING ALOUD
Parents of children ages 05 cite reading books aloud, telling stories and talking
together as among the most important things parents should do to help their children
develop language skills.
PERCENTAGE OF PARENTS WHO SAY EACH IS EXTREMELY/VERY IMPORTANT

IN DEVELOPING CHILDRENS LANGUAGE SKILLS
I read aloud to 5
my child to help
Read children's books aloud 98%
his learning,
curiosity and
Tell stories to my child 97%
communication
skills, to spend
Talk together, in general 97%
time bonding
while sharing the
activity and to Talk about books with my child 93%
emphasize the
importance of Read signs, labels, etc., during daily activities 93%
reading.
Sing songs 89%
Father, 5-year-old
boy, Quebec
Play rhyming games 85%
QP3. How important do you think it is to do each of following with your child in order to develop his/her language skills?
56
READING ALOUD
More than half of children ages 02 are read aloud to 57 days per week.
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH PARENTS REPORT

57 days a week
THEIR CHILDREN ARE READ TO ALOUD AT
34HOME
days a week
Base: Parents with Children Ages 02 12 days a week
23 times a month or less
7% W7
57 days a week
a nous permet
12% de passer du temps
34 days a week
12 days a week
en famille56e rire et
de suivre ensemble
23 times a month or less AGES AGES
02 35 la mme histoire.
Pre, fille de 2 ans,
25%
Qubec
56%
Reading as a family
AGES AGES allows us to spend
02 35 time together,
laugh and follow
the same story.
Father,
2-year-old girl, Quebec
QP7. Overall, considering all the people in your family (including yourself) who read books aloud to your child, how often are
books currently read aloud to him/her in your home?
57
READING ALOUD
Nearly two-thirds of children ages 35 are read aloud to 57 days per week.
57 days a week
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH PARENTS REPORT
THEIR
34 days a weekCHILDREN
ARE READ TO ALOUD AT HOME
12 days a week Base: Parents with Children Ages 35
23 times a month or less
4%
Every person W7
57 days a week 8%
should be read 34 days a week
to at any age 12 days a week
Father, 5 year-old boy, AGES 23 times a month or less AGES

Quebec 02 23% 35
65%
AGES AGES
02 35
QP7. Overall, considering all the people in your family (including yourself) who read books aloud to your child, how often are books
currently read aloud to him/her in your home?
58
READING ALOUD
While many parents of children ages 05 read to their child 57

days a week, the frequency of reading aloud drops significantly
56%
OF FREQUENT READERS
after age 5, and again after age 8. AGES 611 ARE READ ALOUD TO
AT HOME 57 DAYS A WEEK
COMPARED TO
PERCENTAGE OF PARENTS WHO SAY THEIR CHILD IS READ
BOOKS ALOUD 57 DAYS A WEEK
Base: Parents with Children Ages 011 TK 29% AA9
OF ALL 611 YEAR-OLDS

6-year-old boy,
Every time Most of the time Some of the time Rarely/Never CA
65%
56%
41%
16%
62%
QP7. Overall, considering all the people in your family (including yourself) who read books aloud
to your child, how often are books currently read aloud to him/her in your home?
59
READING ALOUD
Three in five (61%) parents with kids ages 05 read more than one book each time they
read aloud to their child.
NUMBER OF BOOKS PARENTS READ ALOUD TO CHILDREN EACH TIME

Base: Parents with Children Ages 05 Who Are Read Aloud to
at Home at Least Once a Week
Reading
AA3 3+ Books 2 Books 1 Book
makes kids
more curious
and more
25%
intelligent, and
its a great way 29% 22%
to spend time 39%
together.
61% AGES
05 37%
35%
Mother, 5-year-old
boy, Ontario
43%
35%
36% Ages 02 Ages 35
QP17. Typically, how many books do you read aloud to your child at one time?
60
READING ALOUD
Book choice starts early, with six in 10 kids under age 2 choosing
their own books at least most of the time.
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH CHILDREN PICK OUT THE BOOKS

THEY ARE READ ALOUD BY PARENT(S)
Base: Parents with Children Ages 05 Who Are Read Aloud
AA13
to at Home at Least Once a Week
One of my favourite
Every time Most of the time Some of the time Rarely/Never memories is reading
0% books as a child and going
9% 19% 16% through our library of
17% books with my siblings.
19% We had our favourite
54% stories that we would ask
47% my parents to read us
40%
before bed. Its important
I continue this tradition
30% with my children. I grew
73% 27%
62% 23% 84% up with a love for books
Total Parents Ages 02 Ages 35 and hope my kids do, too!
Ages 05
Mother, infant girl, Ontario
QP16. How often does your child pick out the book you read aloud?
61
READING ALOUD
Younger children and boys are more likely to say they wanted reading aloud to continue.
PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO SAY THEY WANTED READING ALOUD TO CONTINUE

Base: Children Ages 617 Who Are No Longer Read Books Aloud at Home
H6
It was so
much fun to
be read to.
I loved the
58%
bond that
Mommy and 30% 30% 35%
27% 24% 26%
I had.
16-year-old Total Ages Ages Ages Ages Boys Girls
boy, Ontario Kids 68 911 1214 1517
QK23. When your parent or family member stopped reading to you, were you ready for it to stop, did you want it to continue or did you not really care either way?
NOTE: Data in this chart is among the 52% of children ages 617 who say they are no longer read books aloud at home. Small base size (n=48) for children ages 68.
62
READING ALOUD
Parents and kids agree they love read-aloud time.
DEGREE TO WHICH PARENTS AND CHILDREN

ENJOY(ED) READ-ALOUD TIME AT HOME
Base: Parents with Children Ages 611 Who Read Books Aloud at Home
and Children Ages 611 Who Are or Were Read Books Aloud at Home
A9
I love(d) it I like(d) it a lot
I liked snuggling in
AGES 68 AGES 911
bed with just Mom,
and I liked how she
87%
93%
86% 87% read with different
voices. It was easier
39% 43%
41%
to know what the
43%
story was about when
someone else read
50% it to me.
48% 43% 46%
22% 21% 11-year-old girl,
New Brunswick
Parents Kids Parents Kids
QP11. How much do you like reading aloud to your child?

QK21. Do you like it when you are read books aloud at home?
OR Did you like being read books aloud at home when you were younger?
63
READING ALOUD
The top reasons parents and children ages 611 say they like reading aloud together
are that it is a special time with each other and that its fun.
PARENTS AND CHILDRENS REASONS THEY ENJOY(ED) READING ALOUD

Base: Parents with Children Ages 611 (Left) and Children Ages 611 (Right) Who Love(d) or Like(d) Being Read to Aloud
PARENTS KIDS
It is/was a special time 71% It is/was a special time 69%

It lets with my child with a parent
me spend It creates/created a
love of reading 67% Reading together is/was fun 55%
time with
I get/got to listen to books
mommy. Reading together is/was fun 66% that might be too hard for 42%
me to read on my own
7-year-old girl, Reading together is/was a Reading together is/was a
Quebec relaxing bedtime routine 61% relaxing bedtime routine 41%
We get/got to talk It makes/made me really

about books together 54% love reading 38%
My child gets/got to hear I like(d)/love(d) to hear the

books that might be too hard 52% different voices the person 33%
to read on his/her own reading to me uses/used
I like/liked my childs reaction
I get/got to talk about the books
to the different voices I use/ 45% with the person reading to me 32%
used while reading
I like not having to read by myself 31%
QP14. Which of the following describe reasons you like(d) reading aloud to your child?
QK22. Which of these, if any, are reasons you like(d)/love(d) being read books aloud at home [when you were younger]?
64
READING ALOUD
BOOKS CANADIAN CHILDREN MOST OFTEN ARE/WERE READ ALOUD OVER AND OVER AGAIN
Dr. Seuss Cinderella

Caillou
Robert Munsch
The Bible
Harry Potter
The Gruffalo
Disney
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Goodnight Moon Winnie the Pooh
Batman
QP15. What is/was the book your child most enjoys/enjoyed being read aloud over and over again?
65
Reading keeps their brains working and exercises their imagination,
which is the key to learning.
Father, 11-year-old boy, Quebec
READING
IN CANADIAN
SCHOOLS
READING IN CANADIAN SCHOOLS
KIDS WHO READ INDEPENDENTLY AT SCHOOL... EVERY CHILD DESERVES A SCHOOL LIBRARY
ARE MORE LIKELY TO

97%
OF PARENTS OF
Find reading important KIDS AGES 017
AGREE
Enjoy reading
Every child
deserves a
Read more frequently school library
TIME SPENT ON INDEPENDENT READING AT SCHOOL KIDS WANT MORE TIME FOR INDEPENDENT READING
68%
65%
OF KIDS AGES 617
OF KIDS AGES 617 SAY
I wish we would do this

more often
Have the chance to
read independently OR
during the school day Its one of my favourite
parts of the school day
68
HELP KIDS FIND BOOKS THEY LOVE SUMMER READING IS IMPORTANT AND FUN
BE A READING
WHERE TO GET THE ROLE MODEL
BEST BOOK IDEAS
Encourage kids to talk to peers about

Parents are kids #1 source of
encouragement to read books for fun 82%
books! Kids look to friends, siblings
or cousins for ideas.
50%
Followed by teachers &
school librarians 69%
Ask teachers and school librarians!
Kids look to them for book ideas. 49%
Engage kids around books at home!
Parents or other adult family members
can be a good source for book ideas.
39%
Try out the school book club and book
fair with younger readers. Kids ages
611 discover new reads this way.
32%
69
While more than six in 10 children have the chance to read independently during the
school day, just 18% say this happens every or almost every school day, and overall
opportunity decreases by age.
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH CHILDREN READ INDEPENDENTLY IN SCHOOL

I like reading I11 Every or almost every school day 23 times a week 23 times a month/Less often Never
all the time.

12-year-old girl, 18%
Saskatchewan 25% 25%
18% 42% 8% 37%
48%
11% 11% 65%
35%
43% 15%
18% 11%
TOTAL 38%
KIDS 41%
36%
27% 30% 18%
34% 23% 27% 32% 11%
13% 12% 11% 13%
6%
68 911 1214 1517 readers frequent readers
readers
QK26. How often does each situation apply?

70
Few children read for an hour or more during independent reading; most read for less
than 20 minutes.
LENGTH OF TIME CHILDREN SPEND READING BOOKS INDEPENDENTLY

Less than 20 minutes 2059 minutes 60 minutes or more W8

Its the best
2% 4% 7% 5% 5% 3% 7% way to learn,
write and
4% understand
40% 38% 47%
society.
43% 37%
45%
59% Father,
14-year-old boy,
TOTAL
Quebec
KIDS
44% 52% 58% 58% 52% 56%
49% 50%
36%

readers
QK35. When you read a book of your choice independently at school, for how long do you usually read?
71
Kids, especially 611 year-olds, enjoy independent reading

time in school.
CHILDRENS VIEWPOINT ON READING INDEPENDENTLY AT SCHOOL

I12
Its one of my favourite parts of the school day

I love books and I
love getting to read 51%
all types of stories. 43% 41%
10-year-old girl, British Columbia 34%
29% 31%
24%
10%
Total Ages Ages Ages Ages Frequent Moderately Infrequent

readers
46% 49%
42% 43% 44% 43%
37%
20%
K27. Which of these, if any, describe how you feel about independent reading at school?
72
Total Ages Ages Ages Ages Frequent Moderately Infrequent
readers
Four in 10 kids want more time for independent reading in

school.
51%
43% 41%
CHILDRENS
34% VIEWPOINT ON READING INDEPENDENTLY AT SCHOOL
29% 31%
Base: 24%
Children Ages 617
10% W17
Total Ages Ages Ages Ages Frequent Moderately Infrequent Reading is

I 911
wish we would
1214 do 1517
this more often
68 readers frequent readers
readers
interesting.
I get to
46% 49% learn and
42% 43% 44% 43%
37% understand
new things.
20%
7-year-old boy,
Total Ages Ages Ages Ages Frequent Moderately Infrequent Manitoba
readers
K27. Which of these, if any, describe how you feel about independent reading at school?
73
Kids who read independently at school are more likely to find reading important,
enjoy reading and read more frequently.
CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WHO READ INDEPENDENTLY

AT SCHOOL VS. THOSE WHO DO NOT
A4
Have read independently in school Never read independently in school
Reading
keeps his 82%
77%
vocabulary 75%
70%
fresh and his 66%
61%
imagination 55%
49%
sharp. 43% 45%
37%
Father, 16-year-
28
old boy, Ontario
17%
13
Say that it is Say that they Are frequent Are currently Agree they Agree books Average # of
"extremely/very "love/like reading readers (57 reading a book choose to read have inspired books read in
important to read books for fun" days a week) for fun in free time them to believe past year
books for fun" in themselves
QK25. During the school day, is there a time when you read a book of your choice independently (not including textbooks)?
74
Parents agree every community needs public libraries.
PARENTS AGREE WITH STATEMENTS:

Agree strongly Agree somewhat Disagree somewhat Disagree strongly
Every community needs Every child deserves to I love readingEX8

to have a public library have a school library
books and going
3% 3% to the library.
9-year-old boy,
25% 24% Ontario
72% 73%
96% 97%
TOTAL AGREE TOTAL AGREE
QP19. Please indicate whether you agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, or disagree strongly with
each of the following statements.
75
If the child continues to read outside of school, its going to help him
improve his vocabulary and his way of expressing himself. If the child practises
reading regularly outside of school, hes going to be ready for the challenges
that are waiting for him during the school year. Hes going to feel proud of
himself, and hes going to be at ease when he goes to school.
Mother, 6-year-old boy, Ontario
SUMMER
READING
SUMMER READING
SUMMER READING IS IMPORTANT AND FUN
84%
OF KIDS AGES 617
96%
OF PARENTS
AGREE AGREE
Reading books during the summer
helps kids during the school year!
KIDS ENJOY READING OVER THE SUMMER
CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF
76%
OF KIDS AGREE
I enjoy reading books over the summer
78
SUMMER READING
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE SUMMER SLIDE? READING OVER THE SUMMER
ONLY 31%
TOP WAYS PARENTS ENSURE THEIR
CHILD READS OVER THE SUMMER
OF PARENTS HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE
SUMMER SLIDE
PARENTS SAY TEACHERS & SCHOOLS ARE THE
AGES AGES
#1 SOURCE OF INFORMATION 611 1217
ON THE SUMMER SLIDE 58% Take kids to the library 49%

49% Take books on trips and vacations 39%
Get books from school book club
Summer slide is the loss of 44% or book fair (net) 32%
skills during the time when
students are not in school
Find book series so there are
38% multiple books to read 38%
Build reading into childs daily

38% summer routine or schedule 27%
79
SUMMER READING
Summer reading enjoyment: familiar patterns emerge across age and gender.

I REALLY ENJOY READING BOOKS OVER THE SUMMER
a me permet de H15
mvader de ma routine
et si je veux continuer
ma lecture tard le soir,
81% 84% 83%
par exemple, je peux
puisque je suis en 8% 69% 69% 68%
vacances.
16% 30% 50% 46%
Fille de 15 ans, 51%
Colombie-Britannique 39%
42% 45%
TOTAL
It helps me escape from KIDS
my routine and if I want
to continue reading
34% 31% 37%
in the evening, for 30% 27% 24%
example, I can because 45%
Im on vacation.
15-year-old girl, British
76% Ages
68
Ages
911
Ages
1214
Ages
1517
Boys Girls
TOTAL AGREE
Columbia
80
SUMMER READING
Many kidsand even more parentsbelieve in the value of summer reading.
CHILDREN AND PARENTS AGREE WITH STATEMENT:

READING BOOKS DURING THE SUMMER WILL HELP ME/MY CHILD DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
A3
It helps him retain
what he learned
Kids Parents and not forget
too much over the
long vacation. I
also think that the
love of reading
comes when you
96% 95% 95% 97% 96%
90% 88%
find the right kind
84% 78% 80%
of book.
Mother, 13-year-old
boy, Quebec
Total Ages Ages Ages Ages
68 911 1214 1517
NOTE: The data in this chart are the summary of Total Agree.
81
SUMMER READING
And yet, just over half of kids will read during the summer without prompting, while
an additional third will read if parents work at it.
PARENTS DESCRIPTION OF SUMMER READING EXPERIENCE

My child reads books willingly over the summer with no prompting from me
I have to work hard to get my child to read books over the summer
A5
Reading should No matter what I do, I can't get my child to read books over the summer
be seen as fun, Making sure my child reads books over the summer is not important to me
and we read as
a family at least 3% 3% 3% 2% 3%
three to four 8% 9% 7% 5% 4% 8%
times a week to 20% 29%
promote this. In 34%
28%
40%
the summer we 41%
usually try for
two to three 46%
times per week. 62%
73%
54% 53%
Father, 13-year-old girl, 46%
British Columbia
17%
Total Boys Girls Frequent Moderately Infrequent

QP27. Which best describes your summer reading experience with your child?
82
SUMMER READING
Parents summer reading strategies vary by age of child.
WAYS PARENTS ENSURE THEIR CHILD READS BOOKS OVER THE SUMMER (TOP 7 ITEMS SHOWN)
Parents with Children Ages 611 Parents with Children Ages 1217
Take my child to the library 58% Take my child to the library 49% It keeps theEX7
brain active
Take books on road trips Take books on road trips
and vacations
49% and vacations
39% when they are
not in school
Get books from school book Find a new book series so there
club or book fair (Net) 44% will be multiple books to read
38% for two
months.
Get books from school book
Build reading into daily schedule 38% club or book fair (Net)
32% Mother,
13-year-old girl,
Find a new book series so there Put limits on the amount British Columbia
will be multiple books to read
38% of screen time
31%
Put limits on the amount

34% Shop for books with my child 31%
of screen time
Shop for books with my child 27% Build reading into daily schedule 27%
QP28. Which of the following, if any, are ways in which you try to ensure your child reads books over the summer?
NOTE: The net item is a combination of Let my child choose books from the school book fair to read over the summer
and Let my child choose books from an order form that my childs teacher sends home.
83
SUMMER READING
One in three parents with children ages 617 have heard of the
summer slide.
Total
Kids
PERCENTAGE OF PARENTS WHO HAVE HEARD,

READ OR RECEIVED ADVICE ABOUT THE SUMMER SLIDE
I1
Yes No Not sure/Dont remember
Reading over the
summer keeps the
15%
brain sharp. 31%
Mother,
16-year-old girl, Alberta
TOTAL
PARENTS
53%
QP29. Have you heard, read or received advice about the summer slide, that is, the loss of skills during the time
when students are not in school, as it relates to kids reading?
84
SUMMER READING
Teachers and schools are the number one source for information on the summer slide.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUMMER SLIDE

My childs teachers or school 53%

W11
Parenting magazines, websites, Reading over the
blogs or books (Net) 38% summer months
keeps the learning
News or other media 33% momentum going
from previous
Friends and family (Net) 28% school year .
Father, 10-year old
My local library 20% boy, Ontario
Other (Net) 14%
QP30. Which of the following were sources of information for you about the summer slide?
NOTE: The Friends and family net items combine my childs grandparents, other relatives/friends and other parents.
The Other net item combines other and my childs pediatrician.
85
READING
APPENDIXIN
A:CANADIAN
METHODOLOGY
SCHOOLS
METHODOLOGY The survey sample was sourced and recruited

by YouGov using their proprietary panel
[[ The study was managed by YouGov and was
and trusted partners to obtain a nationally
fielded between January 31 and February 6,
representative sample, in accordance with the
2017. The total sample size of 1,939 parents and
most recent population parameters available
children includes:
from Statistics Canada.
371 parents with children ages 05, To further ensure proper demographic
784 parents with children ages 617, representation within the sample, final data
were weighted according to the benchmark
plus one child ages 617 from the same
distributions of child gender within each of
household.
three age groups (05, 611 and 1217),
[[ Parents of children ages 617 completed their within each region, from the most recent
survey questions first before passing the survey (2011) Statistics Canada Report.
on to one randomly selected child in the target
age range.
86
APPENDIX A: METHODOLOGY
ADDITIONAL STUDY METHODOLOGY [[ Virtually all (96%) of the adults interviewed were
the parent or stepparent of the child surveyed.
[[ Some survey language was modified in age-
Therefore, throughout this report, we refer to
appropriate ways to ensure comprehension
adult respondents as parents.
among children ages 68.
[[ Data may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
[[ Children ages 611 were not asked some survey
questions that involved more sophisticated [[ Due to the robust nature of the sample, it is safe
thinking than is reasonable to ask 611 year-olds. to assume that any difference of 68 points
or more between subgroups is statistically
[[ Parents were invited to help young children read
significant at the 90% or 95% confidence level.
the survey, but they were asked to allow children
to independently answer all questions. At the
end of the survey, children were asked to record
the degree to which a parent helped them with
the survey. Consistent with prior research, an
analysis comparing the responses of children
with and without parental involvement showed
no significant differences.
87
READING
APPENDIXIN
B: CANADIAN
DEMOGRAPHICS
SCHOOLS
OF THE SAMPLE
AGE OF CHILD RESPONDENTS 617 PARENTS PARENTS

MARITAL STATUS OF
68 25% OF 05 OF 617
PARENT RESPONDENTS
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
911 25%
Married or common-law 86% 81%
1214 26%
Widowed 1% 1%
1517 25%
Divorced 3% 5%
Separated 2% 3%
GENDER OF CHILD RESPONDENTS 617 Single, never married 8% 9%
Total boys 50%
Total girls 50%
PARENTS PARENTS
AGE OF PARENT RESPONDENTS OF 05 OF 617
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
AGE OF CHILD THAT PARENTS OF CHILDREN 05 ANSWERED ABOUT
Under age 35 61% 17%
02 51%
Age 3544 31% 44%
35 49%
Age 4554 4% 30%
Age 55+ 3% 9%
GENDER OF CHILD THAT PARENTS OF CHILDREN Mean 34.2 years 42.6 years
AGES 05 ANSWERED ABOUT
Total boys 50%
Total girls 50%
88
READING
APPENDIXIN
B: CANADIAN
DEMOGRAPHICS
SCHOOLS
OF THE SAMPLE
PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS

RELATIONSHIP OF ADULT
OF 05 OF 617 HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF 05 OF 617
RESPONDENTS TO CHILD
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
Parent (Net) 94% 96% Less than $35K 14% 12%

Mother 62% 55% $35K<$60K 24% 22%
Father 30% 38% $60K<$100K 33% 34%
Stepmother 2% 2% $100K+ 25% 26%
Stepfather 1% 2% Mean $88K $91K
Other guardian (Net) 3% 2% Median $80K $80K
Total MEN 32% 41%
Total WOMEN 68% 59%
PARENTS PARENTS
RACE/ETHNICITY OF PARENT
OF 05 OF 617
RESPONDENTS
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
PARENTS PARENTS
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION White 75% 75%
OF 05 OF 617
EARNED BY PARENT RESPONDENTS
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS Asian 17% 15%
High school graduate or less (Net) 18% 19% Black 4% 4%
Less than high school 1% 1% Indigenous Peoples 3% 2%
High school 18% 18% Other (Net) 4% 6%
Some college or more (Net) 82% 81%
Some college 26% 29%
Bachelors degree+ 55% 53%
89
READING
APPENDIXIN
B: CANADIAN
DEMOGRAPHICS
SCHOOLS
OF THE SAMPLE
PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS

PROVINCE LIVED IN OF 05 OF 617 PARENT BORN IN CANADA OF 05 OF 617
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) 2% 2% Yes 73% 75%
Prince Edward Island (PEI) 1% 0% No 27% 25%
Nova Scotia (NS) 3% 4%

New Brunswick (NB) 3% 3%
YEARS LIVED IN CANADA PARENTS PARENTS
Quebec (QC) 19% 23%
(AMONG THOSE NOT BORN OF 05 OF 617
Ontario (ON) 42% 38% IN CANADA) YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
Manitoba (MB) 3% 3%
0-5 years 45% 12%
Saskatchewan (SK) 2% 3%
5-9 years 17% 22%
Alberta (AB) 14% 11%
10+ years 38% 66%
British Columbia (BC) 10% 14%
PARENTS PARENTS
PARENTS PARENTS CHILD BORN IN CANADA OF 05 OF 617
URBANICITY OF 05 OF 617 YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
Yes 92% 90%
Rural 23% 19%
No 8% 10%
Suburban 35% 39%
Urban 42% 43%
90
READING
APPENDIXIN
B: CANADIAN
DEMOGRAPHICS
SCHOOLS
OF THE SAMPLE
PARENTS PARENTS
CHILD HAS EVER BEEN PARENTS PARENTS
LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN HOME OF 05 OF 617
ENROLLED IN FRENCH OF 05 OF 617
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
IMMERSION PROGRAM YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
English 79% 78%
Yes 15% 26%
French 15% 18%
No 85% 74%
Other 6% 4%
PARENTS PARENTS
LANGUAGE CHILD
OF 05 OF 617
READS/SPEAKS
YEAR-OLDS YEAR-OLDS
Can speak French 25% 41%
Can read French 9% 38%
Can speak English 81% 89%
Can read English 43% 79%
Can speak another language 16% 13%
Can read another language 4% 7%
91
scholastic.ca/readingreport
Photos : 1: Lordn/iStockphoto; 2: FatCamera/iStockphoto; 3: FatCamera/iStockphoto; 4: spass/Shutterstock;

5: FatCamera/iStockphoto; 6: Maica/iStockphoto; 7: all_about_people/Shutterstock.
2017 Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved. Illustrations by Mariana Martins

APPRENDRE LIRE POUR LE PLAISIR FAIT
QUE LON NEST JAMAIS SEUL PUISQUON A
TOUJOURS UN LIVRE COMME COMPAGNON.
MRE, NOURRISSON, NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK
LEARNING TO READ FOR PLEASURE MEANS

THAT YOU ARE NEVER ALONE BECAUSE YOU
ALWAYS HAVE A BOOK AS A COMPANION.
MOTHER, INFANT BOY, NEW BRUNSWICK

Etude: La Lecture Chez Les Jeunes Canadiens

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SECTION OPEN KIDS &

Key Canadian Findings.........................................................................................................................4

SECTION 1: The State of Kids & Reading in Canada.....................................................................8

SECTION 2: What Canadian Kids & Parents Want in Books.................................................... 26

SECTION 3: Reading Aloud.............................................................................................................. 50

SECTION 4: Reading in Canadian Schools................................................................................... 66

SECTION 5: Summer Reading......................................................................................................... 76

Appendix B: Demographics of the Sample.................................................................................. 88

Nancy Pearson Anne Browne

[[ Only one in three (31%) parents have heard, read or

THE STATE OF KIDS & READING READING BOOKS FOR FUN

On average kids have

FREQUENCY WITH WHICH CHILDREN READ BOOKS FOR FUN

50% 34% 16%

BENEFITS OF READING ACCORDING TO PARENTS READING FOR MY FUTURE

READING BUILDS CONFIDENCE

WHETHER CHILDREN ARE CURRENTLY READING BOOKS FOR FUN

I love to Currently reading

Ages Ages Ages Ages Boys Girls

QK10. Which best describes you?

PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO ARE FREQUENT READERS

Total Ages 68 Ages 911 Ages 1214 Ages 1517

FREQUENCY WITH WHICH PARENTS READ BOOKS

57 days a week 14 days a week Less than one day a week

NUMBER OF BOOKS CHILDREN HAVE READ IN PAST YEAR

Frequent Moderately Infrequent

Agree a lot Agree a little Disagree a little Disagree a lot

DEGREE TO WHICH CHILDREN ENJOY READING BOOKS FOR FUN

QK4. How much do you enjoy reading books for fun?

I get to use my Dont like it

PARENTS AND CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENTS

41% 44% 40%

REASONS PARENTS THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEIR

Reading will expand

PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO DO ACTIVITIES 57 DAYS A WEEK

Ages 68 Ages 911 Ages 1214 Ages 1517

PARENTS AGREE WITH STATEMENT:

A1 Agree strongly Agree somewhat Disagree somewhat Disagree strongly

CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENT: PARENTS AGREE WITH STATEMENT:

Agree a lot Agree a little

DESIRED BENEFITS OF CHILDREN READING FOR FUN

CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENTS

Agree a lot Agree a little Disagree a little Disagree a lot

76% Frequent Moderately Infrequent 90% Frequent Moderately Infrequent

CHOICE RULES AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDRENS BOOKS

94% On average, families report

AGREE Families with kids ages

HAVE TROUBLE FINDING BOOKS VS.

WHEN IT COMES TO DIVERSITY IN CHILDRENS BOOKS

Parents of kids ages 017 say

On average, families report having 80 books in the home, with

AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDRENS BOOKS IN HOME

Frequent Moderate Infrequent

AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDRENS BOOKS IN HOME

Frequent readers Moderately frequent readers Infrequent readers

As might be expected, as kids grow older, on request becomes a more

Ages 02 Ages 35 Ages 68 Ages 911 Ages 1214 Ages 1517

55% 55% 53%

I read the book myself when I was a child

CHILDREN AGREE WITH STATEMENTS:

Agree a lot Agree a little Disagree a little Disagree a lot

CHOOSE THE 92%

76% Frequent Moderately Infrequent