A simple way to get kids into reading
Read this if you’re looking for screen time for kids that actually feels useful and engaging.
I recently came across something called BookSmart by WorldReader and thought it was worth sharing. It’s a free reading platform for kids 0–12, works on any device (no app needed), and has a bunch of stories in different languages. If you’re looking for screen time that feels more meaningful, it might be worth checking out.
What makes BookSmart worth checking out?
I’ve been exploring BookSmart a bit more, and I’m honestly impressed with how thoughtful it is. It’s not just about reading—it’s set up to help kids actually enjoy books and build a real habit.
A few things that stood out to me:
It’s totally free and has a big variety of books
Available in several languages (like English, Hindi, Swahili, Arabic)
Has little goals, badges, and points to keep kids motivated
Includes fun extras like quizzes and activities
Even has prompts to help start good conversations with your kid—about things like emotions, nature, and different cultures
It works whether you're reading together or they’re reading on their own. Just feels like a nice way to make screen time more meaningful.
I have been going through BookSmart with my kid since last couple of days and here are three books that we absolutely loved
1. Why Is Nita Upside Down?
Nita feels different and struggles to connect with others—until a friend helps her see that diversity is beautiful. This gentle book is a perfect conversation starter about self-love, inclusivity, and understanding others.
💡 Talk about it: Ask your child how they feel when they see someone who looks or acts differently. Celebrate what makes them unique.
2. The Lion and the Mouse
A timeless fable with vibrant visuals, this story reminds us that kindness matters, no matter how small we are. A great pick to introduce empathy and mutual respect.
🦁 Try this activity: Role-play the story with stuffed animals or puppets—it’s a fun way to build comprehension and emotional awareness!
3. Into the Wild
Joe can’t find wildness in the city—until nature shows up where he least expects it. This story is perfect for helping kids discover that nature is all around us.
🌿 Activity idea: Go on a nature walk or create “wild-inspired” art like we did. It made the story come alive!
If you want to explore these books, here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Just head to booksmart.worldreader.org on any device. No app or download needed.
You can choose from a few, including English, Hindi, Swahili, and Arabic.
Choose a reader profile. They’ve got options based on age:
0–5 years (Early Readers)
6–8 years (Young Readers)
9–12 years (Independent Readers)
It helps the platform recommend the right kind of books.
Browse the library. You can search by topic or level, which is handy. You can also navigate through various categories, such as:
Read Alouds
Animals & Nature
Culture & Community
Friendship & Feelings
Learning new stuff
Just tap a book to open it. You can flip through pages, zoom in, or go full-screen. Some books even have little questions or prompts.
If you make an account (can be a free one), your kid can track their reading, earn badges, mark books as “read,” and do extra activities and quizzes.
Hope it’s helpful for you too—would love to hear what you and your kids think of it, and if you come across any books you really enjoyed!
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