Why Read with Children… and Why Comics?

A recent study published in iScience found that the amount of reading with children has not changed significantly over the past 20 years. Despite initiatives promoting early literacy and the availability of more reading materials, reading habits have not improved since 2003, which is concerning. Regular reading with children is crucial for developing language skills, building vocabulary, and supporting long-term academic and social-emotional development. The lack of improvement in reading habits suggests that many children may be missing out on these important benefits. 

Several factors such as increased screen time, busy family schedules, and limited access to books could help explain this trend. Children’s early exposure to gadgets and families spending more time on TVs and phones can reduce opportunities for reading together. Parents often have other responsibilities, making it harder to fit in reading sessions, and not every family has books readily available at home or access to local libraries. Additional factors, such as cultural differences, economic challenges, or a lack of awareness about the long-term benefits of reading, may also contribute to this trend.

This is why we do what we do. We create one-page read-aloud comics to make daily reading easy and achievable for busy families and educators. We collaborate with talented illustrators to bring each story to life in colorful, engaging ways early readers will love. At SkillPathway, our goal is to help parents and teachers turn reading time into a special tradition that learners will look forward to and treasure for years to come.

If you’re curious about our work, please keep reading.

Q: Given that reading habits haven’t improved over the past two decades, why continue creating read-alouds?
A: The continued lack of improvement in reading habits shows there’s still important work to do. At SkillPathway, we are committed to providing creative, accessible solutions that make daily reading easier, more engaging, and enjoyable for children, families, and schools.

Q: Why are your comics only one page?
A: Our comics are designed as single-page stories to help parents and teachers set aside dedicated time for at least five minutes of reading each day with their learners. The short format makes it easy to incorporate reading into daily routines while keeping children focused and engaged.

Q: Why choose comics instead of regular read-aloud books?
A: Comics combine words and visuals, making stories easier for early readers to understand and enjoy. We believe reading shouldn’t feel like homework or a chore, especially for children who are just beginning their reading journey. The illustrations help learners connect text to meaning. Comics also support vocabulary growth, reading fluency, and comprehension skills.

Q: Do you have activities that go with the comics?
A: Yes! All our comics come with the optional Making Connections Choice Board, designed to help learners make connections beyond the story and develop essential skills. The activities include:

• Math Mission – to build math and problem-solving skills
• Think Out Loud – to encourage curiosity and critical thinking, and to help children practice expressing their ideas clearly
• Chat and Share – to practice self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-management
• Wonder and Write – to spark wonder and improve writing and handwriting skills
• Make and Create – to promote creativity and having a growth mindset
• Caring Thoughts – to foster empathy, thoughtful reflection, and develop critical leadership skills

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*The study focused on two reading outcomes: daily reading for pleasure and daily reading with children (e.g., reading to or with children in the household or elsewhere, listening to a child read, or helping a child read). Source: Bone, J. K. (2025). The decline in reading for pleasure over 20 years of time use surveys. iScience, 28(5), 105491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.105491