Celebrating World Read-Aloud Day: Bringing Stories to Life Across the Globe

This World Read-Aloud Day, we came together to celebrate the magic of storytelling in communities across the globe, from Kigali to Nairobi and even the Philippines. Whether in digital or print formats, our read-aloud sessions not only nurtured a love for reading but also strengthened literacy skills that will empower children for years to come.

Bringing Families Together in Kigali

At the NABU HP Creative Lab in Kigali, families gathered for an unforgettable read-aloud experience led by Philippe Nkwakuzi. Children and parents alike immersed themselves in stories such as "What Do Animals Eat," and "Karisa's Ball." The session created an interactive atmosphere where parents read alongside their children, deepening their connection to the stories. These shared moments are a reminder that reading aloud isn’t just about literacy, it’s about building memories and fostering family bonds.

Exciting Read-Aloud in Nairobi

Meanwhile, over 100 children in Nairobi joined us for a special session at Bookshine Academy and Junior Secondary. With the leadership of our very own Kate Wanjira and intern Michelle, the children enjoyed lively read-alouds that kept them engaged and excited. Headteacher Madam Joan Nancy emphasized, “Let’s make reading a home-grown habit, not just a school affair,” a sentiment that was beautifully reflected throughout the day as students were introduced to new stories that sparked their imaginations.

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Join Angel Aquino for Storytime

We’re also thrilled to have Angel Aquino, a beloved Filipino star, bring one of our favorite NABU stories, “Super Skin,” to life for World Read-Aloud Day. In the video, Angel helps children understand how our skin works like a superhero’s suit. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel, where storytelling magic comes to life!

Power of a Read-Aloud Course

Reading aloud for just 15 minutes a day is proven to boost a child’s reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and listening skills. It also helps children become more confident speakers and critical thinkers. Research from the University of Melbourne shows that children who are read to regularly are almost a year ahead in literacy skills compared to their peers. It’s not just the words that matter; it’s the connection to the story, the world, and each other.

To deepen the impact of read-aloud practices, we developed The Power of a Read Aloud Course in collaboration with 1 Million Teachers. This course equips educators with research-based strategies to make storytelling more engaging and effective, helping children develop stronger literacy skills. By empowering teachers, we are ensuring that more students, especially in underserved communities, experience the transformative power of reading aloud.

Recently over 80 teachers from Malolos, Bulacan joined a workshop led by our partner, Alpabasa, to explore engaging strategies for teaching literacy in communities with low literacy skills. With hands-on activities, interactive modules, and a presentation of NABU’s free books on the app, educators gained valuable tools to make reading more accessible and impactful for their students.

Explore More Stories on NABU

Let’s keep the celebration going! We invite you to explore our free NABU stories on our web reader at read.nabu.org or by downloading the NABU app. Whether you're a parent reading to your child at home or an educator in the classroom, reading aloud is one of the most impactful ways to help children grow as readers and storytellers.

This World Read-Aloud Day, we not only celebrated the joy of reading but also demonstrated the power of stories to shape our world. At NABU, we believe in the transformative power of literacy and storytelling to empower children and connect communities. We’re energized to continue our mission, and we hope you’ll join us in making every day a celebration of reading aloud!

Let’s continue sharing stories, fostering literacy, and creating a brighter future for children everywhere!