Reading illustrated storybooks to toddlers can significantly improve their communication, motor and social development, according to a large-scale study by Tohoku University researchers and collaborators.

The findings, published in a paediatric journal, are based on data from approximately 37,000 mother-child pairs enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study between 2011 and 2014.

Gains seen across five developmental area

Researchers examined how often caregivers read illustrated storybooks to children aged 1 to 3, and compared this with developmental outcomes at age 3.

About 30 per cent of caregivers reported reading to their children five or more times a week (“always”), while 60 per cent did so “sometimes” and around 10 per cent “rarely”.

Children whose caregivers “always” read storybooks scored higher in all five developmental domains: communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem solving and personal-social behaviour.

Communication scores were 5.5 points higher in the “always” group compared with the “rarely” group. Differences ranging from 1.6 to 4.8 points were also observed in other domains.

Importantly, the results were adjusted for other influences, including screen time, caregiver play frequency and household factors, suggesting storybook reading itself had an independent positive effect.

Strong benefits for children with delays

Among children who showed signs of developmental delays at age 1, those who were read to frequently demonstrated marked improvement by age 3, with score differences ranging from 5.5 to 12.65 points across domains.

The study also found that children in households with frequent storybook reading tended to spend less time exposed to television and digital devices.

Researchers emphasised that shared book reading fosters joint attention — with adult and child focusing on the same object — which may strengthen bonding and learning.

Experts believe the benefits extend beyond ages 1 to 3, encouraging parents to make illustrated storybooks a regular part of family life.