The most enthusiastic reader in the room might also be the wriggliest.
Some little readers settle in for a full story. Others have important business involving a cushion, a sock or whatever is happening under the table. A restless toddler doesn't automatically mean you've chosen the wrong book or done storytime incorrectly.
Here are five gentle things worth trying when sitting still is not on the agenda.
1. Start with a picture, not a performance
Instead of beginning at page one and powering through, invite your child to choose an image. What do they notice? Is there an animal, a funny face or a colour they want to name?
Talking about illustrations is part of sharing a book. It gives the moment somewhere natural to begin, even if you're interrupted almost immediately.
2. Let them turn the pages
A toddler who is determined to be in charge of the page-turning is showing interest in how books work. You might read half the words, or none. That's all right.
Try saying, “Shall we see what's next?” and following their pace. If they want to go backwards to find the same picture again, welcome to the club.
3. Add a little movement
If the story has a cat, stretch like a cat. If someone is running, make little running fingers along the blanket. If the page has a number, count a few taps on your knees.
Movement can be part of the story rather than something that interrupts it. You don't need props, songs or a complicated activity plan — just a bit of playfulness.
4. Ask one easy question
A question can help make reading feel like a conversation. “Where's the puppy?” works. So does “What do you think happens next?”
Reading Rockets describes this kind of back-and-forth as dialogic reading: the adult and child talking together about a book. The key word here is together. It shouldn't feel like a quiz, and not every page needs a question.
5. Stop while it's still enjoyable
If a child wanders away, you can put the book aside. Or leave it open for when they drift back. The aim is to keep books associated with connection and curiosity, not a battle to finish a task.
A minute of shared attention is a real moment. So is reading the same two pages three times. Some days that's the rhythm.
A small invitation
If you want to make storytime a little easier, keep a favourite book somewhere comfortable and easy to reach. Not a picture-perfect reading corner. Just a place where you can both pause.
At Little Petal Press, the stories are full of recognisable family-life details. They invite pointing, noticing and the occasional laugh from the grown-up holding the book.
Explore the picture books when you're ready. But don't worry about finishing the entire story today. The bookmark can wait.
