A Book Is Just the Beginning

We provide training, resources, and support.

At Reach Out and Read, we believe all families should have the tools and information they need to make reading aloud a daily routine. We help integrate reading into pediatric practices, advise families about the importance of reading with their children, and share books that serve as a catalyst for healthy childhood development.

A trusted partner.

Reach Out and Read’s national network of clinicians delivers vital information about the importance of reading at routine pediatric checkups. This means we have unmatched access to families during the years from birth to age three—a period of critical brain development.

Families place deep trust in our pediatric teams, who teach them about the importance of reading together. In the same way, those teams look to us for guidance and support regarding how best to make reading a part of their practice. We implement the latest research with fidelity across tens of thousands of teams, ensuring that each program site benefits from the latest information and the strength of our shared network.

At the Heart of the Story

It is a priority that program books reflect the widest possible representation of the children and families we serve, with stories that are relevant and engaging, accurately reflect and affirm a diverse range of identities, cultures, and histories, and contain illustrations that are colorful and recognizable to young children.

It’s never too soon to read together.

During well visits, we talk with parents about the benefits of reading aloud and sharing with their young children beginning at birth. We show them how to hold books to best engage their children, and how to interact with the text and images to help them follow along. We share advice for talking about stories with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Families gain a deeper understanding of why they should make reading a daily habit, and leave inspired to cuddle up with their young one and a book.

A book. A bond. A brighter future.

At the beginning of the visit, we give each child a new, developmentally-appropriate book to take home with them. We offer books in 28 different languages. Books can even be useful for families who don’t read—we encourage them to talk about the story that the pictures tell.

Many of the families that Reach Out and Read serves do not have any books at home. At the end of the program, every Reach Out and Read child has a home library of books—each given with the advice to families that they are their child’s first and most important teacher. As they read and spend time together, families form lasting connections and children learn new skills that serve them well throughout their lives.

Our Initiatives
Reach Out and Read has several targeted initiatives that make our program accessible for communities and families with unique challenges.
Research
We study the ways children grow, learn, and thrive—and how we can best support their healthy development.
Resources for Families
Our resource library can help you learn more about reading with the children in your life, including what, how, and why to read together.

“I am going to see the doctor. She is going to give me a book today and we will read together. She lets me keep the book!”

– Reach Out and Read 4 year-old in Massachusetts