You know that moment when your little one looks up at you with wide eyes, begging you to read one more book? It’s such a magical feeling, but it also makes me wonder—how long should storytime last? From toddlers who love flipping through board books to teenagers who might be more interested in graphic novels, the perfect storytime length changes as they grow. Let’s explore what works best for each age, and trust me, I’ve learned this from my own journey of reading with my kids, as well as leading many, many storytimes at preschool and church!

For more information about how to structure a family storytime, find out here: How to Make Family Reading Time Special: Ultimate Guide.

Babies (0-12 months)

With babies, storytime is more about snuggling together than actual reading. Babies have short attention spans—about 5 to 10 minutes is plenty for them! Incorporating sensory books with textures and sounds kept them engaged. Simple, repetitive language was a must; it helps their early development and builds a bond between parent and child. With my kids, I would read the same books over and over, and those familiar words became a comfort to them.

Usually, for babies, the best time for storytime is after waking up from a nap. They are cheerful and ready to focus on something. 

Toddlers (1-3 years)

As babies transition into toddlers, they can sit through 10-15 minutes of storytime. They wiggle and giggle, but by choosing the right books, their attention will be locked in! Letting them pick their favorite books is a game-changer. Toddlers thrive on repetition, so it is a time of reading the same story over and over. Keeping the pace lively and engaging them by discussing the pictures makes storytime a fun experience. Plus, it allows parents to sneak in some learning moments about colors, animals, and even emotions.

Storytime with toddlers can also include fingerplays or rhymes. You can also add some silly dancing time to balance out the quiet sitting for a book.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

By the time they reached preschool age, storytime can stretch to about 15-20 minutes. This is when I especially see their imaginations flourish! Preschoolers love stories with a strong narrative and relatable characters. It is magical to witness their reactions as they engage with the story. I often pause to ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” This not only keeps their attention but also sparks their creativity. Giving them a chance to “read” with me—pointing out letters and words—makes them feel included and excited about the world of reading.

Preschool kids can handle multiple picture books in a storytime session. They also really enjoy fingerplays, nursery rhymes, and dance parties. By adding some movement to the quiet sitting time, kids stay engaged and focused.

Early Elementary (5-7 years)

If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.

Albert Einstein

Moving into early elementary school, 20-25 minutes is the sweet spot for storytime. You can begin to introduce chapter books, unlocking a new world for them. Choosing books that challenge their growing reading skills, yet still hold their attention with colorful illustrations, makes all the difference. For this age, I would read one chapter per night, and the excitement to discover what happened next kept them coming back for more. They’d beg me to keep going, and sometimes I couldn’t resist (although staying up late made the mornings grumpy!)

For this age, I often read a picture book that my child chooses plus a chapter of a longer book. It works great because they still love the pictures (and there are many amazing picture books for older kids), but we also practice using our imaginations while listening to the story without pictures.

Older Elementary (8-11 years)

For older elementary kids, 25-30 minutes of reading is the perfect length. At this stage, they are all about independence and choice, so letting them pick the books is key. Books with more complex themes capture their interest, and I encourage them to predict outcomes. This makes storytime feel more like a collaborative adventure, where we can discuss the characters’ choices and relate them to our own lives.

At this age, add some reading aloud done by the child instead of the adult being the sole reader. I picked out a book of poems, and each day my child reads one poem.

Middle Schoolers (11-14 years)

In middle school, storytime can still be meaningful, though it might look different. About 30-40 minutes of reading together works well for this age. They appreciate deeper themes—friendship, identity, adventure—and discussing these topics opens up great conversations.

All beautiful things encourage a child’s sense of wonder — and everything that encourages a child’s sense of wonder is beautiful.

Mitsumasa Anno

High Schoolers (14-18 years)

Family storytime is an awesome way to bond with your teenagers. About 40-45 minutes is a great range for shared reading. The teen years is a great time to tackle classic literature. Try taking turns reading aloud, or listen to an audiobook together while doing a jigsaw puzzle. Sharing stories, laughter, and fun is an amazing way to draw closer to your teen during these emotional years.

Let children read whatever they want and then talk about it with them.

Judy Blume

Conclusion

Storytime is about so much more than the number of minutes on the clock. It’s about making memories, sharing stories, and watching kids develop a love for reading at every age. Whether you’re cuddling up with a baby or having a lively discussion with your teen about a book you both love, the key is to find what works for them—and you. So, how long should storytime last? However long it takes to share something special together!

For book ideas for each age, check out my Best Family Read-Aloud Books: Complete Guide by Age (2024)