How to Nurture a Love for Books in the Digital Age?

MUFFINTOSAY.COM – Not long ago, I saw a toddler sitting in a stroller, clutching a smartphone. His tiny fingers moved swiftly across the screen, as if he already knew that with a single tap, an entire world could open up. From music and animated videos to educational games, everything was right there at his fingertips. That scene made me pause and wonder: what will happen to storybooks—the ones that used to fill our childhood with wonder? Do they still have a place in children’s hearts, or are they slowly being pushed aside by the glow of digital screens?

That question lingers, especially when we talk about children’s literacy in today’s digital era. Technology has become a constant companion, even for babies. Tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs offer instant entertainment that traditional print books can hardly compete with. Yet one thing remains unchanged: children’s hunger for stories. Kids crave tales. They want to explore the world, meet characters, and learn values—and all of that can be conveyed beautifully through stories. The challenge now is how we, as parents and educators, can build a bridge between the digital world and the world of books, so children don’t lose their love for reading.

Reading as a Tradition Worth Preserving

If we look back, children’s reading habits have always been shaped at home. Many of us grew up with fond memories of bedtime stories—folk tales, fairy tales, or stories passed down from generation to generation that sparked our imagination and stayed with us long after. From those little moments, the seed of love for books was planted.

But this tradition has started to fade as digital screens occupy more space in our lives. It’s not that parents have stopped reading to their children, but often the time for it is pushed aside by work, daily routines, or the temptation of technology. A child who is handed a gadget to stay occupied will likely become more familiar with YouTube animations than picture books. And yet, the difference is striking. A book invites children to imagine, while a screen often hands them ready-made images to passively consume.

That’s why it’s so important to keep the tradition alive, even if it’s just a few minutes of reading each day. A child who grows up listening to stories will find it easier to fall in love with books, no matter the format. Thankfully, we now also have e-books for children—digital storybooks that can serve as a bridge between the digital era and the timeless tradition of reading.

Physical Books vs. E-books?

Many parents still believe that nothing can replace physical books—the smell of paper, the tactile joy of turning each page, the sight of a bookshelf lined with colorful covers. Those experiences are indeed unique. But does that mean e-books don’t have a place? Not at all.

In fact, e-books can be a practical solution in our increasingly digital lifestyles. Children who are already used to screens can be guided to see their devices not just as entertainment tools, but also as sources of reading. Imagine when a child asks for a phone to watch a video, and instead, parents pull up a bright, colorful e-book filled with illustrations. Within seconds, a story is ready to be shared. It’s practical, space-saving, and portable.

The key is not to pit books against one another, but to let them complement each other. Print books are wonderful for distraction-free reading, while e-books can fit seamlessly into children’s everyday digital routines. With this combination, children can learn to love books in both forms, without feeling that reading is outdated or dull.

Parents as Guides and Role Models

One of the most crucial elements in nurturing a child’s love for books is parental involvement. Young children cannot—and should not—be left to choose on their own. They need guidance, not just access.
If parents usually hand over a phone to calm their child, they can replace that habit with reading a short e-book story instead. It doesn’t have to be long—ten to fifteen minutes before bedtime is enough. Show the illustrations, ask questions, invite the child to guess what happens next. These small habits teach children that gadgets can also open doors to imagination, not just endless video loops.

Parents can also involve children in choosing what to read. When downloading an e-book, let the child pick a cover they find interesting or a theme they enjoy. When kids feel they have a say, their enthusiasm for reading grows naturally.

Stories as Mirrors of Life

The beauty of children’s books—whether print or digital—lies in their ability to reflect real life. Stories about friendship, bravery, honesty, or kindness help children grasp moral values in a simple, relatable way. Instead of lengthy lectures, parents can use stories to communicate values through characters.
Take, for example, an e-book about a small kitten learning to share food with friends. Children see the character face dilemmas and make good choices, and through that, they learn that sharing is meaningful—without ever feeling like they’re being preached to.

One delightful example is the e-book ‘Petualangan Kimi, Si Kucing Lucu’. It tells the story of Kimi, a lovable kitten living in Pasir Angin Village with his friends: Kikuk, the clumsy but kind chicken; Kimbo, the loyal dog; and Kiki, the clever but mischievous goat. Together, they embark on everyday adventures, from shopping at the market to learning the importance of teamwork when challenges arise in the village.

This story doesn’t just entertain—it instills values of friendship and cooperation, lessons every child needs to carry with them. With colorful illustrations, children laugh at Kikuk’s funny mistakes, admire Kimbo’s bravery, or feel close to Kiki’s wit and Kimi’s warmth. Each character serves as a role model in their own way, turning reading into both an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Through stories like this, children not only enter imaginative worlds but also internalize values that will shape them as they grow.

Tackling Distractions

Of course, e-books also come with their own challenges. The biggest? Distractions. While reading on a phone, it’s all too easy for notifications or ads to pull attention away.

Here’s where parents play a vital role. Use devices that minimize distractions, or simply switch to airplane mode while reading together. Even better, use an e-reader or tablet designed specifically for reading. That way, children can focus fully on the story and enjoy the experience without interruptions.
Most importantly, make reading a shared experience, not a solitary one. Kids love company. When they see their parents engaged and enthusiastic, they are more likely to mirror that energy.

Picture this: a parent and child curled up on the sofa, one arm around the child, the other holding a tablet. The parent reads with expressive intonation, sometimes inviting the child to mimic a character’s voice. Giggles and warm moments fill the room. That’s how love for books is built—not through pressure, but through joy and connection.

Books as a Lifelong Investment

There’s an old saying that books are windows to the world. It might sound cliché, but it’s still true. Children who grow up loving books are better prepared to face the world. They have richer vocabularies, wider imaginations, and deeper moral understanding.

In the digital age, reading skills are closely tied to digital literacy. Children who are used to processing stories from books will be better at sorting information online. They’ll know how to tell the difference between facts and mere entertainment. In other words, building a reading habit early is a long-term investment in their future.

Even in the fast current of technology, books remain irreplaceable. Children may be born into a world of screens, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on the timeless joy of stories. In fact, technology can be an ally—expanding access, making reading more engaging, and helping us create a reading tradition that fits today’s lifestyle.

Encouraging children to love books in the digital age isn’t about forbidding them from using gadgets—it’s about redefining how those gadgets are used. E-books can bridge the old and the new. As long as parents are willing to be present, to guide, and to carve out time, books will continue to live in our children’s hearts.

And perhaps, years from now, when these children grow up and see their own kids glued to screens, they’ll remember those warm evenings spent cuddled on the sofa, sharing a simple e-book story that left an everlasting mark.

The original article in Indonesian is available on NininMenulis