Let’s Raise Readers, Together From the co-founder of Kokomom

Hi there,

I’m sitting down to write this with a cup of coffee and a lot of heart—because if you’re reading this, you’re someone who cares deeply about the world your child grows up in.

At Kokomom, we aren’t just creating kidswear—we’re creating a feeling. A sense of belonging, a spark of imagination, a place where curiosity is celebrated.

One of the best ways to nurture all of that? Stories.

I still remember my childhood stories—not just the ones in books, but the ones told between bites of dinner, or whispered just before the lights went out. They taught me kindness, bravery, wonder. And today, more than ever, I believe we can bring that magic into our kids’ lives—one story at a time.

If you’re wondering how to get your little one to read more, or to fall in love with stories, here are a few things I’ve learned (and tried myself):

1. Read in front of them, not just to them.

Children mirror what they see. If they see you curled up with a book—or even scrolling through a comic on your phone—they realize that reading is a normal, joyful thing.

2. Let them pick their own adventure.

Funny books, messy books, graphic novels, fact books about trucks—it all counts! Following their interests creates real readers.

3. Create a “story time” tradition.

It doesn’t have to be every night. Maybe it’s Sunday mornings, maybe it’s after lunch on Saturdays. Rituals make reading feel like a natural part of life.

4. Make stories real.

If you read a book about a pirate, build a pillow ship. If it’s about a bakery, bake cookies together. Connect words to the world they live in.

And now, just like I promised, here are two stories to share with your little ones. You can read them aloud, act them out, or even let your child tell you what happens next!

Story 1: Mimi and the Book That Grew (Ages 4-8)

Mimi loved books. But she had a big, big problem— She finished them too fast! One day, she found a dusty little bookshop tucked between two cafés.

An old man with silver glasses handed her a tiny book no bigger than her palm. “This one is different,” he said, smiling mysteriously. That night, Mimi opened the book—and out flew a seed!

Confused but curious, she planted it in a pot. The next morning, something amazing had happened: a little sprout had grown, but instead of leaves, it had tiny words written all over it! Each day, the plant grew taller, and more words appeared.

When she read the sentences aloud, new chapters unfolded—mystery islands, talking whales, treasure maps, secret songs.

The book was growing with her imagination. Mimi realized that stories weren’t just things you finished—they were things you grew. And every time she dreamed a new dream, the plant grew another branch.

Story 2: The Town That Traded Dreams (Ages 5-10)

In a small town called Willowby, nobody used money. Instead, people traded dreams. You wanted a loaf of bread? You gave the baker a dream about flying on a carpet. Needed a new pair of shoes? You traded a dream about befriending a giant squirrel.

Every night, people would sit around a big Dreamfire and tell their dreams to each other.

The best dreams were shared the most—and the most beautiful dreams could buy anything you wanted.

But one day, a boy named Arlo came to town with no dreams at all. He had walked from far away, tired and dusty.

The people of Willowby didn’t know what to do—what could they trade him for, if he had nothing to give?

But Arlo smiled and said, “I may not have dreams. But I can listen to yours.”

And he listened so well—so kindly and so carefully—that people said their dreams felt even bigger after telling him.

Soon, Arlo became the richest boy in Willowby—not because he owned things, but because everyone wanted to share their dreams with him. And that’s how the town learned:

Sometimes, listening is the most magical gift of all.

At Kokomom, we believe stories aren’t just for bedtime. They are the threads that weave a child’s imagination, confidence, and kindness.

If your little one comes up with a wild story after reading this, tag us or send it to us! We would love to hear it—and maybe even feature it.

Here’s to growing readers, dreamers, and brave little adventurers—

One story at a time.

With immense love,

Riya