How We Read Over 2,000 Books Per Year

One morning recently, it seemed our toddler (who we affectionately call our two-nager) was absolutely exhausted and sleeping past 8am, which she rarely does. But when I peeked into her room to check on her, there she was, peacefully sitting in her bed with at least 50 books piled high around her, a picture book spread across her little knees as she “read” and described the story in front of her as she remembered it. Be still, my mama heart. 

We’ve made reading a heartbeat in our home - a natural rhythm, even for our little ones.

Recognizing how many books we actually complete in a year started with our local library’s challenge, “1000 Books Before Kindergarten.” They encourage little readers to grab 1-3 books a day to achieve this feat prior to heading off to school. You track your milestones through an app and watch the number grow as you and your kiddos pass each 100-book marker until you reach the finish line and get a special prize like a stuffie or free scoop of ice cream. With both of our children, we rolled through the challenge in a matter of months, not years. At first I didn’t think anything of it until the librarian was surprised to see my 9 month old completing the challenge and coming in for a prize. 

1,000 or 2,000 books a year may sound impossible… but it’s completely achievable for every story loving family. Here’s the thing - it’s not because we spend all day with our noses buried in books or because I’ve cracked some secret mom code. It’s because books have become a consistent part of the routine in our home and fostering a love of reading through repetition and example has encouraged even our young children to be “readers” at such an early age.

It’s less about counting pages and more about cultivating a love for reading and learning.

The Power of a Daily Reading Pattern

Reading isn’t just something we “fit in.” It’s woven into the fabric of our days. We read while breakfast is on the stove, at naptime, during snacks, and before bed. My toddler grabs for books in the car, during her “quiet time,” and when she wants a moment away from little brother. My husband and I (make a valiant effort to) start and end our day with reading, whether it be mind growing non-fictions and Bible studies or my favorite western novels. 

When reading becomes rhythm instead of routine, it no longer feels like another thing to check off the list. It becomes part of who you are as a family - how you slow down, how you learn, how you connect, how you love. If making reading a consistent part of your kids' lives is something you aspire to, here’s the blueprint for how we read over 2,000 books a year.

The Math Behind How We Read Over 2,000 Books Per Year

Now let’s break it down, because 2,000 sounds wild until you see how doable it really is. Quick note: we’re talking about children’s picture books here, which vary enormously from 10-page board books to short chapter books for older kids. I personally prefer books with more substance and a storyline that I can enjoy too, but it doesn’t matter what you’re reading - board books, chapter books, nonfiction… every story counts.

If you read just three picture books a day, that’s 21 per week. Multiply that by 52 weeks and you’re already past 1,000 books a year — easily. Add just 5 extra minutes a day and bump that to five books daily, and you’re over 1,800 books a year.

Add in seasonal favorites, Bible stories, themed books for learning, audiobooks on long drives, holiday traditions, and bedtime chapter books. That's how we read over 2,000 books per year.

It’s not about chasing numbers - it’s about realizing that small, consistent moments add up and create a habit your children will cling to for life.

Toddler girl sits indoors in a camouflage recliner with a blanket and book on her knees, reading

Infant boy sits on a green blanket on a deck, surrounded by boys, holding a Louis Lamour paperback

Toddler girl sits on a fall-decorated cream sectional with a dog and books beside her, reading

Maybe my little fella will be a Louis L'Amour fan just like his mama!

Our Reading Rhythm

Here’s what it looks like in our home — simple, flexible, and connection-focused:

• Morning: I’m typically reading and drinking coffee when the kids wake up and our daughter usually grabs a book to curl up next to me in the first few moments of the day. Sometimes at breakfast, we read a few picture books or a short Bible story. It sets a peaceful tone for the day and fills our minds before the noise of the world creeps in. During little brother’s morning nap, our toddler gets some special reading time to choose her favorite stories without interruption.

• Afternoon: Before nap or quiet time, we curl up again - sometimes outside, sometimes cozy on the couch. It’s quiet and unhurried. We often read stories from our themed book basket to reinforce what we’ve been learning (more on that below!). Our toddler usually replaces her nap with quiet time, “reading” (or narrating) dozens of books to herself.

• Evening: Bedtime stories are sacred and include the whole family. Even if the day’s been wild and long, this is how we close it - with stories and snuggles by soft lamp light. If everyone is tired, it might just be one book but often it's an entire pile. It’s a perfect way to wind down after busy days. 

That’s three natural touchpoints, each lasting maybe 10–20 minutes, with room to linger when we're in the mood. No elaborate plans, no pressure - just consistency. And no judgement when days go awry. But you’ll find that, just like any habit, once you build the routine of it, it's hard to break away…not that you’ll want to!

How Do You Prevent Kids Book Burnout?

In case you’re wondering - although we keep well stocked shelves, no, we don’t have 1000 or 2000 children's books in our house (though it might look like it when the kids pull EVERY story off the shelf!). But even with full bookshelves, children’s books can start to feel repetitive… especially the ones your kids want to read again… and again and again. One of those great mysteries of the world is why your child gravitates toward the most exhausting book that you get sick of REALLY fast.

So if you want to keep things fresh, make your local library your best friend. Whether you love browsing the shelves or placing holds online (raising my hand here!), libraries are goldmines for discovering new favorites and keeping new books in rotation that prevent kids' book burnout.

Many libraries also have themed months, reading lists, and story times. We live in a rural area, but our branch is part of a larger network, so I can request nearly any title and pick it up about a week or two later. I plan our themed book basket two weeks in advance, place my holds, and - voila - a new stack of books awaits! 

What’s a themed book basket, you say? I’m so glad you asked! Check out this blog post for one of my favorite mom hacks to make reading fun, educational, and engaging (even for you).

Making Piles of Books Feel Doable

If reading daily feels hard right now, start small. The goal is to build a pattern that becomes a habit - one that fosters a lifelong love of reading and a desire to read consistently.

• Keep books everywhere and accessible - baskets in every room, the car, and by the bed

• Rotate seasonal or themed titles to keep it fresh

• Read while they play - they absorb more than you think

• Embrace re-reads - familiar stories are comforting and build vocabulary

• Take reading on the go - a book about hiking during a trail snack? Magical!

• Set the example - let your kids see you reading, too. Encourage them to sit beside you and read or look at their own book.

  
  

Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect or structured. Consistency is the secret.

Why It Matters

Books have become more than stories in our home - they’re conversation starters, connection points, learning tools, and memory makers. They shape the way my kids see the world and remind me to see it with them, making incredible connections between books and real life. They promote vocabulary, memorization, and a love for learning all while enjoying quality time together. They shape character and build curiosity, patience, and concentration. They expose our children to problems and solutions, social scenarios, and a whole wide world of beauty and wonder waiting to be explored.

And maybe most beautifully, it’s a reminder to us as moms that ordinary moments - a book, a lap, a loving voice filled with wonder - plant extraordinary roots in the hearts of our children.

A Challenge to You, Mama

If 1000 or 2000 books a year feels impossible, start with one a day. 

Then two. 

Then three.

Before you know it, you’ll look back and realize that what once felt like a goal has become a rhythm - one that fills your home with stories, laughter, calm, and learning.

Because in the end, it’s not about numbers. It’s about building a love for reading. And the simple, intentional act of showing up with a book in your hand and embracing these fleeting moments when your babies crawl in your lap and ask for a story.