Whispers in the barn: How COVID changed kids’ reading habits and why summer reading matters more than ever
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every part of childhood, and reading was no exception. With schools closed and routines flipped upside down, many kids fell behind in their reading skills. Libraries and classrooms once filled with stories and book talks suddenly went quiet, and for many young readers, the habit of daily reading slipped away.
Now, a few years later, the ripple effects are still being felt, especially in reading confidence and comprehension. But there’s one simple, powerful tool that can help: summer reading.
Summer reading gives kids a chance to rebuild skills in a fun, low-pressure way. Just 20 minutes a day can help prevent the “summer slide” and spark real growth, especially when kids are reading books they want to read. That’s where horse books shine.
For young horse lovers, stories about ponies, barns, friendships, and equine adventures are more than just books, they’re motivation. Kids who connect with these stories often read more, read longer, and talk about what they read. Horse books create a bridge between their passions and their literacy skills, helping them feel seen and inspired while strengthening vocabulary, comprehension, and empathy.
In a post-pandemic world, we need all the reading magic we can get, and for many kids, that magic has four legs and a swishy tail.
If you are looking for your child’s next favorite horse book, look no further than our bookstore with over 200 books to choose from!