In recognition of International Literacy Day on September 8, Scholastic is sharing tips culled from four countries that can help children everywhere become lifelong readers. Compiled from data gathered for the Kids & Family Reading Report U.S., U.K., Australia, and India editions, the survey of children and their parents revealed four key, actionable themes. In each country, at least 1,000 parents of children ages 0–17 and at least 695 children ages 6–17 were surveyed. An infographic to share with parents is available for download.

The report reveals that, on average, only one in three kids read books for fun five or more days a week. The four ways that parents and caregivers can help kids discover the power and joy of reading are listed below.

1. Let children choose their books: About 9 in 10 children ages 6–17 say they are more likely to finish reading a book that “I have picked out myself” (90% U.S., 89% Australia, 86% India, and 84% U.K.).
2. Continue to read aloud—and often: Children ages 6–17 reported they love (or loved) read aloud time at home (86% Australia, 85% India, 83% U.S., and 83% U.K.) and the top reason was “it’s a special time with my parent.” While parents often stop reading aloud at age six, many kids ages 6–11 who were read to at home wanted reading aloud to continue (57% India, 40% U.S., 36% Australia, and 31% U.K.).
3. Be a reading role model: In each country, a powerful predictor of kids’ reading frequency is having a parent who personally reads and/or reads aloud to their child five or more days a week.
4. Find funny reads: “Make me laugh” is the top criteria kids look for when picking out a book to read for fun (70% U.S., 63% U.K., 62% India, and 61% Australia).

“Giving kids the chance to find the books they want to read is crucial to helping them associate reading with fun," said Dav Pilkey, international bestselling creator of the "Captain Underpants" series and the new "Dog Man" graphic novel series in a press release. "Choice is important because it is what changed me to become a lifelong reader."