As a parent, I’ve come to realise that helping our children develop strong reading habits early on is one of the most powerful things we can do. Reading not only builds language—it fuels imagination, focus, and emotional intelligence. That’s why programs like the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) are so valuable.
The PRC is a government-run program encouraging students from Kindergarten to Year 10 to read a set number of books over several months. Each year, students log their reading online and receive recognition for completing the challenge. It’s a fun way to keep kids motivated and engaged in regular reading.
📎 Official site: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
While students are encouraged to choose from the official booklist, they can also read some “choice” books—allowing them to explore their own interests. For us, this meant discovering a mix of classics and funny, fast-paced reads that made my child laugh and think.
Top 10 Book Recommendations for Year 4 Readers (PRC-Level)
- The Twits – Roald Dahl
- Billie B Brown: The Night Fright – Sally Rippin
- Zac Power: Deep Waters – H.I. Larry
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney
- Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
- Pearl the Proper Unicorn – Sally Odgers
- Ninja Kid – Anh Do
- Horrid Henry – Francesca Simon
- The 13-Storey Treehouse – Andy Griffiths
- Tashi – Anna Fienberg
These books are age-appropriate, funny, thoughtful, and easy to get hooked on—even for reluctant readers.
How We Made Reading a Habit
We began with just 10–15 minutes each night. Some days we’d read together, other days my child would choose their own quiet spot. Visiting the library regularly and letting them pick their own books gave them a sense of ownership. Most importantly—we kept it pressure-free and fun.
Final Thought
The Reading Challenge isn’t just about ticking off books. It’s about showing kids that reading can be part of their identity. If they learn to enjoy stories now, they’ll carry that love with them for life. And as parents, that’s one of the best legacies we can leave.
Let me know if you’d like:
or a translated Korean version 🇰🇷!
a shorter Instagram caption
a printable version for school
