The Magic of Reading: Why Books Beat Screens

Imagine this: a child sits in front of a computer screen, the glow lighting up their face. Their fingers tap the keyboard, their eyes dart from one flashing image to the next. Hours pass without them even noticing.

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Now imagine the same child curled up with a book. The pages whisper as they turn. Suddenly, they’re no longer in their bedroom—they’re standing on the deck of a pirate ship, or walking through a magical forest, or solving a mystery alongside a brave young detective. Time still passes, but this time, they’ve travelled somewhere extraordinary.

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That’s the difference between screens and stories. Computers and games can entertain us, yes—but books transport us.

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When children read, they’re not just looking at words. They’re building worlds in their minds. Every page strengthens their imagination, stretches their vocabulary, and teaches them new ways to think. A computer game might give you quick excitement, but a book gives you something far greater: the power to dream with your own mind.

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Reading also does something computers can’t—it teaches empathy. When a child reads about a character who is lonely, or afraid, or incredibly brave, they learn what it feels like to walk in someone else’s shoes. That lesson stays with them long after the book is closed.

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And let’s not forget—reading is a gift you can carry anywhere. You don’t need Wi-Fi to open a book. You don’t need batteries or updates. All you need is a quiet corner, a little imagination, and the willingness to turn the page.

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Of course, computers and technology have their place. They help us learn, connect, and create. But when screens take over every spare moment, something precious is lost. Children stop daydreaming. They stop picturing worlds of their own making. And in time, they risk losing the wonderful curiosity that makes childhood magical.

So, the next time your child reaches for a tablet or a controller, try handing them a book instead. At first, they may grumble. But give it a few pages—and soon, they’ll be off on an adventure that no screen can match.

Because here’s the truth: computers show us what others have imagined. Books allow us to imagine for ourselves.