A study of 1,000 parents of children aged to 10 found 82 per cent read to their little ones on a regular basis, with 20 per cent of these doing so at least once a day.
And many employ a host of storytelling techniques to capture the imagination of their little ones.
These include using sound effects (26 per cent), dimming the lights (28 per cent), and even embellishing or tweaking the story (26 per cent).
The research was commissioned by McDonald’s to highlight its free book tokens giveaway with Happy Meals for World Book Day – a campaign backed by Joe Swash.
The study found 57 per cent know every last word of some stories.
Chloe Bissell, head of marketing for family, brand & affinity at the restaurant chain, said: “Story time is such a familiar and integral part of growing up – for many of us, our memories of being read to by loved ones are likely to be among our most treasured.
“It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to the magical world of literature – and create new memories which will live with them forever.
“We are so proud to partner with the National Literacy Trust and World Book Day to ensure more families than ever before can share a story together.”
To really amp up story time, 26 per cent of parents who read to their kids will use sound effects, while 16 per cent will play suitable background music to create the right mood.
And 16 per cent will go to town by dressing up in costumes and 16 per cent will use puppets to bring the tale to life.
Six in 10 revealed techniques such as these help them feel more confident when reading to their children.
On average, those polled said the most-read story they’ve told their kids has been told a total
