Boys Love Stories
Not all story times look the same
Your boy already loves stories – they just might not look the way you expect.
Story time doesn’t have to mean sitting still and quietly reading a story from start to finish. Stories can be just as fun when boys can move, make noise, laugh and join in.
Whether he’s roaring like the dinosaur on the page, shouting about the pictures or running round acting out the story, sharing stories with your boy will help him have a happy start in life.
If you’re both enjoying it, that's what matters.
Why share stories with your boy?
Sharing stories can make you both feel happy, help you bond with each other and give you a fun way to play together. It will also grow his confidence and help him learn to talk.
Boys love stories when they…
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…are about things they love
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… are fun and playful
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...get to join in
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...share them with loved ones
Remember, every boy is different. You know yours best. In whatever way works for you, make story time part of your everyday routine.
Life is busy but sharing stories doesn’t have to take long. A few minutes looking at a book when you play, chatting about the pictures while you wait for the bus, or re-reading your favourite story at bedtime all count.
Little moments are what make the difference. It’s okay to stop when your boy loses interest too, try again later or the next day.
Join us in Gorton and Abbey Hey
Bring your boy and enjoy stories at free local activities. No need to book.
Look out for us in the community
Throughout autumn 2026, we'll be popping up in a variety of spaces around Gorton. We'll be giving away free books and resources, with lots to choose from, to help your family have fun sharing stories together at home.
Gorton Library
Next time you're out and about, visit Gorton Library (inside Gorton Hub). Here, you can find fun books about whatever your boy loves and borrow them for free. Did you know the children's library is space-themed?
Every Friday in term time, 11:30am-12:15pm, families with 0 to 5s can join us at Gorton Library for a free, fun, relaxed story time.
Gorton Library, 27 Garratt Way, Gorton, Manchester, M19 8HE
Ideas to make your story time fun
Start with what he already loves
Whether it’s trucks, dinosaurs, superheroes, animals, football or something else, there’s a story your boy will get excited about.
Share stories anywhere
Take a book to the park, share one on the bus or while you’re waiting for an appointment. Or try an audiobook!
Let him take the lead
He might want to talk about the pictures, interrupt the story, skip pages, or ask questions – that’s okay. Following his curiosity helps make it fun.
Help him join in
Try copying the sounds and actions in the story or acting out what’s happening. Your boy will love roaring like a lion, stomping like a dinosaur or jumping like a frog.
Watch this video to see these tips in action.
Boys Love Stories is a new campaign in Gorton and Abbey Hey, celebrating how boys aged 0-5 enjoy sharing stories with their families.
It’s never too soon or too late to start sharing stories with your boy. 2026 is the National Year of Reading, encouraging everyone to read into what they’re passionate about.
Find more ideas, activities and support on the Go All In website.