2 . Our brains process information differently: It's a good idea to talk to your children about the ways our minds function. Here are some picture books that teach children about neurodiversity(神经多样性).

My Brain is Magic: A Sensory Seeking Celebration

Prasha Sooful(Author), Geeta Ladi(Illustrator) Age: 5-9

A sensory-seeking child describes and celebrates their wonderful life in this book that highlights sensory processing and neurodiversity in a positive way for children to enjoy. Through the power of magic and imagination, different animals and insects represent sensory scenarios. The book includes a note for parents to help make sure their children's sensory needs are met.

Some Brains: A Book Celebrating Neurodiversity

Nelly Thomas(Author), Cat McInnes(Illustrator) Age: 4-8

Let's celebrate neurodiversity! This book does just that. Some Brains encourages readers to examine the strength and power of having a wonderfully unique brain! Additionally, MeInnes filled the pages with vividly inclusive illustrations so that children actually see the beauty of our diverse world.

Too Sticky: Sensory Issues With Autism(自闭症)

Jen Malia(Author), Joanne Lew-Vriethoff(Illustrator) Age: 4-8

Although Holly loves science experiments, she's unsure how she'll feel about making slime(烂泥) because it is sticky! Holly's family and teacher help her find accommodations, and she learns that slime isn't so bad after all. What's great about this book is that the author is a neurodivergent parent of three neurodivergent children, making this an essential "own voices" story to add to your collection.

Brilliant Bea

Shaina Rudolph and Mary Vukadinovich(Authors), Fiona Lee(Illustrator) Age: 4-8

Beatrice uses a tape recorder to tell stories because she can speak her words and say them back. She is dyslexic(读写障碍) and shows her classmates how using a tape recorder helps her learn and keep stories. Brilliant Bea is set in EasyReading, a dyslexia-friendly font.

Embracing the Magic of Print Media

8 . If your bookshelf is looking a little empty and collecting dust, or you’re trying to start reading more, a book box will do it all for you and send you an accurate selection from your favourites.

Finding the right book subscription can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve gathered some of the best book subscription boxes in Australia for you to enjoy.

Bionic Book Subscription, $75 per six months at Etsy

This personalized book subscription service will send you books via an algorithm (算法) that learns your taste preferences to select and send books you’ll love. You can enjoy a mix of new and recent releases across fiction and contemporary classics.

Mystery Book Subscription Box, $99.95 per quarter at Isubscribe

Enjoy a great selection of pre-loved books, coming straight to your door, with a range of extras to keep you reading comfortable. You can expect to receive three or six books sent to you month by month, according to your choice.

“Purchased as a gift subscription for Father’s Day and he absolutely loves it! Such a fantastic and unique option for a book lover yourself or a loved one,” a five-star reviewer said.

Australian Magazine Subscription, $36.99 per month at Magshop

Magshop features all of the top selling Australian magazine subscriptions in one place, making it easy for you to enjoy your favourites. You’ll find all kinds of books—from entertainment, lifestyle, fashion and beauty to games and puzzles, health and fitness, cooking, homes, and so much more.

Ultimate Mystery Book Subscription Box, $190 per year at Etsy

Sent to you month by month, each box contains three or six great books with one hand-drawn bookmark, a new handmade candle in a variety of colours, smells and containers, and a new pair of socks.

“Got 2/3 books so far and I’m loving the selection! Can’t believe I got a perfect-condition hardcover on my first go. It was an amazing surprise. The custom little bookmarks are cute too. I’d recommend this subscription in a heartbeat and can’t wait to purchase a second round,” a five-star reviewer said.

9 . It’s known that reading is good for a child’s vocabulary and literacy skills, teaching them math or science concepts and helping them learn history. Apart from those, reading has another benefit. Have you read a story and felt tears well up because of a character’s suffering? If so, that is because you have empathy (共鸣) for the character — and empathy can be learned through various fictions. “It’s a magic eye that sees into other people’s hearts,” explains author Cressida Cowell.

Research shows that human brains react differently to stories and facts. “Many more areas of your brain light up when you’re enjoying a story,” explains Miranda McKearney from EmpathyLab, an organization that builds empathy through reading. “Your brain thinks you are in the story… This means you experience the characters’ thoughts as if they are real.”

Empathy helps you to read people’s emotions and work out the best way to respond. This skill, called emotional intelligence, can make it easier to communicate and connect with people. Research has shown that building empathy can lead to greater kindness and tolerance. One study found that children who read the Harry Potter novels — which tell stories about humans fighting against the evil — were less likely to behave unfairly towards powerless groups including refugees (难民).

This theory has been put into practice by St Michael’s Primary School. After reading The Boy at the Back of the Class — a story about a boy who is a refugee escaping from the war — students in that school were inspired to do a 10-mile walk for the non-profit organization Refugee Action. Their empathy also spurred them to raise £1,000 for people who were forced to leave their homes because of war.

Reading encourages children to empathise with others, which could potentially lead to several beneficial learning outcomes, new research suggests. For society to develop, creative, communicative and empathetic individuals really matter.