Books before blocks: Detroit’s young reader devours 1000 books

Four-year-old Ayan, born to parents from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and raised in Detroit, has completed reading 1,000 books before kindergarten. Encouraged by his parents and Auburn Hills Library’s reading programme, he was recognised as a “Super Reader"

Hyderabad: While most children his age spend their days building blocks or chasing butterflies, four-year-old Ayan has been chasing words and stories. In a feat that has amazed family, friends, and educators alike, Ayan has completed reading 1,000 books — all before starting kindergarten.

The love of reading runs in the family. Ayan’s father, Kumaraguru, a tech professional from Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, and his mother, Rukhsana Parveen, a passionate reader and writer from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, introduced him to books when he was barely six months old. Having read parenting guides on how stories spark imagination and aid development, the couple began with the classic Goodnight Moon.

---

“At first, Ayan would just sit in our laps as we showed him the pictures, talked about them, and let him flip to his favourite pages,” recalls Rukhsana. Kumaraguru, too, made bedtime storytelling a ritual, often bringing home library picks and narrating simple tales from Tamil folklore alongside English picture books. From board books, Ayan gradually graduated to picture books and then to more advanced stories.

The family’s home in Detroit soon became a mini-library. Books were placed in easy-to-reach spots all over the house, and bedtime reading became a cherished routine. “No screen time until he turned four,” says Rukhsana. “We made a conscious decision to prioritise books over devices.” That decision paid off — Ayan not only developed a habit of reading everywhere, on the sofa, in his cosy corner, or even on the slider at home, but also began exploring a wide range of authors. His toddler years were filled with the bright illustrations of Lucy Cousins’ Maisy books and Jane Cabrera’s playful retellings. By age one, his favourites were Goodnight Moon, Corduroy, and Maisy. At two and three, he stuck with Maisy and similar tales. Now, at five, he independently reads Level 1 books and enjoys series like Pete the Cat and Fly Guy.

They say a mother’s lap is the first school of a child. “Ayan has lived up to this adage. From the time he was a toddler, books were part of his everyday life,” says Rukhsana.

A big boost came when the family enrolled Ayan in Auburn Hills Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programme. The library, with its vibrant children’s section, wide selection of books, and family-friendly borrowing policies,  no fines, unlimited books, 21-day loans renewable three times, proved to be the perfect partner. Parents could even order online. “Using the Beanstack app, each title Ayan read, including repeat favourites, was logged,” says Rukhsana.

His dedication did not go unnoticed. The Auburn Hills Library recently awarded him a special certificate, declaring him a “Super Reader” under the programme.

“Children like Ayan remind us why libraries matter,” said one staff member. “He proves that reading can be as joyful as play.”

Travelling or not, Ayan never parts with books. “Even when we visited India, he carried them in his backpack. On the flight, while other kids played or got restless, Ayan was happily lost in stories,” says his mother.

For Ayan, this milestone is just the beginning. Surrounded by a family of readers, guided by parents who encourage both knowledge and creativity, and nurtured by a community library that values young readers, his journey ahead looks promising.