An Ohio State study estimated this difference for a child read one book daily versus a child read to only rarely.
Questions grow here
A few things parents ask us.
Curious about the name, the heart behind the stories, or how to help a reluctant reader? Pull up a spot by the shelf.
Open the questions
The curious shelfGood questions.
Good questions.
Heartfelt answers.
Select a question to open it. Each answer is written for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone helping a young reader grow.
Why broccoli—and why did you spell “broccoli” wrong?
Broccoli began as a nickname Brock never wanted. Growing up, kids sometimes used his first name to tease him, and “Broccoli” stuck. Later, while working with children, he decided to stop running from it and started introducing himself as Mr. Broccoli. Then one child took it a step further and called him Mr. Broccoli Head—and the seed for the Broccoli Head series was planted.
That experience shaped more than a character. Brock learned to lean into criticism, embrace the parts of himself that once felt awkward, and turn hurt into something joyful. Bullying can leave children carrying pain they do not know how to explain. He hopes these stories give them something to smile about and remind them that what makes them different can become part of their strength.
And Broceli? That spelling is personal: Broc + Eli, the name of Brock’s oldest son. Together they became Broceli Books.
Are Broceli Books Christian books?
Brock Goetsch is a Christian and currently pastors a church in Alabama, so Christian truth and values naturally influence the stories he tells. The expression varies from book to book. Some stories—such as Wings of Mercy—engage Christian faith more directly. Others explore themes like unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, courage, and acceptance without explicitly explaining their spiritual connection.
The Parents’ Corner on each book page identifies important themes so adults can decide what fits their family. Brock’s goal is not to replace conversations between parents and children, but to help begin them.
How important is reading to children?
Reading matters enormously—but not only because children need to decode words. Shared reading builds vocabulary and imagination, supports language and social-emotional development, and creates a safe place for families to connect and talk about feelings or difficult questions.
The same researchers estimated this difference when a child is read five books a day.
That was the share of U.S. fourth-graders in reading in 2024. NAEP Proficient is not the same as a state’s grade-level standard.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends shared reading beginning at birth because it supports early language, cognitive, and social-emotional development while strengthening caregiver-child relationships. The goal is not to turn every evening into a lesson. It is to make books a regular, joyful part of family life.
What if my kids hate reading?
Saying “my child hates reading” often means “my child has not found reading that feels worth the effort yet.” Screens deliver stimulation quickly; books ask children to slow down and participate. The right book can change the equation.
Brock has shelves of books he never finished and others he has read repeatedly. The difference is connection. Look for stories tied to your child’s hobbies, humor, questions, experiences, favorite animals, sports, or dreams. A graphic novel, visual storybook, joke book, biography, sports story, or audiobook paired with print can all be a doorway.
Also match the challenge to the child. A book that is too easy can feel boring; one that is too difficult can feel like failure. Children develop at different rates, even within the same family. Avoid comparison, keep experimenting, and let them grow into reading in their own way.
What are some tips and tricks for getting kids to read more?
Try introducing a routine and a simple reward system. During the school year, children may have mental fatigue and need a brain break on the weekends. Summer, however, can be a wonderful time to encourage reading in a relaxed and playful way.
- Make a reading chartAdd a sticker for each book your child reads and choose a fun reward for completing an agreed-upon number. Keep the goal reachable so the chart builds confidence instead of pressure.
- Try a 24-book Christmas countdownWrap 24 books—mixing new books with old favorites—and let the children unwrap one on each day of December. Read it together as a family. It creates a warm daily tradition and can make waiting to open presents a little easier, too.
- Use visual storybooksBooks like Go to Bed, Broccoli Head! are designed with fewer words and more room for visual exploration. Look for details together, talk about what may happen next, or let your children tell the story they see in the pictures.
- Leave room for imaginationReading does not always have to mean following every printed word. Inviting children to invent dialogue, describe a scene, or create a different ending can turn a book into a world they help build.
The goal is to make reading feel rewarding, shared, and imaginative—not like one more assignment to complete.
Still curious?
Every good story begins with a question.
If yours is not answered here, send Brock a note—or wander back to the shelf and meet the books.