[Sirtel]

I think it's inborn, like most other preferences and likes. I'm a passionate reader since early childhood (in fact, I don't remember a time when I didn't read), but neither of my parents were, and while my sister has read for pleasure occasionally, she has never been an avid reader. Her daughters aren't either. And we all (me, my sister and my nieces) grew up in a home with lots of books.

As to parents reading with their children, I'm not sure it has anything to do with it. I don't remember my parents reading with me, but as I could read when I was 3 years old, there was no particular need for them to do so. I loved to read and read all the time, whatever I could get my hands on. I read grown-up books before I was ten. Children's books too, of course. I don't recall ever needing or wanting an adult's help with reading. My parents didn't try to limit my reading material in any way and for that I'm grateful.

OTOH, my nieces were read with many times when they were little, but they still didn't become readers. They're smart and educated, particularly my older niece. They just aren't interested in reading, and never have been.