Pediatricians have a privileged opportunity to advise parents and caregivers on the importance of reading for babies and young children, which is a significant stimulus for language development and learning to read in childhood. This is a recommendation that should be part of regular childcare topics. This study sought to assess knowledge and behavior of pediatric residents regarding reading promotion and stimulus during childhood. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out through the application of a questionnaire for pediatric residents in 2019. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Although our results showed there were gaps in medical training during medical school and residency, 59.1% and 68.2%, respectively, all respondents agreed on the importance of encouraging reading in childhood. However, 22.7% stated that they do not feel comfortable in encouraging reading and 50% do not include the topic during consultation. These indicate there is a need to expand the insertion of encouraging reading in childhood as theme during medical undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Extending the duration of pediatrics residency to three years might provide an improved training in primary care and present an opportunity to include the discussion of this topic.