Desire is not something children are born with. It is a seed planted early in the child. The adult plants this seed by reading to the child and introducing the child to the joy and excitement that comes from books.
Children learn through imitation.
They imitate the adults in their environment. Between the ages of two and five, this imitation is at its greatest. If children see adults reading, they will come to view reading as something good and desirable. Begin reading to the child as soon as possible. Use large picture books and Mother Goose rhymes for infants and toddlers.