As a child I discovered the world of books. As soon as I could read, I borrowed books from the school library. When all of my chores were done at home, I would take that book and a big, red delicious apple and lie on my bed reading. Each Christmas I always asked Grandma to buy me a Nancy Drew book. She loved to read as well and usually obliged.
When I read, I got so caught up in the book that I would find myself inside it, virtually living the story as it progressed. Even today, I read many books. For a while I can escape the every day cares of the world and live within the covers of a good book. Many years ago, I realized that not all people could do this. I also learned, to my horror, that not everyone loved to read. While Dad was a reader, Mom was not. I could not understand anyone not wanting to travel to far away lands or experience a wilderness trail in the Old West. I have traveled the world over, rescued hurt animals, fought bad guys and even panned for gold and traveled back in time between the covers of a book. When my first grandchild was born, I vowed he would learn to love books and that he too would be able to escape to other worlds within the covers of a book.
Reading to young children promotes language acquisition and helps literacy development. Later, it will give more reading comprehension and success in school. Each year more parents are coming to recognize the importance of reading to their very young children. I started reading to my grandsons when they were five months old. I gave them board books as well as those made from plastic and cloth. These books are durable and children learn to entertain themselves with this type of book.
Before my oldest grandson was a year old, he could make the sounds of a cow and an owl. He had a favorite book and he learned these sounds from it. Really, this book had been written for older children, but from the first time he heard it, he loved it. I would strongly recommend Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You by Dr. Seuss for any child. The older ones love the smooth, flowing words while the little ones like the sounds. At age five, Yertle The Turtle by Dr Seuss is a favorite.
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