LOOK FOR BOOKS

The main thing is to find books you both love. They will shape your child's first impression of the world of reading.

What to do

1. Ask friends, neighbors, and teachers to share the names of their favorite books.

2. Visit your local public library, and as early as possible, get your child a library card. Ask the librarian for help in selecting books. (Also see the resources section at the end of this book.)


3. Look for award-winning books. Each year their are a number of associations and organizations which select children's books of merit.

4. Check the book review sections of newspapers and magazines for recommended new children's books.

5. As soon as they're old enough, have your children join you in browsing for books and making selections.

6. If you and your child don't enjoy reading a particular book, put it aside and pick up another one.

Keep in mind your child's reading level and listening level are different. When you read easy books, beginning readers will soon be reading along with you. When you read more advanced books, you instill a love of stories, and you build motivation that transforms children into lifelong readers.