Parents' Guide

Raising a Reader

When you and your child snuggle up with a beloved storybook, not only are you forming a close bond with each other, you're enhancing your child's social and emotional development. Moreover, research shows that children who have been read to grow up to be the best and most avid readers.

We've included useful tips on how to introduce your child to a lifelong love of books as well as examples of durable, stimulating titles that will appeal to your toddler.

Suggestions for first books are Wow! Babies! and Baby! Talk!, two new board books from renowned photographer Penny Gentieu, as well as Cassie's Colorful Day and Counting to Tar Beach, two delightful new board books from beloved author Faith Ringgold. Gentieu's lively photographs and Ringgold's exquisite paintings will surely thrill and captivate your child over and over again.

Reading Tips for Parents
Start reading to your child from infancy. It's never too early to begin reading or to give your baby books to explore independently.

Make reading together a comforting daily ritual. Once your child gets into the habit of reading at bedtime, naptime, or bathtime, he or she will come to associate reading with a relaxing part of the daily routine. Five minutes of quiet reading may even ease your child's anxiety about these daily transitions.
Snuggle up in a cozy place-a plump couch or a comfortable rocking chair; soon, your child will think of that spot as a reading place.
Pick books about things that interest your child, whether it's dump trucks or dress-ups. The best books for toddlers include bright and bold artwork that varies from page to page. Repetition and rhymes are always popular with the younger set.
Bring books wherever you go-in the car, to the doctor's office, to a restaurant. Reading can be a soothing distraction at stressful times or a pleasant way to pass the time while sitting in the backseat or waiting in line. Keep some in your diaper bag, in the car, and in your stroller.
Make reading easy. Find a special place for your child's books, within easy reach. Store books in a wicker basket on the floor in any room.
Set a good example. Let your child see you reading for pleasure.
Make time every day for reading with your child.
Tell your child stories, sing songs, and make up your own adventures that feature your child as a character.
Visit our parent-friendly Web site at www.randomhouse.com/kids for more tips as well as age-appropriate books with plenty of kid-appeal.
Start reading to your child from infancy. It's never too early to begin reading or to give your baby books to explore independently. For a list of suitable titles, visit our Step Into Reading program: five steps sure to educate, enlighten, delight, and foster a love of reading forever.

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