Read me a story

 Read to me riddles and read to me rhymes, read to me stories of magical times.

Read to me tales about castles and kings,

Read to me stories of fabulous things.

Read to me pirates, and read to me knights, read to me dragons and dragon back flights.

Read to me spaceships and cowboys and then when you are finished...

please read t hem again.

-Jane Yolen

I have been reminiscing about my book store. I spent 10 years reading, reviewing, packing and unpacking for book fairs and collecting children's books...I loved every minute of it. I certainly have my favorite picture books (a whole blog in itself) and I enjoyed reading juvenille novels so I could suggest reading material for the 7-14 year olds. . . but my favorite part of the "hobby" was- reading to my children.  I have the gamet of readers in my family tree- the absolutely can't get enough, flashlight under the covers reader, and the child that was "forced" into it.  But never once in those 10 years did I regret the time and space in the attic that I put into books. 

A good book not only entertains children but also expands their world. - anon.

Here are a few ways to encourage your children to build good reading habits:

*Read aloud regularly- Bedtime is the most popular time, but breakfast time is just as good. Don't stop reading aloud when children can read for themselves. Even teens enjoy hearing a story read aloud once in a while.

*Get your child his own library card and take them to the library regularly.

*Encourage your children to read to you. Comic strips, weather forecasts or recipes...they will love it. Scan the newspaper for stories that might interest your child. 

*Get a subscription in your child's name to a magazine specifically written for children.

*Model reading. When parents are seen reading for information and enjoyment, children are more likely to enjoy reading as well.

I will post a list of ideas for magazines for children and a book list of great Spring favorites in my next edition of Alyson's Attic.   Until then-- what are your favorite picture books, novels and memories of reading?  Let me know.

Alyson