Common Misunderstanding

As I’ve said in the past, I’m a children’s librarian and have been for 4 years (professionally) and have a worked in a library since I was 14, so I’ve actually worked in my career for over 10 years and I’m only 27.  That’s not to say that I’m an expert, I’m not, but I am still surprised by the number of parents who come into the library and do not realize that we offer programs and books for children as soon as they are born.

Books are an essential tool for children of all ages and can be a time for parents and children to bond.  It may not seem like infants and even toddlers are learning anything from the time you spend reading together, they may not even sit still long enough to listen, but believe me, they are learning – about the world around them, about using their imagination, and they are learning that their parents love them because they spend time together.

I could preach on this topic for hours, maybe even days – but it’s an important topic that new and expectant parents should know.  As I’ve suggested previously, if you don’t understand the importance of reading to your children (of all ages), then read Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by, Mem Fox.  Also, visit her website for helpful hints.

If you’re looking for great books to share with your infants, look for board books (they are printed on cardboard pages to make the sturdier for young children).  A few of my favorite authors are: Leslie Patricelli and Sandra Boynton.  They have even printed many of the classics in board book format, such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  And if you’ve exhausted all the books you are familiar with – go to your local library, the children’s librarian is sure to be a  HUGE help in suggesting books for little ones.