According to the United States Department of Education, children who come from a “literacy-rich” home environment (where children have regular access to books and are read to frequently) demonstrate higher reading skills and knowledge than their peers, regardless of income level. Children who are read to tend to do better in school, and more educated individuals tend to be happier as adults. High literacy rates benefit our society, strengthen our communities, and improve self-esteem on an individual level.
In addition, when parents read to their children, it becomes a time for them to bond. Feelings of security and love are often developed during this special time. Story time can be very calming, and is a great way to keep kids busy and out of trouble! Read on for some great books that kids and parents will enjoy sharing with each other.
Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems and Drawings of Shel Silverstein
This collection of poems and unique drawings by Shel Silverstein will captivate everyone, from a toddler to grandpa. The whimsical prose will leave everyone laughing, while many issues confronting children are discussed in a way that gives kids confidence and courage. Here is a small excerpt from the book:Instructions
If you should ever choose
To bathe an armadillo,
Use one bar of soap
And a whole lot of hope
And seventy-two pads of Brillo. Good Night Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
Good Night Moon is an excellent story by Margaret Wise Brown to read a preschooler before bed. It is soothing and comforting, and the illustrations will fascinate children (try to find the little mouse as he appears in different spots of the room). This is the best pick for a bedtime story. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, by Dr. Seuss
The Grinch's story is usually told during the holidays, but kids will be fond of hearing it all year long. The grumpy Grinch is still a family favorite, even after all these years (the book was published in 1957). Kids love the rhyming storyline about the bitter old Grinch and the cute little Whos, in addition to many other stories by the famous Dr. Seuss.All By Myself (Little Critter Book) by Mercer Mayer
The Little Critter series began in 1975 with the book Just For You. Since then, author Mercer Mayer has written over 200 books featuring a cute little critter and his family. The book All By Myself is a wonderful story that will motivate children to try things on their own, and helps them to understand that learning involves little mistakes here and there, but we don't let those mistakes bring us down. Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
The silly and colorful illustrations will make this book any child's favorite. P.D. Eastman uses his zany dogs to reinforce concepts like opposites and colors. P.D. Eastman has also written many other excellent books, including: Are You My Mother?, Sam and the Firefly, Snow, and My Nest Is Best.
