by alyce

Created on: May 28, 2008

Books open new ideas, thoughts, and vocabulary to a child at any age. When a parent first reads to their child they are babies and it begins a love affair with books and knowledge. At that tender age, the child is more interested in the comfort of their parent, the soothing voice as they go to sleep, rather than the actual story being read to them. At such a young age, they do not realize they are beginning their education at home.

As that child grows, they grow more of an appreciation for the story itself. Books by Dr. Seuss, for example, provide the child with a story they are able to learn from, stories they can read, learn, and then apply to their own lives. In the process, they are also given creative illustrations that coincide with the story, thus introducing their minds to an increased artistic insight all while reading a story. Then there are the fantasy type stories, such as the books by C.S. Lewis. Such books provide a child the inspiration to express their creative side. Then there are the religious based books geared toward children. For instance, there are versions of the Bible for children; perhaps it would be called "Children's First Bible". It is the Bible as it is written, but fully illustrated and with smaller words for children to comprehend. Such books do two things. First, it allows the child to familiarize themselves with their families chosen religion, while beginning to learn the vocabulary necessary to eventually read the actual religious book. Secondly, it introduces the child to the important people in the book, such as Noah, Moses, and Jesus. Adding the full illustrations to such stories, allows the child to make a connection between the story and the people it is referring to.

As that child continues to grow, their knowledge increases by the books they continue to read, thus making them a positive contribution to society when they finally progress from childhood to adulthood. Once these children are now adults, such individuals are introduced to a variety of books on dieting, religion, politics, and an assortment of other books that adults read. When these individuals, now adults, begin to purchase their own books, they can thank their parents, grandparents or whoever it was that first introduced them to books; it is because of them they now have a love for books as adults.

Books offer a window of opportunity to all children regardless of race, origin, or financial background. To those children who continue to learn and grow with books instead of violent video games or carousing on the streets, a wide array of opportunities are available to those who take the initiative.

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