by Suzanne Bertrand

Created on: January 21, 2010

Books open the door to the heart and soul of a child. Books inspire, delight, fulfill, reward, and take the young reader to another dimension. Providing a variety of books to a child will be a gift that lasts a lifetime. Books are always true to the reader. The impact of the story won't leave the reader's memory after making an impression. Books affect children and impact the process of growing and changing. Young readers will step into a whole new world that awaits them.

*Literary learning

Books provide children with an opportunity to learn. Once children start to read independently they can research any subject that interests them. They are given the gift of knowledge through reading. For children that enjoy fiction books, they are also learning as they read. While reading their fiction based stories, they are learning facts that are interwoven into the characters. As children develop a love for reading, it introduces life long learning.

*Excites enthusiasm

Babies learn the excited anticipation that comes from opening a book. After children learn to read, they will find themselves delving into the next book as quickly as possible. Some books can be enjoyed multiple times as they turn into old favorites. As kids read through the text, they become more enthusiastic about reading. Reluctant readers are sometimes unable to find the books that spark their interest level. Books that enliven the senses will send your child away excited about reading.

*Inspires imagination

While reading, a child learns that an active imagination can be engaged through printed words. Visualizing the story while reading is a skill that kids learn when they become proficient readers. This imagination makes the whole story come alive.

*Elicits encouragement

Books offer encouragement to kids. The company that books provide will always be present. Books can offer an escape for readers who need to be uplifted. Characters enter the reader’s soul and help to expand their interests. Reading offers room for personal growth and change.

*Instills interaction

Reading can be brought to a variety of settings including kid based book clubs, reading groups, and story time. Being read to, learning to read and reading out loud are all part of growing up. Cozying up to a favorite book with mom or dad is an experience that all children should have. Books can make difficult conversations easier. A book can shed light on a subject in a more relaxed way and bring about important conversations.

There are endless books that are favorites among children. The Magic Tree House, Berenstain Bears, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Little Women, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Captain Underpants, Fancy Nancy, Junie B. Jones, and Harry Potter are favorites from year to year. These books bring humor, inspiration and the gift of reading to children.

The library is waiting to awaken readers to a new destination. Reading helps to center children by bringing quietness and harmony to their lives. It provides friendship and coping for children in difficult situations. Books are trusted old friends and companions. Books allow children to learn from the characters. What fills the book shelf today will likely make an impact on tomorrow. Bringing books into the lives of children will give the gift of imagination and a life long love for learning.

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