Part Three: Reading to Your Child

The child who is exposed naturally, as part of a happy home life, to the work of good writers, is fortunate indeed. - Frank Eyre

The lives of some of today's children are as busy as their parents, so finding the time to enjoy a good book together can be a challenge. When you read to your child will depend on your schedule: some parents prefer running errands in the morning and reading in the afternoon, while others prefer the reverse; working parents will likely read to their children in the evening or when time permits. The good news is that the when really isn't important; just read!

Here are some tips to help you and your child get the most out of your reading experience.

Before you begin reading a story to your child, allow her time to get ready to hear it. Let her settle down and get comfortable. Some children like to cuddle while listening to a story; others prefer to lie on the floor and draw or play quietly. Because the illustrations are a vital part of any picture book, your child should be close enough to see the pictures.

Begin by introducing the book. Show your child the cover and tell her what the book is about-not the entire story, just a brief, general comment on the setting, main character(s), or problem. If you've previously read a similar book or other books written or illustrated by the author or illustrator, mention this before you begin reading.

Encourage your child to become involved in the reading experience. Many books repeat certain words or phrases which your child will enjoy saying when you come to them. Children may also enjoy adding actions when appropriate.

Some picture books may contain words, phrases, or concepts that are unfamiliar to your child. If my children ask a question pertaining to a book while I'm reading it, I'll always answer the question as best I can. However, to avoid disrupting the flow of a story, I try not to interrupt myself while reading aloud. If I think my children won't understand something, I explain it beforehand or afer I've finished reading. Sometimes explanations are unnecessary; the meanings of words or phrases you think your child won't understand are clear from the context in which the words or phrases are used.

Talking together about the book you've just read will enrich your child's experience with the book. If you want to ask her a few questions, keep in mind that the questions you ask should help your child relive important episodes of a story and encourage her to compare the events and characters with those in her own life. In Children and Books (Addison-Wesley, 1997), Zena Sutherland writes, "Questions beginning with why, what, and which usually lead to a more open discussion than the sorts of questions beginning with when and where."

Some children and adults prefer not to discuss a book formally at all; they would rather let the words and illustrations speak for themselves. I usually favor this approach with my children. I sometimes ask them to retell a story, ask them what their favourite part of a story was, or talk about the book with them later, when we're playing, walking, or driving together. And often situations occur or questions come up that naturally lead our conversation to some aspect of a book we've read.

Try to avoid trite questions and comments about the story. Picture books aren't necessarily written to teach, and most don't require an adult's interpretation. Children should be allowed to reason through stories and draw their own conclusions. Richard Jackson points out in his article "Alone in the Crowd: Breaking the Isolation of Childhood" (School Library Journal, November 1995) that "Half the fun of art-book, poem, painting, play, or song-is inference. Children may be shortchanged of that fun too often by the adult urge to explain, document, hit home, and send signals. As a publisher, I'm more for illumination that instruction. What we infer, we make our own. The most satisfying books leave some possibilities up to readers and lookers."

Continue reading aloud to your children even after they can read on their own. Some of the best times I share with my older children are when we're immersed in a reading adventure together. Although they're excellent readers and love to read on their own, they still enjoy and benefit from hearing good books read aloud. I believe that reading aloud is an invaluable, irreplaceable family activity that is often overlooked and undervalued in our hurried world, and I encourage you to keep doing it as long as you like.

Hold to high standards when choosing books for your children and continue doing so long after they're reading independently. Too often I hear parents say, "I don't care what they read, as long as they're reading." Don't forget that although we can't remember everything we read, what we read changes us. It feeds our minds and nourishes our souls. Good books help us grow and add to our inner stature. As Gladys Hunt so eloquently writes in "Honey for a Child's Heart" (Zondervan, 1989): "A young child, a fresh uncluttered mind, a world before him-to what treasures will you lead him? With what will you furnish his spirit?"

Next: Author's picks: 10 Favorite Picture Books