Even though daily life can be hectic at times, it’s critical to spend time reading with your child as often as possible. Taking the time to read with your children on a regular basis, at least once a day if possible, can instill in them the joy of reading from their earliest age.
At a few months of age, an infant can look at pictures, listen to your voice, and point to objects on a page. As your child grows and learns to read by themselves, it’s still important to read together. Reading aloud with your child stimulates their imagination and helps them develop language and listening skills, as well as prepares them to understand written words.
Your local library can be a great resource for finding a variety of books for all ages that your child will enjoy. Below are some choices that provide a starting point in keeping your child learning and growing this summer.
Newborns
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown This simple picture book shows a small bunny getting ready for bed. It first lists the items in his nursery and then says goodnight to each in turn. A true classic, this spare bedtime story with its captivating visuals is a great way to close out the day with your child.
One Year
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle It takes an awful lot of food to satisfy one hungry caterpillar. This favorite will entice your child with its compelling story and beautiful, collage-style illustrations. For added fun, watch together as the author reads the book aloud. Then create a craft you will be sure to put in your child’s memory box.
Two Years
No, David! by David Shannon Mischievous little David gets into all kinds of trouble in the course of a day, from tracking in mud to knocking over the fishbowl, but no matter how bad things get, David knows that his mom still loves him. This story and its vivid illustrations offer an opportunity for bonding with your child, and its easy-to understand themes can translate to your own child’s experiences at home when they have to be told “no”.
Three Years
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen This tale is about the fantastic journey of a family going on a hunt for a bear. On each page the family has to overcome different obstacles they come across in order to continue their hunt. As the family encounters each obstacle, encourage your child to imagine themselves on the hunt and think about what they would do in those situations. Better yet, create your own “teddy bear” hunt at home with your child’s favorite stuffed animal.
Four Years
The Little Red Hen by Lucinda McQueen A classic story of the hen who has no one to help her grow, harvest, and mill the wheat, but several who want to eat the fruit of her labors, it offers lessons on compassion, empathy, and helping others. Afterward, print some fun coloring pages to keep your child entertained and engaged.
Five Years
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin Cow’s can type? Who knew? Farmer Brown thinks it’s odd when he hears typing sounds coming from the barn, but his troubles really begin when his cows start leaving him notes. First they demand better working conditions, then they stage a strike. It turns out they have a lot of things they need to discuss with him. This story will keep your child laughing and learning.
Are you familiar with any of these books? What do you think of our choices? Can you suggest other books for our summer reading list? Please share your thoughts with us.
