March is National Reading Month and it serves as a good reminder for families to read some new books, re-visit old ones or to step up their story-time game with their children.
Since Chloé was a baby I have made sure to incorporate reading into our everyday routine. We don’t just save it for bedtime, we’ll read in the morning, afternoon or in the bathtub! I’ve bought a couple of waterproof Elmo books that she loves, so sometimes we’ll read them there. The downside of that is, she doesn’t understand what’s waterproof and what’s not!
I enjoy reading time with her, and can’t imagine it ever stopping. Although I know, for many parents it’s difficult to set aside the time. In fact, new research reveals that a quarter of parents out-source story-time with their children to someone else and less than a third read to their little ones daily. Half of the 2000 parents quizzed said they were too tired or busy to read to their children, and that work came first.
The ‘Munch Time’ survey links the economic stress that families are experiencing to the decline of story-time.
I have to remain optimistic that even though times are tough, reading to your children should not be something that stops. It’s a great activity to not only learn, but to bond and just enjoy some downtime. And of course it serves as a great activity that doesn’t involve electronics.
The library is a great resource and offers many books for kids to enjoy.
Here are some of the books Chloé repeatedly grabs off her shelf to read:
The Noisy Noisy Farm
Overview
Wherever can Rooster be? None of the animals has heard his cock-a-doodle-doo, and they’ve slept late. Now they’re all worked up! One by one they call to him Meow! Quack! BAAAAA! Moo! but when they find Rooster, they have a Big Surprise! Children will love pressing the pages to hear the animal noises in this fun farmyard story.
Where Is Baby’s Puppy?: A Lift-the-Flap Book
Overview
Children will love lifting the large, sturdy flaps in this delightful board book, infused with Karen Katz’s signature vibrant, patterned style. Readers will encounter a turtle, a goldfish, a kitten, and more as they search for Baby’s adorable puppy—who is revealed on the final spread. The first of Karen Katz’s books to feature pets, Where Is Baby’s Puppy? is sure to become a classic!
Alphabet Mystery (this book is way beyond her years, but Chloé is learning her letters so she likes to pick out the ones she recognizes. Cute story, though!)
Overview
Little x has left, upset he’s hardly used, and the other letters set out to find him. They find x playing the castle xylophone for the mysterious Master, capital M, who threatens to turn them into alphabet soup! Some quick thinking by Little x saves the day, and soon they are all on their way home–just in time to make Mom’s birthday surprise: a cake with Little x all over. He’s the only one who stands for kisses!
