I’ve always maintained that reading is one of the best things you can do with and for your child. I started when my son was an infant but I could have (and should have) started when I was pregnant with him. That is how strongly I feel about it’s importance and effect on children. You’ve heard people say that the goal is 20 minutes and I believe that is entirely feasible. But we don’t look at the clock at home. We read throughout the day. A few books here, a few books there…and we always end the night with a book. My son knows to expect reading time before nap and at bedtime. It’s come to be part of his routine and he looks forward to it. He’s even been known to push his bedtime by asking for more books (and how can you refuse a toddler who is asking for more books?).
One of my favorite purveyors of children’s books is Scholastic. The company offers more than just a “children’s bookshop.” The company is an invaluable resource for parents, educators, librarians, and children. And they just so happen to publish one of the only magazines I make time to read (Parent and Child Magazine). Do you want to know which books are best for your child at his or her particular age? What about how to help your child with his/her homework? Those are just a sampling of topics you’ll find on Scholastic’s website.
We recently had the opportunity to preview a few holiday books, courtesy of the company. Just in time for the holidays is a “magical” book entitled The Christmas Magic. My son already knows most of the book (he likes the part when Santa says “Hie…Let’s be off!”). The story follows Santa as he prepares to bring gifts to all the children. We see reindeer and read about things my son has never been exposed to (like parsnips and sleighs). The book is illustrated beautifully, and while I think that it’s probably designed for the preschool-type, my son really enjoys it (so much that we have to read it at least once a day). The book has a very different feel from most children’s books and I like the vocabulary used.
We also previewed Toys, an adorable board book that actually be used as a puzzle and flash cards. The book was written for children ages 1-3, but my son is probably a bit too old for the actual “book” part. He enjoys when I read it to him but he much prefers taking out the flash cards and creating the puzzle (which I still help him with). Overall, I think it is a book that can be started at a younger age and will grow with the child. Children will love the vibrant colors and removable cards.
There are a myriad of books available on the site for gift giving. Here are a few recommendations (all descriptions below from the site):
My Little Polar Bear: A winter wonderland awaits a young polar bear cub that emerges from its den for the first time. As the cub sets out on a dramatic arctic journey, it worries whether it has the skills to survive. But a parent’s abiding presence and simple, reassuring words instill confidence and love. In the tradition of such classics as THE RUNAWAY BUNNY and MAMA DO YOU LOVE ME?, this graceful, soothing tale speaks to the powerful bond between parent and child, and to the many stages of a child’s growing independence, from first steps to first school experience and even to leaving home.
The Snow Day: A young rabbit wakes up to wonderful news: A snow day! School is canceled, and the day that follows is rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow. And yet there is longing too, as the young rabbit and his mother wait for news of his father, grounded on a plane in a faraway city…. The news that his father will be home tomorrow gives the book a peaceful, comforting, and perfect ending.
My First Taggies Book: Jingle Bells: Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jingle all the way! Read this popular Christmas song with your little one while they tug at the ever-popular Taggies tags, rattle a jingle bell sewn into the front cover of the book, and gaze at the sweet, soft illustrations.
Give a gift that will last a lifetime…give a child the gift of reading this season
For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files
Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.
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