Monday, December 8, 2008

Kids and Reading

I'm an honorary auntie to six kids, ages nine months to seven years. On Thanksgiving Weekend, Mom and I got to spend some time with three of these delightful little people.

When we were at one house for dinner, nine-month-old baby girl dug one of her many books out of a wicker basket. She turned each page, perusing the animals. Her attention span was amazing for a baby.

The next day, My friend was babysitting two of her grandchildren. The three-year-old grandson has a play area in the back bedroom. I walked back there and found him "reading" a book, complete with a miniature flashlight. He gave me a big grin, and announced, "I reading."

These encounters inspired me to check out the children's section of my local Christian bookstore. Wow! I wish they'd had such fabulous offerings back when I was a youngster. Christian books for kids were few and far between.

I came out of the store with a book for each child. After seeing the wonder on their little faces, I have hope for the publishing industry even in tough economic times.

8 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

That's so sweet how you bought them a book. I'm always amazed when I see my toddlers "reading". I love it though.

Sarah said...

I'm a grown-up, but I've been known to curl up with a good children's book from time to time. I also like to peruse the toy aisle at Wal-Mart. Maybe that means I should have a few? Kids, I mean. Lol.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jessica -

I believe that encouraging a love for learning begins early. Kids are excited about any skill grown-ups enjoy.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

I know exactly what you mean. Shopping for the kiddies' books made me yearn to read them all.

They had Golden Books on display. My heart went pitter-patter when I spotted an old favorite, "Nurse Nancy."

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rita Gerlach said...

That is so sweet. My children are young adults now. But when they were little, I read to them every night. We took trips to the library and would come home with an armload. My boys loved the Bill Pete books.

I've kept all their books, hoping to have grandchildren one day to pass them on to.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi InSpire -

All of my childhood books were either given away or got lost in several moves. I can still remember many of them.

It's great you were able to save your boys' books.

Blessings,
Susan :)

quietspirit said...

I saved the books out of the Cherrio boxes this fall. I gave them to a little boy at church. He's five and was developmentally delayed when his adoptive parents got him. He had a couple of lines in our Christmas play. He was cute in the part.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

Books can have a great impact on children and their development. Even those with learning disabilities benefit when they're exposed to stories, and especially to the Word of God.

Blessings,
Susan :)