Reading & Writing

Books that Encourage a Strong Sense of Self

Each young child is unique, with a wide range of interests and abilities. The characters in these stories are a little bit different, but all find ways to stay true to themselves.

Read a Little Poem

Young children enjoy many kinds of poems. And as they listen, they hear rhythms, sounds, and language patterns important for literacy development. Encourage the poet within your child with these poetry books and ideas.

13 Things Babies Learn When We Read with Them

Here are just some of the things your baby can learn as you read together.

Start a Home Library

Ideas to find inexpensive books and surround children with a variety of books to encourage a love of reading. 

Books for Laughing Together

Sharing a joke is a great way to strengthen family ties. These books and activities will have you and your child laughing together in no time.

Magazines for Young Children

Want to foster your child’s love of reading? There’s something special about reading the latest issue of a favorite magazine.

Everyday Steps to Reading and Writing

How can you encourage your child to love reading, writing, and language so much that he begs for a bedtime story or a trip to the library?

Toddlers and Reading: Read and Describe but Don’t Drill

Flash cards emphasize memorization rather than the skills that foster early literacy - complex langauge is what's important.

Books that Stretch Children's Thinking

Young children learn to think in new ways when they imagine, guess, describe, and wonder. Engage your child's curiosity with these books. 

Bond through Reading: An Interview with Mem Fox

An interview with the picture book author about children's books and why reading aloud to children is so important.