Read For Joy!

by Claudia Quigg

An easy-to-read manual for parents of children of all ages featuring illustrations by Tomie dePaola, developed for use in Family Literacy.
($12.00 each or bulk discounts available)

Illustrations from various works by Tomie dePaola used by permission of Penguin Putnam. Cover illustration from Tomie dePaola's FAVORITE NURSERY TALES copyright 1986 Katie Gross--Book Selection Sharon Jankowicz--graphic design & calligraphy

Printed by Wood Printing.

Reading together with your child is COZY. When you share a book, you enjoy being close. It is a time to give each other your undivided attention. This time says, "You are special to me! " Even after a bad day, reading together restores peace and love in the home.

Reading helps children learn about language. They learn new words and what they mean. Children hear words in books that they don't hear in conversation. The colorful pictures in children's books give meaning to the words.

Reading to children helps prepare them for school success. Hearing books read aloud helps children learn to listen! As they follow along, they learn that the "marks" on the pages have meaning. This gives them the background they need to learn to read! As you read for longer times, you help to increase their attention span. Being able to pay attention in school will help them succeed.

Reading to your children will give them new experiences. Your child can learn about a farm before he ever visits one! Pictures of cows, pigs and cornstalks can teach him what a farm is like. He can "travel" to the moon or the bottom of the ocean through books.

Books can prepare a child for her first visit to the dentist or her first day of school. Through books, children can learn about people who are different from the people they know. Reading about the unfamiliar can make it less scary. Books can expand your child's understanding of the whole world!