A Little TLC

Teach your preschooler to care for her books and treat them with respect. Model how to take care of books by closing them properly--not open and face-down. Show your child how easy it is to mark your place with a bookmark, and how to carefully turn a page. That being said . . . many well-loved books will show signs of wear. If your child has tugged too enthusiastically at a pop-up tab or ripped a page in the act of turning it to find out what happens on the next page, don't worry. Mend the book and move on. That’s why clear tape was invented. In years to come, when you and your child revisit her favorite childhood books, the mended pages will be a sweet reminder of time spent reading together.

Spring Cleaning

As you drive or walk by yard, garage, or sidewalk sales, be on the lookout for tables of children’s books. Many people empty their shelves of toys and books as their children outgrow them. Buying secondhand books can be an inexpensive way to build your child’s library. On the flip side, if you have books that your children have outgrown or you want to pass along, give them to friends, libraries, hospitals, schools, day care centers, and so on. Share those books!

It’s Children’s Book Week

The Children’s Book Council (CBC) is celebrating Children's Book Week May 10 to 16. The CBC is a nonprofit organization. It is the only trade association devoted exclusively to the publishers of books for children. The CBC partners with other literacy organizations and sponsors many events to encourage children and teens to read. Check out the CBC site for some lists of books and other resources to help you find wonderful books for your children. (http://www.cbcbooks.org.) And while you are at it, why not make every week the best week to read to your children?

Talking Titles

Right after finishing a book, ask your preschooler why he thinks the author chose that particular name for the book. You might ask, “Do you think Corduroy is a good name for this book? Why or why not?” Have your child try to explain his opinion. You can ask questions to help him think about the reasons. For example, you could say, “Lisa is the girl in the book. Why do you think the author didn’t name this book Lisa?” Then ask your preschooler, “Can you think of another title that would be good for this book?” Have some fun together, coming up with some alternative titles.