Monday, February 28, 2011

A Resource You Should Know About

I wanted to let you know about a resource that I have recently learned about. It is called SlimyBookworm.com.

It was started by Bola Ajumobi who is the mother of two boys under the age of five. Bola has a background in health care, and grew up surrounded by books. She has remained passionate about books and literacy. This site is the prefect blend of her passions for literacy and entrepreneurship.

Slimy Bookworm.com is loaded with wonderful books, including many classics, for children of all ages. It also includes many resources for parents who might be dealing with a particular issue or problem that is related to child rearing.

Currently 20% of the profits go into funding literacy programs for the underserved. SlimyBookworm.com has an upcoming collaboration with the Center of Civic Engagement at Washington State University to provide books for children in the rural communities of Whitman County, Washington State. So you can feel good about shopping through this site.

Please visit this colorful site (http://www.SlimyBookworm.com) and peruse the wide range of titles. See the icon on the right side of my blog, under the About Me section. If you order books, be sure to type in the code MADFORREADING in the voucher box when you check out. By using that code, you will enjoy a 15% discount on your purchases.

Happy shopping!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Share the Love

You probably knew about and maybe even observed Valentine's Day, that romantic February holiday. But did you know that February is also Library Lovers' Month? If you haven't visited your local public library lately, this is a wonderful time to do so. It is a perfect destination when the weather has kept you housebound. I know sometimes we forget what valuable resources our libraries offer–books, CDs, audio books, DVDs, readings, movie screenings, classes, and more. And if your library has a children's librarian, you are even more fortunate. He or she can help pick out appropriate books for your preschooler and tell you about programs that your child might enjoy. Rediscover the library in February!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Snowbound?

Are you snowbound or perhaps just getting weary of too much indoor time with your preschooler? This could be a good time to do some housekeeping. Do some rearranging and organization to set up a comfortable reading corner with big comfy pillows. Straighten out the contents of bookshelves. Let your preschooler help you organize his books, whether by topic, size, or even color. Going through odd piles of books may even reveal some old and forgotten favorites.

What I think . . .

There are all kinds of readers. Some—like my daughter and me—are never without a book to read for pleasure. Others—like my son—are careful, analytical, and curious readers who read primarily to seek information from the page.


No matter what kind of reader your child becomes, you can help him or her get started. After all, you are your child’s first teacher. And, best of all, you can have some fun in the process.


Please feel free to share your own ideas. Tell me about ways you've enjoyed reading with your child.


Madeline Boskey, Ph.D.