Fostering a Love of Books with Young Children

This was post was created in partnership with Scholastic. All opinions are my own.

It seems so long ago that I was a first time mom. Currently I have three rascals that are constantly wrestling, fighting, yelling and eating. I call them my personal army. Three little boys ready to defend their ol’ ma at a moments notice. But eleven years ago I was a new mom. Everything was new and exciting. My first son was just a baby and his entire life was before him with me as his guide. Like any new parent I was scared at this impending responsibility, but nonetheless I had clear visions of how I wanted to raise my child.

Part of my vision included spending lots of timing reading to my son. I love books and I knew I wanted to impart this feeling on him as well. An unread book is a world full of possibilities to me. There is so much to learn and understand about the world and one of the best ways to expand knowledge is through a variety of books.

Of course there were lots of other reasons why I wanted my babies to enjoy books too. Reading is the perfect way to spend quality, cozy time with your children. They can ask questions and interact with you. I also knew I was setting my boys up for success at school by reading to them from the very start. To put it quite simply I just started reading to my first son and I kept reading. Everyday. I loved it. And it was clear {even though he was little} that he loved it too.

And when my second son was born I didn’t skip a beat. I just kept right on reading. Balancing a new born baby and a toddler can be tricky work, but reading was a quiet way I could connect with both of my children at the same time. I have such fond memories of this time with my boys. I recall many days were I would spend an hour straight reading, book after book. I just might have all the Berenstain Bears books memorized, just sayin’.

In what seems like the blink of an eye, I now have three young boys. My little newborn baby that made me a first time mom is a 5th grader with a Lexile score between 933-1090 . I don’t spend limitless time reading to my kids anymore, instead they read to themselves or in sweet moments to each other.

My boys have a passion for books. I have a hard time keeping our living room bookshelf circulating with enough new material for their eager eyes. I’m a weekly attendee of the local library and I also love stocking up on books at our local Scholastic book fair. My younger boys recently discovered If You’re a Robot and You Know It. With lots of interactive enhancements this book is perfect for curious toddlers or even elementary children, as in the case of my fellas.

If You’re A Robot And You Know It

by David A. Carter (lyrics by Musical Robot)

Perfect for ages 3-5

About the Book

It’s the classic version of If You’re Happy and You Know It as you’ve never seen (or heard!) it before. Sing along to the free downloadable song by the dynamic Musical Robot team, then turn the pages as David Carter’s clever pop-ups show the robot characters going through all of the call-out movements, from clapping hands to shooting laser beams out of your eyes!

Scholastic has started a new initiative dedicated to encouraging parents to start reading to their children from birth. Aptly titled “The Story Starts Here” this program is about helping parents find books that are perfect for little hands. Scholastic wants parents to just start reading….to babies…from the time they are born. Since this is exactly what I did with my little guys I’m a huge fan of this campaign.

Here is the official scoop-

The Story Starts Here {Scholastic Books for ages 0-7} picture book campaign grew out of Scholastic’s desire to introduce its rich list of picture books and board books to new parents and caregivers, as well as educators and librarians. By doing so the hope is that we will ignite a love of reading for children that starts on day ONE. With a diverse and unique roster of characters and stories, art styles and formats, Scholastic has a book for every child.

Check out the site for new and existing books, interior images and “buy now” links, book news and events, downloadable activities and assets and author and illustrator bio’s, Q&As and fun facts about Scholastic talent.

Other new books from Scholastic you’ll want to check out-

Friendshape

by Amy Krause Rosenthal (illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld)

Perfect for ages 3-5

About the Book

The bestselling creators of EXCLAMATION MARK! introduce a triangle, circle, square, and rectangle who celebrate the gift of friendship.

Friends shape who we are. They make us laugh. They fill us with fun. They stand by us during life’s up and downs. And even when we disagree with our friends, if they’re tried-and-true, they don’t stay bent out of shape for long. That’s the beauty of a good buddy. This joyous book rejoices in the simple beauties of friendship, and reminds readers of all ages that it’s good to have a group of pals.

Zen Socks

by Jon J Muth

Perfect for ages 4-8

About the Book

Leo and Molly love their new neighborhood. Best of all is their friend Stillwater, a giant panda who lives across the way! And the three friends are quite a team! Stillwater teaches Molly about patience. Leo teaches Stillwater about sharing. And Molly shows how one act of kindness can make a world of difference.

Where’s Walrus? And Penguin?

by Stephen Savage

Perfect for ages 3-5

About the Book

In this sequel to the acclaimed WHERE’S WALRUS?, author Stephen Savage doubles the fun when Walrus escapes the zoo with his mischievous pal, Penguin. Will the zookeeper find them? Or will these clever runaways stay one step ahead disguised as subway riders, baseball players, and even grand opera performers? Hiding in plain sight, they elude the clueless zookeeper until a fly ball at a baseball game leads Walrus and Penguin to a chance encounter with surprising results! A unique wordless picture book that encourages children to make up their own stories again and again.

Peek-a-boo Farm

by Joyce Wan

Perfect for ages 0-3

About the Book

From the adorable world of Joyce Wan comes a sweet animal board book filled with large lift-the-flaps! Join in on the classic game of peek-a-boo with a rooster, a cow, and more farm animals by lifting the flaps to reveal each cute creature’s joyful face. A perfect board book read aloud with a simple interactive component babies and toddlers will love.

One lucky Mama Report reader will win a The Story Starts Here prize pack!

One (1) winner will receive a collection of Scholastic picture books, including:

Peek-a-boo Farm by Joyce Wan
If You’re A Robot And You Know It by David A. Carter (lyrics by Musical Robot)
Where’s Walrus? And Penguin? by Stephen Savage
Zen Socks by Jon J Muth
Friendshape by Amy Krause Rosenthal (illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld)