As a young child, I remember my grandmother sitting with me on the floor and reading to me from an old book of nursery rhymes and finger plays. She would read them to me and with me and we would do the finger plays that matched the words. I loved this time with her.
Unfortunately, reading was not a priority, nor was it encouraged by my parents growing up. I don't remember being read to often. I remember having a set of the Little Women books and a Charlotte's Web book. I think I read them, but I can't say that for certain.
When I became a parent, it was important to me to read to my boys each day. Our early favorites were Good Night Moon and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. We eventually grew into longer books such as Koala Lou and The Kissing Hand and then chapter books.
My favorite was Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. Little Nut Brown Hare is trying to show his mom just how much he loves her by doing things such as extending his arms or describing a distance like to the moon. But Big Nut Brown Hare always has bigger arms and will say to the moon AND back in response to Little Nut Brown Hare. It's a sweet story that illustrates the depth of love a mother has for her child and just how immeasurable that love can be. I hope my boys will remember this book when they have their own children.
It is great that you are continuing to build your love of children's books with your own family as your children grow, and sharing that love with your kids. This is also an important reminder that not all kids love books so easily, we as teachers have to help them find that path!
ReplyDelete