Christmas is the perfect time to encourage a love of books and reading. A book (or books) under the Christmas tree is a tradition in my family. However, last Christmas my younger son ,now 21, said not to get him the latest book in his favourite series as he was going to download it and read it on his computer. After reading it in e-format, he did admit that he did miss holding a paperbound print book. There are lots of fun Christmas picturebooks this year; A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel and Home for Christmas by Jan Brett are just a couple. I’m sure e-readers will also be a popular gift this year in many families. Either format, print or electronic, it’s still very important to read. With two weeks’ holiday from school, it’s a perfect time for families to make time for reading.
If you give a child a book, he’s going to want to read it.
And as he reads, he’s going to think about what he’s reading.
And as he thinks, he’s going to recall what he
already knows and similar experiences he’s had.
And as he thinks about those experiences,
he’s going to want to write.
And as he writes, he’s going to want to talk to his friends
and share his thoughts and ideas with them.
And as he talks with others, he’s going to want
to learn and discover more.
So, chances are he’ll find another book to read.
And then another,
And another.
And as he reads more books,
he’ll discover books that make him
smile, laugh, cry, angry, curious, frustrated, contented,
thoughtful and happy.
And then, as time passes,
he’ll become a lifelong reader
-Pamela J. Farris,inspired by the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie