Grades Grow Tutors

Learning starts well before students enter school, as any parent already knows. However, even though most parents take the time to provide homework help to the older children and help toddlers learn their letters, numbers and other things, it’s also important that they help the smallest children get comfortable with the idea reading a book. If you take the time to read to your child, there are many different books out there that can be enjoyable and fun for your little one. Here are a few examples.

“What’s Wrong, Little Pookie?” by Sandra Boynton
This book is a “board book” that is durable and suitable for all ages, including babies. It’s actually a great book for babies, because it can withstand being chewed on, tossed around, and other things. Plus, it has a very cute story about a sad little piggy that is easy for young kids to remember and participate in as they learn the story through multiple readings. The art and story are both great, so this is a good book to read to your baby to get them used to the idea of sitting with you and reading a book together.

“Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw
This is a very popular book that tells a heartwarming story that may even choke you up a bit at the end! The illustrations are vibrant and will hold any child’s attention, and the story itself is one of a parent’s never-ending love for their child, so it’s easily relatable for any parent. This book has parts that will be easy to remember for most toddlers so that after a few readings, they can “read” along from memory, enhancing their experience.

“The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, George Hauman and Doris Hauman
You’ve almost certainly heard of this classic story of determination to overcome obstacles. This great book has bold, colorful illustrations to go along with a story that will resonate with younger kids and older ones alike. The book isn’t one that is difficult to read for beginning readers, and it’s also an appropriate story for those that are still a little young to read, but who like to be read to. Every parent should have this book!

“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
This is yet another classic children’s book and is a personal favorite of mine as well. A winner of the Caldecott Medal, “Where the Wild Things Are” is a book that is adventurous and explores the power of imagination. This theme is great for all young readers, and the illustrations are nothing short of top notch, with a distinctive yet accessible style all their own.

Even if your youngster is too little to understand your words, or read on their own, it’s a great idea to read to them so they get accustomed to the idea of books. This will set them on a path that will spur them on through early reading all the way to English classes in high school and college. Show your kids early on that reading can be fun!