Baby Tips

• Start sharing books early; even newborns benefit from being read to.
• Hold and cuddle your baby when you read—during breast -or bottle- feeding is a perfect time! 
• Let your baby control the book—hold it, turn the pages, even chew on it!
• Babies love looking at pictures of other babies—talking about pictures is reading, too!

Toddler Tips

• Use books to help set routines—naptime, bath time, bedtime. 
• Short and frequent story times are just as valuable as lengthy times.
• Active toddlers don't always like to sit still for stories—that is ok! Read aloud while they are moving around and playing with other things. They are still paying attention!
• Let toddlers choose the books they want to read. 
• Be willing to read the same books over and over again.

Preschool Tips

• Use lots of expression when you read to your children—it helps them get excited about the story.
• Encourage preschoolers to "read" their favorite books to their younger siblings.
• Let your child see others in the family reading. 
• Explore a variety of books, including nonfiction books with lots of pictures to appeal to your preschooler. 
• At the library, allow children to choose their own books.