Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Reading to kids ...


I've been reading to my kids since they were babies. I think that tradition was passed down pretty early, if you look at this picture. Nichelle is on the left, and she couldn't have been more than 3, if that. Nicole was born in 1991, so that's probably when this was taken. It's hard to believe my girls are adults now -- really hard to believe. But as you see in this picture, reading has always been a huge thing for them. Out of my 4 kids, I taught 3 of them how to read. That's a pretty wild feeling for me. I've always encouraged my kids to read in different ways, whether it be by going to a bookstore, visiting the library, doing Pizza Hut's Book-It program, or keeping reading charts for school. I've even offered books as prizes for the kids when they've kept up with certain chores. I can't stress enough how important reading is for children. That's what I love about picture books so much -- they get kids to pick up a book at an early age. I hope by writing A New Job for Dilly and my other books that I can encourage children to pick up books when they're young and develop good, lifelong reading habits.

Today's tour stop is over at Mama Sharon Says, a blog by my good friend from Southern California. I met Sharon through The Wiggles message board and then we got to meet in person by going to concerts with our children. I was sad to leave such a good friend behind when I moved because I was just starting to get to know her better. Thank goodness for the Internet because we can keep in touch. Please check out Sharon's blog for her stop on the tour for A New Job for Dilly. She's given me a fat head with all her wonderful compliments, but that's one of the reasons I love her so much. Sharon and her husband, Dave also run a home business called Hey, That's Gourmet! You definitely want to check that out because they offer some really yummy stuff. I need to try that dark chocolate espresso bar!

Please visit Sharon's blog today on Day 4 of our tour for A New Job for Dilly. She mentions the Reading Is Fundamental program, which is an awesome way for children to get involved in reading. If you haven't checked out the other stops yet, there's still time for that too. Sherrie featured an interview of me, Beth discussed Dilly's favorite food, and Elysabeth talked about finding a perfect job just like Dilly did. Please stop by them all, if you haven't done so already. If you reply to at least FOUR different stops, I'll put your name into a drawing for a chance to win an autographed copy of A New Job for Dilly. Thank you, Sharon, for hosting me today. Please tell Jonathan I'm so happy he's enjoying the book and I'm honored he took it and read it to his class at school. When I was a kid, my stomach turned just at the thought of having to read aloud, so I'm very impressed Jonathan got up and read it to his classmates. That says a lot about his love of reading!

10 comments:

  1. I haven't had a chance to check them all out, but I will definitely try to today. It sounds like it is really going great!

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just came from Sharon's blog...how great that her son read the book to his class!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Adrienne -- Yeah, I was floored when she told me Jonathan took the book to school with him. How sweet!

    Sharon works full-time, so I really appreciate her taking the time to participate in my Dilly tour. Check out her website, if you can. Some of those treats look amazing! I'm hoping to try a few of them soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Rena, Yes I agree strongly of the importance that Our Kids learn to read in Early childhood, also thanks for stop by and leave a comment , I love your blog is so cozy and fun to read I follow yours.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loved sitting down with Son and helping him read and I will always remember the first time he read to me without needing any help...I was so proud...

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'll check it out! I really wish my kids would read more.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Super-cute picture. I love it. And you've made life-long learners. That's something to be proud of.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Adorable picture Rena. Happily my kids love books as well and we are always having a 'book break. (We will be in the middle of something else - block building, snack time etc and one kid will go off and come back with a book so we all pile onto each other and read.)

    I am also enyoying your blog tour!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your love of reading is wonderful. If I hadn't developed a love for books so young, I never would have become a writer. I suspect you feel the same way...

    ReplyDelete
  10. AWWWWWW! I just made it over here. I'm slow at work right now so I thought I'd catch up on some blogging.

    Thank you Rena for the kind words and the mention about my biz! It's very much appreciated.

    I was so sad when you moved but Montana sounds so lovely. I must get out there one day.

    The book blog tour seems to be going great. I'm cruising it this morning. Dilly Rocks!

    ReplyDelete