I'd actually give this a 3.5 but if you had young children you might like it even more. It is Nash's observations about what works to get your children to become readers. Along the way, she gives a lot of specific tips and names of books and authors your children might enjoy. ( )

I'd actually give this a 3.5 but if you had young children you might like it even more. It is Nash's observations about what works to get your children to become readers. Along the way, she gives a lot of specific tips and names of books and authors your children might enjoy. ( )

This short little book was a real gem. I've struggled for seven years to help my oldest son learn to love reading as much as I do. He just doesn't have much interest - even as a baby, when I would open a book to read to him, he would slam it closed. When at school he was allowed to check out books, he invariably picked out Superhero books, with text too complicated and too small. I hated reading these books to him. But his teacher advised me that they don't try to direct kids to certain books and even books like this would help foster a love of books. I didn't believe her and rarely did I read them to him, despite him looking at the drawings for hours. Jennie Nash, author of this book, made a similar mistake and eventually had a moment that showed her the error. This book helped me to see the mistake I have made in giving up on ever turning him into a reader.

It has also renewed in me my desire to help him become a reader like me, his father, and his brother. This morning, while I snuggled on the bed reading with his brother, despite the allure of computer games, he kept sneaking over to hear the story and comment on it. It made me feel that maybe I was wrong after all. In addition to some great advice, there are several pages at the back of the book of recommended reading, both aloud and quiet, for children of all ages.

I highly recommend that any parent who is struggling to create their own reader, and even if they aren't struggling, pick this book up. It will renew your dreams of reading side by side with your child and also share some great ideas on ways to help foster a love of books. ( )

Teaching a child to read, and getting that child to like reading, can be one of the most frustrating, and heartwarming, jobs for any parent. This book looks at one family’s journey through such a process.

One of a parent’s biggest wishes for their child is that they find something about which they are passionate, something on which they can build a life. For the parent, there is a fine line between passion and obsession, a line that is easy to cross.

It’s hard to instill a love of books if the children don’t have access to them. Regularly bring them to the local library, and let them take out a lot of books. If Child 2 doesn’t progress in reading at the same rate as did Child 1, don’t panic. Everyone progresses at their own speed.

Another way to instill a love of books is to set aside a reading period during the day. While the child reads a book, the parent should sit and read an adult book. The child will probably enter a phase in which they are interested in what the parent considers the children’s literature equivalent of trash. Again, don’t panic; they’ll grow out of it.

Have faith in your child, especially if they are progressing too "slowly." Encouragement that the pieces will eventually fall into place is better than pushing. Realize that your children are individuals with different styles of reading.

Also included is a long list of reading suggestions for children of all ages. This book is a gem. It’s very down to earth, and any parent can identify with it. For those parents worried that their child isn’t reading "fast enough," take a deep breath, then read this book. It’s time very well spent. ( )