'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Saturday 9 April 2022

Guest Post: Carol Smith on Reading to Children

>Many of us can remember being read to or reading simple picture books ourselves when we were little ones. My mother taught me to read.

Mom would read to me when I was too young to do it independently. As I got older and my reading improved, Mom would indulge me with Little GoldenBooks storybooks. I loved them and still do. They're in their 75th year of publishing.

When I entered school the first day, I was familiar with many simple words, thanks to my Mom. At the time, I didn't realize the value of the wonderful skill she taught me. But, of course, I do now, and I'm forever grateful to her.

Reading to our children helps improve their reading. Plus, when a child sees mom and dad enjoying books, they associate positivity with the act of reading which will serve them well throughout their lives in academics and everyday living. 

I wish more parents would invest the time to foster the love of reading in their children. It's so important.



I want to instill the love of reading in the young ones too. That's why I also write children's books. My second book in children's literature is My Cat. Kitties do amazing things with their human pals in My CatTerri Kelleher's whimsical illustrations bring the book to life 

We need to inspire our children to see that reading opens many new worlds. 

Carol is married and a cat mom who lives near Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A. She's written a number of books, from poetry to children's literature. My Cat is her second children's book. Carol tutors reading for adult learners and loves science and music. Since she learned to read, books have been her steadfast companions.