Very Early Reading

Book Buzz is a blog produced in collaboration with neighborhood librarians from Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library and the Bellaire Library.

We spent last Saturday at the Houston Zoo, participating in the Early Learning Festival with other area groups who support early literacy in the community. It was great fun to spend time on the Curiosity Cruiser with our reading superheroes, Owlbotron and Northtale, and talking to children and families about reading and what they like to read.

Reading to babies is not only essential to develop their love of reading, shared book reading is essential to the development of their brains. Studies show that during reading time babies are learning about listening and stories and language and concepts. They are also feeling soothed and comforted by the sound of a parent’s voice. Just 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference!

At the Harris County Public Library booth, we took a favorite read-aloud – The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – and used it to play games with circuits and observe some real insects under a microscope. Anyone can use this same idea at home to share the story of a book and use it to explore the world around you.

Here are a few recommendations for books to share with very young children:

• Peek-a-Who by Nina Laden
• Baby Faces by Kate Merritt
• Welcome: a Mo Willems guide for new arrivals by Mo Willems (this might be more for parents!)
• Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
• Besos for Baby by Jen Arena and Blanca Gomez
• Leo Can Swim by Anna McQuinn
• Goodnight, Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (of course!)

Visit your local public library for more recommendations and don’t forget to check their schedule for free storytimes and learning activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

For more on the Curiosity Cruiser, see Words on Wheels: Curiosity Cruiser gives gift of reading by Deborah Lynn Blumberg.