The Wonderful World of Books

One of the most worthwhile things which you can ever do for your children, is to introduce them to the world of books, for there are no limits to the benefits that they can or will derive. The ability to learn about new subjects and find important information depends on the ability to read.

A book, as you know, is a comparatively inexpensive item, which sits easily in the hand and is packed with information, exciting stories, instructions upon how to do this, that or the other. How to knit, how to paint, how to draw, how to look after your cat or dog, how to catch fish, how to be a gardener, how to mend your bicycle, - I could go on, in fact, everything we ought to know, can be found in books.

Then of course, there is the excitement of stories, either true or fictional, all guaranteed to stimulate the mind and make us ask questions. The word "Why?", is one of the most important ones in our vocabulary, for if we can't get anyone to supply us with the answer, we can find it where? In a book of course!

Books help children develop vital and important language skills, it is a skill compulsory for survival in schools, and in adult life as well. The more children read, the better they become at reading. The more young children are read to, the greater their interest in learning how to read.

This in turn will help develop their spoken language skills enabling them to express themselves verbally.








So, parents, uncles and aunts, inlaws, teach your children to read, if possible, before they even go to school, for once they achieve this skill, a whole new world opens up before them. This new world is full of knowledge and information which will help to shape them into the people you would wish them to become.

The next time I write on this subject, it will be to introduce a children's book which, I think, may be of interest to some of your youngsters and it is my intention to do this from time to time. I hope, also, that you will make time to read to them whenever you can and in this way, get them to appreciate the wonderful world of books.

If you need any information about children's books, pop in and see Amanda at Trumpety Trump, who I'm sure will point you in the right direction. You can find her at 1 Oxford Terrace, Hailsham Road, Heathfield, TN21 8AA.

Or why not go to your local library to find out what reading schemes and/or Storytime sessions they offer? For those living near Heathfield, the local library run Book Crawl for the under fives. This scheme rewards your child with stickers and a range of certificates to collect for borrowing books. Older children (aged between 8 and 12) can join the reading group Chatterbooks, where they explore a different theme each term talking about books. The group meet every third Wednesday during term time from 4pm to 5pm.

Alternatively, the Bookstart Bear Club is a fun and engaging, free membership club for all babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It will open up an exciting world as you and your child explore stories, books and rhymes together. Call into your local library to register and collect your child's free membership pack.