rhyme schemes and story lines that involve basic emotions, like
happiness and anger.
6. OFFER A SELECTION. Pull out several books at a time and
let your child pick one or two to read. He’ll be more excited if he’s
actively involved in the decision.
7. BE PATIENT. Don’t be surprised if your child wants to read the
same book over and over again. Toddlers learn through repetition.
So bear with it, and try to add in a new book between readings
of her current favorite.
8. KEEP IT FUN. To hold your child’s attention, dramatize the
story by raising and lowering your volume, varying the pace, and
creating a unique voice for each character. “Speak slowly, exag-
gerate vowel sounds, and enunciate each word,” says Blakemore.
You can even mix it up by having your spouse read it with you.
9. ASK QUESTIONS. Doing so keeps your child involved in the
story and teaches problem-solving skills. Have your child look for
things that are–and aren’t–mentioned in the text: “Do you see the
sun?” “Where’s the bunny?”
10. LINK WORDS TO THE PICTURES. Reading to your tod-
dler teaches him about the written word. Reinforce this lesson by
pointing to a word as you say it and then pointing to the corre-
sponding illustration. “Help your child understand that what you’re
saying and what he’s seeing go together,” says Hausmann.
11. LET HER TOUCH. Give your child a chance to hold the book,
and show her how to turn the pages. You’ll not only be teaching
her the basic mechanics of reading, but you’ll also be enriching
her mind. “When kids engage in physical activity while reading,
they create more connections in the brain,” says Ucci.
12. COAX A RELUCTANT READER. If your child quickly
loses patience with reading, get creative. Experiment with differ-
ent kinds of books to see what he likes. Does he pick books that
rhyme? Stories about toddlers just like him? If he gets antsy, don’t
force it: Take a break, or try reading to him just before naps or
bedtime, when he’ll be most receptive to sitting and listening. With
a little persistence and ingenuity, you’ll teach him that books are
fun—an attitude that will serve him well now and in the future.
AS THEY GROW 1 year
124 July 2008 Parents
Are You My Mother? by P. D.
Eastman. This sweet story of a baby
bird searching for his mother will
resonate with your toddler.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do
You See? by Bill Martin Jr. Your child
will love flipping pages and guessing
which animal comes next.
Boynton’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1,
by Sandra Boynton. This collection of
four delightfully silly stories features the
author’s signature line drawings and
simple text.
Bus Stops, by Taro Gomi. We like the
basic but eye-catching illustrations and
“can-you-find-it” prompts. Your child
will want to read it over and over.
Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise
Brown. Young children respond to this
bedtime book’s gentle repetition and
detailed illustrations.
10 Great Books for Toddlers
No, David! by David Shannon.
This funny tale of an out-of-control
little boy will draw in even the
most reluctant readers.
Pat the Bunny, by Dorothy
Kunhardt. This hands-on classic
asks kids to touch things (Daddy’s
beard, the bunny’s fur) and to
do things (wave bye-bye, try on
Mommy’s ring).
The Very Hungry Caterpillar,
by Eric Carle. Brightly colored
collages have made this a toddler
favorite for more than 30 years.
Machines At Work, by Byron
Barton. It’s perfect for kids who
like construction—and parents will
dig its clever use of new words.
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill. A fun
and eternally fascinating lift-the-
flap book for little kids.
1
4
5
2
6
7
8
9
10
3
