When you read to your baby, you should keep it interesting and try to read books that you seem to like, while you read, follow your finger or your baby’s finger to engage your baby. It’s fine when they’re ready to move on, we all learn best in short sessions and once they’re thinking of something else it’s counterproductive to try to keep them there, just take a break, let them play and come back to it later. Choose books that seem to interest your child or let her choose the book she wants to read, this will help keep it fun and keep her more interested in story time.

A great place to start is with the baby-friendly images and textures of the Melissa & Doug or Rosalina baby books, these soft-touch baby books are ideal for babies and toddlers alike. They have soft, pliable fabric pages with pictures and color pictures to help your child learn shapes, colors, animals, and vehicles. They also have a great selection of other topics in this category, such as religion, clothing, counting, and the alphabet, many of these books are even machine washable.

Once you’re ready to venture out with The Step Into Reading series, your child will have endless fun opportunities to educate and develop their growing mind. The series is divided into five categories:

STEP 1: READY TO READ Preschool-Kindergarten Big Prints and Easy Words Rhyme and Rhythm Illustrated Clues For children who know the alphabet and are eager to start reading.

STEP 2: READING WITH THE ASSISTANCE Preschool-Grade 1 Basic Vocabulary Short Sentences Simple Stories For children who recognize familiar words and pronounce new words with help.

STEP 3: READ ON YOUR OWN Grades 1-3 Longer sentences Engaging characters Easy-to-follow plots For children who are ready to read on their own.

STEP 4: READING PARAGRAPHS

Grades 2-3 More challenging vocabulary Short paragraphs Exciting stories For new independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.

STEP 5: READY FOR THE CHAPTERS

Grades 2-4 Chapters Long Paragraphs Full Color Art For kids who want to dive into chapter books, but still like colorful images. For more advanced reading, try the popular Magic Tree House series. With three categories to choose from, you’ll always have a new and interesting book to read.

Merlin Quests – This series is full of magical tales.

magic tree house – Great stories of history, mystery and adventure.

research guides – Packed with beautiful images and interesting information about animals, space and earth.

Remember to start reading to your child from infancy. It’s never too early to snuggle up with your baby and start reading, it’s soothing to hear her voice and you’re forming a close bond. When you read to your child, you enhance emotional and social development, giving your child a good foundation on which to build his or her education.