I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't love books. So it seems only natural that I would want that love to be part of my children and my grandchildrens' life. While lots of sites give basic information and reviews of books, I, selfishly, wanted to share what I felt were the best books for Nanas, Papa, Grandma, Grandpas, Mimis, Paw-Paws, Grans and Grandads to read to their babies, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens.
Sometimes we have the luxury of actually having our grandchildren in the same town, even in the same house. But many of us are long distance grandparenting and that means sharing reading time is tough, so I'd like to talk about that in this blog as well.
In addition, I'd love it if people would share their favorite books for children and in so doing we can all find new favorites and revisit old friends.
Today's recommendation is more about a practical approach to reading than an actual title. If you have grandbabies that visit on a regular basis, make sure that you have books easy to access where you most often congregate as a family. We have a huge basket by our fireplace in our family room which is open to our kitchen. The kids know that there are books in the basket and usually head there first thing. If you have a shelf, keep them on a lower one where they can reach them easily, or just get a small basket to place them in. If you place them so that kids can see the fronts and leaf through them, it makes it much more user friendly and easier to pick up when reading time is finished.
I try to keep a few favorites along with new titles for them to look at, as well as having a selection of board books for the littlest readers to munch on or read as the spirit moves them. A darling friend has a collection of grandma books for holidays and seasons that she will put out when she has her first grandbaby. (She has been collecting for awhile, so that will be one lucky baby!!!!)
The other suggestion is to keep a tote bay with books either in your car, or somewhere its easy to grab as you head out the door. If you are waiting in a restaurant or at a doctor's appointment you have entertainment handy! (Of course Dr.'s offices are a good place to pick up some great new book ideas, but sometimes old favorites are a comfort in a strange place!)
We will place a bookmark here...see you soon!
Nana Leslie
