Judith Slaughter

When I was a child I couldn’t wait to get to the Library every week to see if there was a new book for just me!  I loved  stories about people, my favorites were crime fighters like The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. When I was old enough to understand complicated concepts, I learned to love Sherlock Holmes.

Today children can watch their electronic instruments and see stories unfold,  but it is so different. Although nobody  loves movies as much as  me, being able to escape into a book and let your imagination run wild is an experience to treasure. Books let us relax and escape, our children need them more than ever.

What child does not like to be read to? They may squirm at first and like my grandson try to take the book away from you, but there is a bond formed in reading to them that they will never forget.

I remember my son wanting me to read “The Runaway Pancake” every night. I understood why he wanted the same book, over and over, it is a comfort and security.  Even though the dreadful fox eats the pancake in the end, it was the adventure of him rolling down the hill trying to get away! I read many stories and when he got older I read a chapter or two of a great book each night so he could absorb and ask questions, and more importantly look forward to the next chapter as he cuddled with me.

Children have everything today, so many electronic devises it is frightening. They don’t have enough of you! Real personal time, reading makes sure they do. By the way, pick up a good book and read yourself. Get lost with a witty, intriguing character, take an adventure for yourself.  Turn off the machine…..and read.