Encouraging A Love Of Reading At An Early Age

During Parent Cafe on November 6, we invited librarians from across Skagit County to share their favorite books and tips for encouraging a love of reading at an early age. The libraries have a ton of cool stuff right now as they adapt to remote services due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Check out these titles recommended by your favorite librarians:

Dinosaur Bob by William Joyce

My First Peek-A-Boo Animals by Eric Carle

All the titles by Sandra Boynton

Look, Look Again by Agnese Baruzzi

Let’s Go For A Drive by Mo Willems

Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems

The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

BONUS: Check out this cool podcast, Story Pirates, where kids submit their original stories.

Now that you have a great list of books to check out from the library - here are some tips to inspire reading:

1. Make reading fun! Use voices, be enthusiastic when reading, and read books that you enjoy - your enjoyment will rub off on your kids.

2. You don't have to read books - try audio books or make up your own stories.

3. Talk to your child and sing songs - this exposes your child to new words and rhyme.

4. Read books that connect your child to their culture.

Here are a list of resources for fun literacy activities that the local libraries are doing:

Anacortes Library: online storytimes and other activities

Burlington Library: Take and Make kits, online activities, and more

Central Skagit: Reading tips, online storytimes, and other activities

Upper Skagit: Storytimes and Finger Puppet Friday

Mount Vernon Library: Storytimes and more!