What would happen if each adult in America encourage one child to enjoy that lost art, Reading, this spring?  What if we spent a small amount of time, each day, reading with our children, talking about books with the same enthusiasm we talk about movies, sports and hobbies?  There is no better way of encouraging reading than to create special memories with books. Vacations are the perfect time for us to discover new books.

Many children that are struggling with learning how to read, haven't had exposure to interesting reading material, or simply don't have examples of reading for understanding and leisure. They do not understand why we read; that they read to gather information, to understand, to learn and for the pure enjoyment of reading. Vacations are the ideal time for us to give them exposure to why we read.

With a few minutes a day, you can make a difference in a child’s life by promoting reading. Influence a child to pick up a good book – it just may change his or her life. Vacations give you the time and opportunity to make this difference.

There are many ways to connect books with memories. 

• Of course there are wonderful books with cuddly animals to pack in suitcases.
• Look for local bookstores in each new place you visit.
• Check out local libraries in the cities and towns on your trip.
• When you are traveling you and your child can explore books about the area.
• Sharing sports books with your little athlete after you see a game.
• Share your princess and pirate’s favorite books while baking cookies.
• When visiting relatives ask if they have books they want to share with your child.
• Reading a book then sharing the movie that is made from the book.
• You can share your favorite book from your childhood.
• Learn something new with your child through a book.

Spring break is the perfect time to devour a book with your child, and link it to a memory, just for fun, just because you love your child and love to read. Today link Reading with fun! This moment is the perfect time not only to introduce the love of reading to your child but to pick up the habit again, yourself.  You do so much every day; you deserve a small amount of time to enjoy reading yourself!

Happy Reading!-R.R. Cratty

• Match these two books with a special chicken soup dinner. (See slide-show for Homemade Chicken Soup)

Chicken Soup by Jean Van Leuwen, David Gavril

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak