As pediatricians, we understand the powerful positive effects that pleasure reading can have on a child's intellectual development, character, and outlook. We have seen that early reading of books plays an important role in the development of both spoken and written language skills. In addition, children who are read to from a young age learn to associate books with their parents' love and attention. Through reading, parents and children are brought closer together, both physically and emotionally, as they share in the joys of the imagination that books provide. Reading together also offers busy parents a wonderful means of spending "quality time" with their children.

We hope that you will help establish reading as a lifelong habit for your children and books as a source of lasting entertainment and enjoyment.

Here are some links to sites that offer information about children's books and sell children's books.

LINKS

Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Page

Children's Book Council

The Children's Literature Web Guide

The Caldecott Medal Home Page

Children's Book Central