The last six weeks have been a special time in our family. On October 19^th (same day as his father’s birthday) our youngest son and his wife welcomed their first child into the world. This little one is our tenth grandchild, our second grandson and the one who will possibly carry on the name. It’s been six years since we had a new grandchild and are again enjoying  the heady experience of having a newborn in our family. I could go on and on about the wonders and joys of this child, but I certainly don’t want to be that “bragging grandmom.”

For several months now, I’ve been stockpiling books for this little guy. Once again, my interest in early literacy is renewed and once again I’m researching literacy development in the first year of life, selecting “just right” board books, and considering enjoyable ways that I can use literacy to promote a strong bond with this special little lad and promote his literacy development during our times together. Lucky for him, his mother is also a teacher, both of his parents are avid readers and there’s no doubt in my mind that my efforts will simply support the rich environment they will establish for their child.

Since today is December 1^st and most of us are peering at our gift lists trying to come up with unique ideas, I want to offer a suggestion for the youngest ones on our list. For those tiny tots, a magazine subscription is an excellent idea.  In a future post, I’ll discuss the many benefits of reading to a child during the first year of life and a subscription will encourage that practice. There are several excellent publications that are perfect for little ones. With the arrival of each magazine, baby will enjoy a collection of captivating, appropriate literature.

It will be a joy to shop for our youngest member this year and you can be sure that a magazine subscription will be among his gifts. I’ve check out several publications and found that most magazines written for babies include short stories (both fiction and non-fiction), lots of verse, appropriate activities that introduce a concept and bright pictures that capture baby’s attention. Baby Bug, Hello, ChickaDee and Chirp are all written for children in the early months of their first year. You can’t go wrong with the gift of literacy!