Years ago, I used to scour the mall in search of the perfect baby gift for young couples. Today, it’s as easy as visiting their website and choosing from the myriad of suggestions. True, this is a time saver, but not quite as satisfying as finding that special gift. Also, if I’m late to the party and fail to check out the site early enough, most of the desirable presents have been snatched up. A few years ago, I found the perfect solution. Reading Magic by Mem Fox and The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon are my top two favorite gifts for young parents. Here’s why…
Whether a couple is expecting their first child or their fifth, all parents need support and solid advice to navigate the tricky path of parenting. Reading Magic is sub-titled Why Reading Aloud to Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. To be sure, this is a powerful claim, but Fox delivers. Mem Fox is a renowned author of over thirty picture books for children and several for adults. This short, readable text offers the perfect incentive for young parents to begin a read-aloud practice and tend to their child’s literacy development right from the start. This book is practical but not preachy. Fox offers palatable suggestions, meaningful anecdotes, humorous drawings and a list of well-loved children’s books that will build confidence and show parents the numerous, positive effects of reading aloud.
About two years ago, I discovered The Enchanted Hour. I’ve read many books about reading aloud, but none more well-research than this one. Gurdon delves into brain science and behavioral research while crafting an easy to understand and enjoyable text. The author supports the research with meaningful stories that show the benefits of reading aloud to children as well as adults. Additionally, the Gurdon shares her personal experience of reading aloud to her own children on a regular basis for many years. Written in 2019, this book addresses the issues of the tech age that lead so many youngsters to isolate and develop short attention spans and other problems. I found The Enchanted Hour to be a riveting read and a convincing explanation of the many lasting perks of reading aloud. Every parent or person who works with kids should check out this book.
If you’re in the market for a baby gift, gift for parents of school-age kids, or a gift for yourself, you can’t go wrong with either (or both) of these books. Each one will be a gift that keeps on gi
Nurturing Literacy 