My great, great niece, Nora, turned one on March 7th. Like many young couples, her parents, Emma and Joe, prepared to be the best parents ever. That included a commitment to read to Nora every day and when we were together, I touted the benefits of a regular read-aloud practice. Emma and Joe have fulltime jobs, but they have sustained a regular read-aloud practice and at one year old, Nora is reaping the rewards.

During Nora’s first year, Emma often posted beautiful pictures of Nora “interacting” or “reading” her books. In conversation, she repeatedly told me that books were Nora’s favorite “toy” and she looked forward to not only hearing them read aloud, but holding them and even chewing them. Needless to say, in addition to lots of love and nourishing food for her growing body, Nora has received an abundance of educational and emotional nourishment by being immersed in books.

Perhaps you have a new baby, toddler or even pre-schooler in your life. May I strongly suggest that NOW is the time to begin regular read-alouds. You’ll never regret it. Today, I’d like to suggest you begin by reading rhyming picture books. Here are just a few of the many perks of reading rhyming books to little ones…

Benefits of Rhyming Picture Books

Illustrations & Interactive Features, Large Text, Brevity

Clearly, picture books appeal to almost everyone. Usually, the illustrations are the first thing that piques a child’s interest. Who can resist the bright colors or soft, watercolor illustrations of many bedtime stories? The sturdy construction of board books for very young children is a bonus. Kids can hold and hug them, drop them and play with ones that are interactive. Of course, as a child grows, you’ll want to teach them that “books are our friends” and we must treat the ones with paper pages gently.

Large text is another bonus. Kids and parents can easily view the text layout, which allows children to discover the concept of words and sentences.

Brevity is a bonus. Most people, especially parents are speeding through busy days. However, the brevity of a picture book for a younger child can become a short, positive interlude for both children and parents.

2. Rhythm & Rhyme

Rhyming picture books have a musical quality, which not only appeals to little ones, but often has a rhythm that moves the story along, enhancing the pleasure of both reader and listener. These factors encourage participation, allowing the child to join in the reading by supplying a word or repetitious phrase. Over time, they help a child to see themselves as a “reader” increasing the many positive feelings associated with storytime.

3. Familiaritiy

As an adult, you many cringe when your child begs for the same book to be read repeatedly. Take heart! This is a good thing. Books can become like old friends, interesting, soothing and always welcome. As you continue to introduce new books, your child will develop personal preferences. Additionally, with a little prompting from you, he will begin to recognize words and phrases, which will give a boost of confidence as he realizes,“I can read.” Many picture books have become popular series. What a wonderful thing it is for a child to delight in receiving a new book from a favorite series.

When you read to your child, you are planting the seeds for him or her to become a lifelong reader. That, in my opinion, is a precious gift to bestow. Hopefully, this post encourages you to continue reading aloud to your child, or increase your commitment to regular read-alouds.