The children were reading all snug in their beds . . .

If the weather outside is frightful, books are so delightful! What better way to spend a wet wintry day than sharing books with your child? Turn off the television, make some hot cocoa and snuggle up with a good book. Introduce your child to one of your favorite books or discover a new favorite together. The San Juan Capistrano Library offers both old classics and great new books for readers of all ages, to read alone or to read aloud.

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Overwhelmed by the choices we offer? Ask our library staff for suggestions – we’re always glad to make recommendations! And sharing books with your child doesn’t have to end when your child learns how to read. Your children love to spend time with you and reading together is a great way to do this. Plus, children’s books help to expand your child’s vocabulary. Studies have shown that parents use only nine “rare” words per thousand in conversation - but there are three times more rare words in children’s books.

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A great resource for parents who are nervous about reading aloud to their children is The Read-Aloud Handbook by noted read-aloud expert Jim Trelease, available at our library. The book gives tips on reading aloud, as well as lists of some of the author’s favorite books. With winter break approaching, the weather growing colder and the sun setting earlier, now is the perfect time to connect with your child through sharing books.