Mala Kumar There’s something magical about sitting down to read a book to a child, even a one-year-old. However humdrum the book, however simple the story, something in it catches the eye of the child and she makes it known to you by gurgling aloud, or jabbing a finger on the page or squealing or, if old enough to talk, telling you something about it.
As you read and re-read a book, the child makes it her own by interpreting it the way she wants. Of course, you play along and repeat the story the way your child likes it, smiling to yourself and wondering how the author did not think of the story that way! As one reads to children, you become aware that they are learning with ease the art of creating an imaginary world as well as the skill of understanding the difference between the real and make-believe worlds. Isn’t that beautiful?
Not all children like books. And that is totally normal. Not all parents like to read to their children, and many parents dislike books. That is normal too. But to have books around the child is important. A casual glance at a picture, a swift shuffling of pages, even a tentative bite of a book has the potential to introduce the child to the magical world of books. Within the pages of children’s books are so many emotions, so many inspirations, so many challenges and so many joys waiting to be discovered!
During trying times, I’ve found that giving in to a child’s request and dropping everything on your plate to be by her side, reading a book together, is an instant balm, an immediate de-stressing, and a fantastic way to bond with the child. During this festive month, do consider gifting books to those who cannot afford them!
