A Steady Flow of Books

Natural child responses to life include curiosity, exploration, and discovery.

What is this? What does it do? How does it make me feel? What can I do with it? Is it fun? Is it something I can share?

Let books flow

Perhaps the most basic reason to champion a flow of books and other reading material into children’s hands, ears and eyes is that it helps quench their thirst for information about the world and how it works. It also leads them to anticipate the next enjoyable experience with literature. A steady flow of books establishes reading as a natural and comfortable part of children’s learning lives long before they go to school. 

Books broaden perspectives

We all make sense of the world by using what we know to filter and process life events. The beauty of books is that they offer new possibilities and shine light into the darkness of the not-yet-known. Books magnify knowledge and add new bits of information to our stories, expand our perceptions, help us grasp more ideas, and inspire us to plan new explorations.

Each book that a child consumes adds another thought, idea, speculation, and invitation to reach further, mentally. Reading provides insights and language for broader and deeper thinking, often beyond what’s available to children in their family lives.

Book deserts stunt growth

The lack of books and other informational media in homes, neighborhoods, communities, and beyond—which we refer to as book deserts—limits natural conversations, leaving children trapped with less to question, discuss, and explore. Book deserts, where there is no or a low flow of books, stunt the mental and social growth that empower children in school and for life success.

Research proves that children who read books learn to think more clearly, discuss more specifically, and grow to become contributing citizens. And it all begins with a steady flow of books and the natural conversations those books inspire.