Singing helps children hear that words are made up of smaller parts. This is an important skill for learning to read later on. You can build on your child's daily experiences by singing songs about them. Make up songs or rhymes with your child based on what they're doing, using familiar tunes. For example, in the car you could sing "Baby Jack is riding, Baby Jack is riding, to the store, to the store..." to the tune of Frere Jacques. Here's a great list of rhyme books to get you started. You'll find your child joining in with her own creations soon enough!

For decades, American libraries have been educating, entertaining and inspiring their communities with a range of services that continues to expand. But perhaps the most beloved of ongoing library programs is storytime for children. From classics like Blueberries for Sal to more recent favorites like Fancy Nancy, librarians have a knack for choosing great books that spark a lifelong love of reading through traditional narrative, music and movement.

But unlike years ago, storytime now reaches out to children of all ages, including babies and toddlers, because it's never too early to introduce your child to the magic of language. Have you checked out storytime at your local library? Visit our Birth to Six page to find more detailed descriptions of each type of storytime and schedules for libraries around the County.

It's never too early to help children start developing a love of books and reading. Read to Me videos show how easy and fun it can be for parents and caregivers to share books with babies and young children. Take a look at our Favorites for Babies and Favorites for Toddlers book lists to discover books that promote reading as a positive experience and encourage young children to want more.

Looking for something different to read with your children? Be sure to take a look at our New Picture Books list. You will be amazed by the variety of creative, fun, quirky, and sweet books that are available.