Exploring the outdoors is a great way to build on your child's understanding of the world around her. Research shows that the greater a child's background knowledge, the greater his comprehension once he is reading. So when you are looking for butterflies, investigating animal tracks, even splashing in the lake together with your child-- you are actually building their reading comprehension skills! Who knew school preparation could be so much fun? And don't forget to check out some of the many engaging Science and Nature books your library has just for young children.

Storytime is a multi-faceted adventure both for readers and audiences. Children's responses to books can range from silent awe to uproarious laughter, but whatever the reaction, we aim to make storytelling a living, breathing experience, rather than a passive one. One of the best ways to involve children in a book is to allow them to tell the story; some of the best books for creative storytelling are wordless books.

Popular wordless authors like Barbara Lehman and Alexandra Day leave the door open for individual interpretation by providing expressive illustrations that guide the reader, but it is up to the reader to fill in the narrative gaps. What does your child notice in the pictures? What is really happening in this scene? Try switching places with your child with these extraordinary tales. Sometimes it's most enjoyable to be on the receiving end of a great story.

Talk together. Sing together. Read together. Write together. Play together. Sounds simple, right? It is, and fun! Our early literacy page explains how these five playful and simple ways help prepare your children to become readers.

Karaoke isn't just for grownups! You and your child will love singing along with classic songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "The Wheels on The Bus" featured on Baby Karaoke. These charming animated videos include words and actions and are fun for toddlers and preschoolers, too. Singing together is a great way to prepare children to become readers. Songs, rhymes and fingerplays slow down language so children can hear the different sounds that make up words.