Discover how you can help preschoolers develop early literacy skills by watching Toddling Toward Reading online. You can view the entire 30 minute episode of this public television program or just the highlights that interest you. The episode is hosted by Reba McEntire and includes an interview with popular children's book author Sandra Boynton.

When children play make-believe, they are actually building their pre-reading skills. The ability to symbolize, to know that the word "princess" on a page connotes a certain image of royal girly fabulousness, is an important concept they will need to understand before they can learn to read. When they are three and pretend to be a different creature every hour, they are studying this very thing. When they take a stick and turn it into a magic fairy wand, or a warrior's sword, the power of symbolic thought is hard at work in your preschooler. So you can feel like you're preparing your children well when you bring home these books for your superheroes and princesses at home. Just be prepared-- they may ask you to be the dragon once in a while.

Sometimes the gap between a toddler and a kindergartener can seem wider than the Grand Canyon! At different stages of development, even at a matter of months, children show varied interests and skillsets when it comes to reading. But there are some wonderful books that can help bridge the gap and speak to all members of the family at different levels.
Check out our list of Family Read-Alouds for titles sure to please everyone, from classics like The House on Pooh Corner to new treats like The Amazing Trail of Seymour Snail.

In honor of their twentieth anniversary, children's book publisher Candlewick Press presents a We Believe in Picture Books video celebration. Each day their site will feature a new video from Candlewick authors, illustrators, and staff. Highlights include interviews with My Friend Bear author Jez Alborough and Megan McDonald, author of Judy Moody. Don't miss this chance to learn more about some of your favorite picture books.

Talking with your child is one of the best ways to help develop language and other early literacy skills. Conversations help a child express thoughts, learn what words mean, and gain new information about the world. Of course talking about books is a great way to start a conversation, especially if you choose books about dinosaurs or anything your child is interested in. Chances to chat during the day also include while doing household chores, in the car, at the store, waiting in a line, during bath time, during meals, or out on a walk. Listen to what your child says, answer questions, add new information, and listen some more!