The Importance of "By Example"

When was the last time your children caught you reading a good book? When was the last time you read to them? If you want your children to read, you've got to set a good example. If you don't and you rail on them to read more, they will think, "Why should I? You don't!"

We read books out loud together, such as James and the Giant Peach, as a family well into our kids' teen years. Of course, our kids also grew up in our bookstore, instilling in them the love of reading and knowing the business of books. This experience held them in good stead getting them into their colleges and getting them their careers after college. Was it worth it? Oh yeah! My grandchildren think new books are the best presents ever. . .and the beat goes on.