AS a parent, it is important that you inspire your children to read from as early as possible. This will form the basis for developing educational skills that will enhance your child's future. Although most children do not begin to read until about five or six years old, parents are encouraged to start reading to them from as early as birth.

Dr Seuss is a popular choice in children's books

Here are some tips for introducing your child to reading:
1. Have your child's room filled with books from as early as birth. This will make your child less intimidated by books and come to believe that they are a natural part of life.

2. Allow your children to see you read so that they might be compelled to follow your example.

3. Read to your child aloud and discuss the books you read with them.

4. Provide your child with a library card so that he/she might have more access to books.

Here are some more useful tips from the US-based Children's Book Council on selecting children's books.

Babies and toddlers

* Very young children are attracted by brightly coloured pictures of simple objects.

* They are listeners, and respond well to books with simple text and good rhythm.

* Wordless books stimulate them both visually and mentally, and encourage them to create their own stories.

Pre-school

* Mother Goose, nursery stories, and other books depicting familiar objects and experiences are enjoyable to children in this age group.

* They are also co-ordinated enough to have constructive fun with toy-like books that may pop up, move, or provide other astonishments
The list of children books on the market is endless, thereby equipping parents with the necessary tools to contribute to their child's academic future. The stories are also very enticing and presents the perfect opportunity for you to bond with your child.

Some popular children's books include:

Dr Seuss Books: There are over 40 children's books published by Dr Seuss who is one of the most popular children's authors of all time. These include Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat. His books are very popular as a result of his abilty to use rhymes and introduce imaginative characters in his readings. His story lines are often very comical and unique making it easier for your child to enjoy reading time. His books also inspires in children a love for colour and common household items which are most times illustrated.

Lady Bird: These books are inexpensive and can be purchased from most bookshops in Jamaica. Some of the most popular books in this series include Angelina Ballerina which speaks about a feisty mouse who is determined to go after her dream. There is also Peppa Pig and Topsy and Tim whose adventures take them to various places. These books usually consist of simple yet creative storylines, which will remain imprinted in your child's mind, especially if they are between the ages of one to six. The books also comprise of songs, shapes, sounds and rhymes to promote language and listening skills.

Carlong Publishers: This group also publishes books for children from infancy to pre-school. One of their most popular children book is Fun with Phonics which teaches children how to form and identify letters.These books are mostly geared towards children between the ages of 3-6 yrs who are better able to decode words. It teaches children how to recognise vowels and consonants so that they might be better able to form these words. It also consists of a variety of activities for children and parents such as colouring, drawing, riddles, poems and crossword puzzles.

The Golden Book Series: Some of the books published by this group includes The Poky Little Puppy, The Little Red Hen and I'm a Truck. The characters in these books are usually unique and colourful and will therefore keep children entertained while at the same time educating children about things around them. They also help to create that atmosphere where parents can be very dramatic.

The Form Beneath The Stone - Nagina's Three-Week Body

New MiPhone hits MoBay…

Diverse styles and offerings at 'Musicfest'