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May 6, 2003 Reading to my son is one of the most precious moments in my day. I look forward to it and find myself completely drawn into the stories. There are some incredibly talented childrens authors out there that write incredibly exciting books! Since the day I brought my sweetcheeks home, I have always read to him. We dont read as long now that he is ten, he also prefers to read alone so we divide up our usual half hour into fifteen minutes I read to him and then he reads for fifteen before going to bed. I must say we have dragged that time out every now and then when we are really into a great story and cant possibly sleep without finding out what happens next. At his school he receives Arrow and Scholastic Book orders and I take advantage of them whole- heartedly. Usually I order us up about five to seven books and eagerly wait for them to come in. There are all kinds of wonderful series out there now that we collect. I enjoy reading The Magic Treehouse series, Secrets of Droon series, Harry Potter, Narnia collection, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Jigsaw Jones for starters. There are also a slew of fantastic single books out there and most of them I prefer to read over the adult ones out there. I have always taught my son to use his imagination and never let that go. I enjoy the text and conversations of the younger characters in his books because they are much more thought provoking. Just when I think I know the direction a story is going, boom it changes on me, something you can only get away with in fantasy or childrens reading. It never ceases to amaze me how many new stories and ideas people come up with. After reading so many books for myself I quickly find the formula and pretty much know what is coming next. My favorite authors dont even surprise me and Im not always sure why I still buy them except to say it is a quick and easy pick at the bookstore when I recognize their names. It is simply a time I treasure. My son is a great reader and I am thrilled to have been the one who has always pushed him to take reading seriously. Without it you are in a world of hurt! My mother always read to me and I still thank her often for it, a gift that doesnt require anything but time. It is a gift that we are giving one another, each and every single night. Especially when he isnt feeling well, I know it means a lot to have me sit next to him, bundle him up, wrap my arm around him, and read. Often times I read him stories I myself have written, ones that are specially written for him as well as the ones I place in magazines and anthologies. Many of my stories that are for children are a direct dissent from something he said or did. He is one of my greatest sources of inspiration and a big reason why I still write. When Ive had a hectic day, dealt with rejections, missed a deadline, or have writers block, I know that I can get myself back on track with sharing time reading. Sometimes I hear other people say it just isnt feasible for them to read to or with their kids, but personally I cant see how I dont have the time. I make time no matter what. On the few occasions I have been away from home, my mother or trusted friend has stayed with my son and read to him but we make sure to read together at another point of the day or longer the next, because it is special and very important to us. I find it is a time to unwind, relax, and just enjoy. Nothing else really seems to take that place. As each year goes by I realize my time to do this with him gets shorter and I will miss these moments terribly. I also know he will do the same with his kids someday, and that thought always brings a smile to my face. Reading together I believe enforces the fact that I value our time and that there is little else that could ever be worth the same. Even if you only have fifteen minutes in your day, it is special and your kids will thank you for it, maybe not now but someday, you just watch. ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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