Publisher’s Note About the Printed Word As a former teacher and the daughter of a librarian, I’m more than a little biased about the importance of reading and books. It’s impossible to have a successful school experience and become a functioning adult without a good foundation in reading. That’s my opinion, but study after study backs me up. Children whose parents read to them just 20 to 30 minutes a day are more successful in school. In their careers, those skills help them communicate with their co-workers and supervisors, or with the employees they supervise. That’s why Atlanta Parent’s staff researches and recommends some of the best children’s books every November. We want parents to know about the new books their children will want to read, and read again. But it really doesn’t matter so much what they read, as long as they read. I was a big Nancy Drew series fan, though from my father’s perspective, those mysteries were junk reading. From my perspective, any story that captures a child’s imagination and makes him want to read on is a story worth reading. My grandson Elliot loves to read, and I am happy as I watch him page through a book or enjoy storytime at the library. Granddaughter Eleanor likes books, too, though right now, they’re soft books or board books just perfect for putting in her mouth. In a few months, though, I know she will follow her big brother’s example. As many of our regular readers know, I’m no big fan of e-readers. I think children get too much screen time as it is and I believe an e-reader is just a different experience from a book. Elliot will someday use an e-reader, but for now he’s learning the pleasure of holding a book, and discovering what’s on the next page. And judging from the quantity of books that arrive at Atlanta Parent offices every year, future generations also will have that opportunity – printed books will be around for a long time. Now, find a special book and turn the pages with your child.
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8 Atlanta Parent November 2013
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