“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

Two and a half year is a magical age for some hilarious moments. The other night, Mireya was telling a bedtime story to Peppa and George (Yeah…Peppa pig). “R-E-A-D…read. Now I can read farm stories to you Peppa and George. Close your eyes and listen.”, flipping pages of her book. “Once upon a time, there was a donkey, a cat and a duck. They wanted to cross the river so they looked for a bridge. The END”- Mireya. She is a storyteller.

I am passionate about books and I make sure that I read at least one story to my chubby daily. I believe that a love for reading is a stepping stone to becoming a confident and empathetic human. I started reading books to her when she was just four months old and her very first reading (Listening) was “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn (selected paragraphs). As a mother, my only goal is to make her fall in love with books rest will follow on its own. I want her to sail into the world of Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and The  Three musketeers. I want to listen to her interpretations of some of my favorite poems – “The Road not taken” by Robert Frost, “The Tiger” by William Blake and “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth. I want her to cherish plays like Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Macbeth and Merchant of Venice.

Ahhh… Ambitious!

Knowledge can’t be stored in a beaker. Be a regular reader.

Researchers have proved that reading a good novel or stories improves brain connectivity and function. It is one of the best exercises for the brain apart from physical exercise. Novels / Stories allow you to forget your mundane life and transport you to a world created by your mind’s eye. Rarely you will enjoy the movie adaptation of the book. Even the most advanced special effect will not give you that essence the visual power of your own imagination can give. (Always read the book first and, then, watch the movie – You will see the difference!)

Lead Emory researcher Gregory Berns said, “At a minimum, we can say that reading stories—especially those with strong narrative arcs—reconfigures brain networks for at least a few days. It shows how stories can stay with us. This may have profound implications for children and the role of reading in shaping their brains.”-  Huffington Post

Let these quotes serve as a reminder to pick up a book with a large cup of coffee and exercise your reading muscles.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.” ― George R.R. Martin, 

“You’re never alone when you’re reading a book.” ― Susan Wiggs

“Maybe this is why we read, and why in moments of darkness we return to books: to find words for what we already know.” ― Alberto Manguel

“Clearly one must read every good book at least once every ten years.” ― C.S. Lewis

“A house without books is like a room without windows.” – Heinrich Mann

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” – Charles William Eliot

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” – Mark Twain

“I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book. “- Groucho Marx

“If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

http://gph.is/2c6FbNE

“My best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Never judge a book by its movie.” – J.W. Eagan

“Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body. “- Joseph Addison

“So many books, so little time.” – Frank Zappa

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. “- Francis Bacon

“A first book has some of the sweetness of a first love.” – Robert Aris Willmott

How can you make your kid fall in love? Here is a simple infographic I made to illustrate what I do to make chubby love books. Hope you like it.

What are your favorite books of all time and why?  Comment and let me know. Maybe I am missing out a good read.

Happy Reading!

xoxo