You can't go wrong with Curious George

The Library of Congress has enlisted the iconic Curious George to encourage parents to read to their children. Among the resources and suggestions from Curious (or is it better to say Mr. George?) is the following checklist of considerations to use when getting a child to read a book. 



The 3 I’s:

• Interest: When a child wants a book for information and/or enjoyment.
  • Build on their interests, hobbies, favorite activities or a trip you have taken by asking them if they would like a book about one of these topics.
• Integration: Using reading as a connection to other subjects – math, science, art, sports, music and more.
  • Find out what real-world topics your child is interested in and suggest areas of the library or bookstore that have books on that topic. Connect reading to at-home experiences. For example, finding a book on machines would help explain why a toy or clock is not working at home.
• Invention: Creating something that relates to a book.
  • Reading that initiates or inspires creations or inventions motivates many children. For example, a child who has read “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” may want to create porridge that Papa Bear would enjoy. Reading with invention in mind is spontaneous and often occurs after reading is finished. The creativeness involved with this motivation allows children to further their reading interests and “invent” themselves.