I grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. Being read to from a very young age created some of my earliest and most meaningful memories, as well as a life-long love of books and reading. My local library was very important to me, like my own personal garden of wonder and imagination! I was delighted to continue this practice while raising my own four children: I so loved reading bedtime stories to them every night, and at an early age I introduced them to the library. They also developed a love of books, and have carried this along as they are beginning adulthood. I'm proud to see them still keeping a bookshelf with their own collection of books.
During my childhood, I was blessed to hear so many wonderful stories that were popular at the time. As my children grew, I reclaimed some of these classic books, while always making new discoveries as we perused the shelves together at the library.
While I loved the reading just for the beauty of the stories and the close together time, it was a happy side-effect that my children were also lauded for their knowledge and intelligence by their teachers. Come to think of it, I had earned those same praises from my teachers as a youngster.
So now that my children are grown, I want to continue to share this gift of reading and continue to help bring to life the beautiful tales and teachings that these stories have to offer.
I remember the ritual of the bedtime story to be a calming, satisfying way to fall asleep when I was little. I can think of nothing better than to do my part to help as many children as I can also enjoy this wonderful experience! Sweet dreams!