About

Welcome to my blog about books and reading for kids.

To me, one of the best things about becoming a mother has been rediscovering the wonderful world of children’s literature. When each of my boys was born, I sent out a wish into the universe that they would become avid readers. Ten fingers, ten toes, and a gluttonous love of reading. Of course there were other wishes too! But I had got so much from reading growing up, I desperately wanted them to experience that bounty too.

I mined our local libraries and found a richer trove of resources than I could have begun to imagine. The world of children’s literature I had left behind as a kid had deepened and widened immeasurably. With more topics, formats, events and activities than ever before, it seemed there’d never been a better time for kids to fall in love with the written word.

It was exciting! I made ambitious lists. I tried to stuff every opportunity with ways – some sneaky – to embed a love of reading into our lives as a family. And like every parent, I learnt many lessons in humility, patience and trust! My kids had and continue to have their own ideas of what and when and how much they will read.

Today, we often cannot tear them away from their games, their sports, their projects, their friends, and of course, their screens. But there are also times when we cannot drag them away from their books. Together, and with the help of grandparents, teachers, librarians and their own friends, I think we have figured out a solid place for reading in their lives, a place where they can get as entranced as I once did with the right book at hand.

How long will my boys remain readers, I wonder. Will pleasurable reading always sustain their interest? Will the distracted world they occupy allow them this luxury of attention? I do not know. What I do know is that it has been a wonderful journey thus far. I hope to continue on it with them and share what I have learned with you.

Some facts about me:

• I grew up in India and live in the US
• I have two sons, now in elementary and middle school. I passionately believe that reading is important for all kids. Having two boys has led me to explore the angle of boys and reading in particular, but all parents are welcome on the ride – no doubt there is plenty of common ground regardless of gender.
• I am very private, but something in me has been yelling Share! Share! Share! So here I am, out in the slightly daunting world of blogging and social media, sharing what I know with you and hoping you find it useful.

Here’s hoping that you will share what you have learned with me too. And that together, we can nurture a lasting love of reading in our children. I think it can only contribute to a richer, more interesting, compassionate and better world for all.