This is a picture of my oldest granddaughter. Who, I'm proud to tell you, graduated from law school this spring, took and passed the bar this summer, and is now living in London working for an international law firm.
She reads.
I volunteered yesterday for the Scholastic Book Fair at a local elementary school. Aside from the fact I am now convinced kindergarten teachers have the patience of angels, the charisma of rock stars and the insight of Freud, what impressed me the most was the excitement and delight all of those young eager faces projected toward books. BOOKS.
I have always firmly believed that reading is the gateway to accomplishment. When there's a seed in your heart to do something, reading is the water, encouragement by loved ones is the sunshine, and well . . . the hard things we have to overcome to make it worthwhile? The fertilizer.
My friend and fellow writer, Jenny Milchman has hit on something tremendous and inspiring and simple. It's something we can all do.
In Jenny's words:
A new holiday this holiday season--Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day.
When I was a child, there were no fewer than three bookstores in my hometown. I once came across a copy of Stephen King's CUJO, and walked all the way back home to beg my father for an advance on my allowance--only to return so I could buy it.
OK, my tastes may have been a bit weird for a ten year old.
But that's the point of Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day. A child can always find something on the shelves that will fit his or her unique taste--fit the person she or he is becoming.
In books, children will find themselves. And bookstores can lead them there, with guidance and interest from a bookseller, as no website or digital device does.
In order for bookstores to thrive and flourish in the future, children have to experience the unique pleasures they offer today.
Just as I did, walking through the streets of my hometown.
This December 4th, 2010...take the child in your life to a bookstore.
Visit Take Your Child to a Bookstore to learn more about supporting Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day in your area.
If you don't have a child, borrow one. They'll remember the experience, and so will you.
The future belongs to those who read.
CR: Live to Tell by LIsa Gardner.
It's all better with friends.
Peg, thanks so much for spreading the word of this Day. I love the picture of your granddaughter (though can't quite believe you have one of an age to graduate law school) and it's true--a thirst for reading often does start that young.
ReplyDeleteI hope we can all celebrate the love of books together--on December 4th and always.
What a wonderful picture of your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteI do so agree that books are the gateway to accomplishment. I loved books from the moment I could read and passed that love on to my daughter. Needless to say, there will be books going in my grandchildren's Christmas box.
Everyone should take a child to a bookstore!