Raising Readers by Megan Daley - Book Review #1

Over the last month I have been dedicated to reading Raising Readers by Megan Daley. I was inspired by the books theme of raising a reader, as written in the title! Very recently I have been lost on where to start when introducing a possible love of reading to my son and how to kickstart his imagination and passion for books. He is now at an age (4) and a stage in his development where images in books and even words are starting to spark interest and is becoming more and more engaged with the stories I read him before bed or occasionally during the day.

Megan Daley offers a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for parents who wish to nurture a love of reading in their children. Some of the ideas include when and how to introduce books to children in their early years, how to engage children in their primary schooling years when the time comes to learn to read and all the way through to utilising school or public libraries, reading challenges, a deep dive into each reading genre and how digital resources can aid with a child's love of reading.

One of the key takeaways from Raising Readers is the importance of modeling reading behavior for children. Daley emphasises that children are more likely to develop a love for reading if they see their parents engaging with books. Additionally, the book offers practical advice on setting up a home library, making reading a fun and interactive activity, and encouraging children to explore various genres.

Megan Daley’s approach is both engaging and informative. With her background as a librarian and educator, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. Her writing style is clear and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand and implement. Daley’s use of real-life examples adds a personal touch to her advice.

I found Raising Readers to be an invaluable resource for any parent aiming to instill a love of reading in their child. Daley’s practical tips are not only easy to follow but also deeply motivating. I particularly appreciated her suggestions on creating a reading-friendly environment, which have already inspired me to revamp Atlas' reading corner in his room and fill his bookshelf with quality books.

Daley often gave examples of books or other resources to explore which I really found valuable especially being so new to the idea of raising a reader.

In the chapter, "Reading and School - When it all comes together" Daley talks about some reading comprehension questions which I found super helpful to open up conversation with my son about the book we've just read. She has given us a mini lesson guide that can take reading a book that step further.

This book has reinforced my commitment to making reading an important part of Atlas' life and even my own. Encouraging me to continue to read books that inspire me and also to make reading an everyday aspect to our lives.

I highly recommend Raising Readers to parents, educators, and anyone involved in child development. Daley’s insights are beneficial for anyone looking to encourage a love of reading in children and build a strong foundation for their educational journey.