The reading mother.

I believe in books.

I believe in the power of books.

Books have been a big influence in my life.

When I was growing up I loved being able to escape into a story, to become a character and to let my imagination fly as I dreamed of different places and adventures. Whenever our family was going out somewhere I always wanted to stay home, to be left in peace, to just read.

As a mother I have spent a lot of time (and money) getting great books and reading to my kids. We have lots of children's books and I am always encouraging my children to have a current story they are reading.

I love sitting down to snuggle with them, to feel their little bodies sitting next to mine and to see their eyes light up with excitement as we share a story together.

I love a poem that says:

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be - 

I had a mother who read to me.

(Strickland Gillilan, "The Reading Mother.")

One of my favourite things about being a mother and reading books is when I sit down to read to the smaller children. I begin the story with a couple of children listening but when I finish the story I generally have all seven children listening. The older kids try to act like they are not interested but can't help themselves from listening and have to join in. I love it!

So to all you women out there that read to kids - I love what you are doing, you are blessing our children's lives and helping their minds to create, imagine and develop.

Thankyou.