Planting the Seeds of Literacy: Books for the Young‪.‬

Planting a tree, we are told, is an act of faith. We plant the seedling, provide care as best we can, and perhaps one day a tree will take root and grow skyward. Teaching a child to read takes very much the same act of faith. As teachers and librarians, we plant the seeds of literacy. Occasionally, we get a glimpse at the fruits of our labors. We witness a child transformed by a reading experience. More often than not, however, the seeds of literacy blossom long after the child has left our care. If we have chosen our books carefully, we trust that the blooming will occur. Many of the more experienced among us were not fortunate enough to take classes in literature and materials for these precious youngsters. What types of materials might be beneficial as we strive to plant a few more seeds of literacy in the very young? So, in this issue, we examine some books which might assist us as we provide care for those young readers in our schools. Perhaps a few of these books will nourish young readers, further ensuring that their roots take firm hold and that they have the chance to grow into lifetime readers.