I was never a reader.
It wasn’t until I got into graduate school, that I realized the joy of reading. Not the reading of textbooks, but the opportunity to escape with a good book. I also found that I could learn a whole heck of a lot with the knowledge from OTHER people besides my peers and teachers. There was a whole world out there to explore and discover, and it could be done in books.
Next, I heard this. “Readers are Leaders.” It has been noted that business giants are avid readers. According to a Harvard Business Review article, Steve Jobs, Phil Knight (Nike), Winston Churchill were all avid readers. Also, business leaders believe that “deep, broad reading cultivated in them the knowledge, habits, and talents to improve their organizations.” This article also discussed that getting yourself in the books makes you more intelligent through “a larger vocabulary and more world knowledge in addition to the abstract reasoning skills.” ( https://hbr.org/2012/08/for-those-who-want-to-lead-rea/) This jives with my anecdotal experience.
So, what does this have to do with Tatum?
My original intent on having her read was a bonding experience. It gave me a chance to get to cuddle with her at night and share a story, even if it was for 5 minutes which was the best I could hope for at one. She couldn’t sit still and hated to cuddle. Now, at 2 and 1/2, she cuddles up to me many times a day, and we share a book.
My goals with her now are not only bonding time, but an opportunity to teach some character skills, or to share a laugh, to learn a thing or two, or just to enjoy the use of imagination without any need for electronic stimulation.
She now enjoys sitting and reading on her own, and often, reading to me!
I decided to look at the books we are recently enjoying. She often comments that she needs more room for her books! I tend to buy books more than I buy milk, and it is getting a bit out of hand. Thank goodness for used book stores and Goodwill!
We always start the day with Day to Day which is a daily devotion. She then sometimes pulls out another book of prayers. At night, there is a blessing book we read as well.
No two days are alike, and whenever possible, she is pulling out a book, or I am finding one to share with her.
For a little silliness and sing-songy humor, Boynton takes the prize.
Mo Willems makes me laugh louder than Tatum! Great lessons and lovable characters that Gerald and Piggie!
Of course, these board books are favorites. Board books are a great start for any child until they understand NOT to tear the pages. This takes training! It’s also easier on their little fingers.
The Jesus books are so much fun, and she has internalized Jesus being in her heart. Debby Anderson does such a fine job with the rhythm in these for memory.
Wishing and Waiting. Patiently.
Two more great travel favorites. One with a strong message about perseverance, and one that just teaches them about traveling!
And then there came Thomas. Need I say more? If you have an 18-36 month old….just get to know him. What a fine character with a spectacular vocabulary.
And luckily next door we have a train park which we can learn about!
That brings me to Elmo. Yep, he has books. Many many books which teach lessons and for some reason, SHE LOVES HIM! We barely even watch the show, but that little red monster makes her laugh.
ABC. 123. Gotta have these!
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More funny and more silly, and there is an actual plot in each… Dr. Seuss and Eastman.
Classics. That Little Red Caboose gets my vote for hero. And…don’t run away or the fox will eat you. (good advice for that Gingerbread Boy) I tend to remind her of this when we are in the store.
Bob, Larry and the other Veggies make learning about God fun..and how to be kind! 
Just love these little books to cuddle with:
Then where…oh where is the…..!? Engage her in the book!
It’s Clifford..Clifford. Lovable and adorable. Teaches excellent lessons while being one big goofy dog. 
Thomas, Elmo, Clifford, and yes…add Minnie Mouse. Her fascination comes from ??? Clueless.
Now, add a huggable little bear named Pooh, an adventurous little girl named Dora and her friend Boots, and you’ve got some great plots, strong character lessons, and imagination fodder!
Want to add more silly? These books take a pig, a dog, a mouse, or a moose, and personifies them in the most fun way!
Being responsible, sharing, appreciating differences, being kind, and doing your dishes after you eat, and of course being careful about what you take that is not yours…these are all nice lessons to read about.
Tatum will soon see that she is MORE special because she was prayed for and wanted.
And so we cuddle up more at night with these bedtime favorites.
Truly picture books are not only beautiful, they have great plots and wonderful lessons. Many of these stories are about being grateful of who God made you to be.
And more about being thankful along with how wonderful it is to read…especially on Mommy’s lap!
Tot can tote books too!
Or just read a magazine and find the hidden pictures. Sitting in the dentist office, I used to love these magazines because they had great stories, puzzles and games. 
I love this quote from Charlie Munger: “In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn’t read all the time – none, zero. You’d be amazed at how much Warren(Buffett) reads – at how much I read. My children laugh at me. They think I’m a book with a couple of legs sticking out”. (http://www.georgeambler.com/leaders-need-daily-reading-habit/)
Tatum has the world at her feet, and her opportunities can be endless; all I can do is give her this potential (by developing her love of reading), love her unconditionally, and …….love her even more!