We say it often here at the Read-Aloud Revival: sharing books with our kids is all about connection. This is true for all ages, but today we’re especially going to talk about the importance of reading aloud to babies.

Our guest today goes so far as to say that our effectiveness as parents is in direct proportion to the strength of the bond that we have with our child. This is good stuff!

In this new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, Pam Leo shares her wisdom about connecting with babies and toddlers through books.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • How connection = effectiveness in parenting
  • Whether reading to babies really matters (spoiler alert: It does… a lot!)
  • Favorite books for babies and toddlers

…Click that play button below to hear the podcast:

Listener Guide

Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:

  • 2:30 Meet Pam Leo
  • 4:04 Marrying two loves
  • 6:03 Our effectiveness as parents
  • 7:23 Reading with babies
  • 10:16 ‘Reading Voice’
  • 11:22 Favorite books for babes
  • 14:42 Sign language books and wordless books
  • 21:05 Brain-building
  • 23:58 Building a ‘Bridge’
  • 25:44 The Book Fairy Pantry Project
  • 32:52 Let the Kids Speak

Quotes to remember:

“Our effectiveness as parents is in direct proportion to the strength of the bond that we have with our child.” – Pam Leo

“We know for certain that children who are read to have better vocabulary. Vocabulary at kindergarten-age is a big indicator of how hard schooling will be- that means we can set our kids up for success.” -Sarah Mackenzie

“It doesn’t really matter what we’re reading. It’s the closeness; it’s listening to the rhythm of the written word- babies are just entranced by it. They begin to associate books with being held, with being loved, with having attention. Right from the very beginning they love books because it is love to them.” – Pam Leo

Books from this episode:

(All links are affiliate links.)

Good Night, Gorilla
The Read-Aloud Handbook: Seventh Edition
Bridge to Terabithia
Pancakes for Breakfast
Baby Beluga
By Author Down by the Bay
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by Rosemary Wells (2006-10-01)
Peter Spier’s Rain
Noah’s Ark
Chalk
Reading Magic
Connection Parenting: Parenting Through Connection Instead of Coercion, Through Love Instead of Fear, 2nd Edition
The Itsy Bitsy Spider (Bunny Reads Back)
You Are My Sunshine
GOOD NIGHT, THOMA

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