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It's never too early to share books with your child. Sharing books is a great way to help children develop talking, listening and concentration skills. It will also help them to read later on.

Sit with your child on your lap and look through picture books together. Let your child turn the pages as you name and talk about the pictures you see. Don't put any pressure on your child to name the pictures, but if they are keen to imitate any of the words you say, smile and give them lots of praise for trying, and then say the word again for them.

Be guided by your child as to whether or not they are too tired to look at books. If tired, try again later. Young children get bored quickly so little and often is best.

Take books on journeys or to read in waiting rooms. Always have one in your bag.

As your child grows and develops, more words and phrases are understood and sharing books gets to be more and more fun for both of you. You and your child will soon find favourite bits that you want to look at or go over again. The most familiar word will be "Again!"

Libraries love babies
Libraries welcome babies and toddlers. Your baby can join the library from birth, and what's more, it's free! Choose books that little hands can hold. Board books are sturdy and come in all shapes and sizes with wipe clean covers. There are even books to clip to your baby's buggy. Don't worry
if your baby damages a book - libraries understand this sometimes happens.

Books will build your child's vocabulary
You will be surprised at how much of your child's early vocabulary is directly attributable to the books that you read. There are not many monkeys and lions in our towns and cities but there are plenty to meet in picture books!

Mix the kinds of books you read
Sometimes a crisp, clear one picture, one word per page book will give you lots to talk about, and at other times you will both want a story, or a lovely long rhyme. If you have been talking about animals, for example, a colourful non-fiction book with clear pictures of individual animals will provide as much entertainment as a funny story.

Involve other family members in sharing books with little ones
Books really are for sharing so encourage friends and relatives to read with your children. Young children especially enjoy being read to by older siblings or cousins.

Keep reading aloud to your child
Once your child begins formal education, keep on reading aloud to them even if they have started to read themselves. Don't be surprised if they want to go back to look at books they enjoyed when they were much younger - they will love to be back in a familiar story that they feel comfortable with. Take your lead from the school as to how to encourage their reading skills.

Have fun!