Once upon a time, a freshly bathed child enjoyed a story before bed and then promptly drifted off to sleep…Sounds like the makings of a happy ending, doesn’t it? Aside from providing a cozy, calming way to cap off a busy day, reading before bedtime has tremendous long-term benefits for kids of all ages. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, reading aloud with children—even infants—can set the stage for healthy development and help them grasp the basic foundations of language. To cultivate a love of reading early on, parents and caregivers are wise to set aside time each night to cuddle up with their child and enjoy a favorite book. Not only is this an opportunity for bonding, but it helps establish a ritual that can translate into a lifelong habit. Benefits of Books Creating a consistent reading routine from the start puts young children on the right track [...]