First 5 San Bernardino encourages ‘Gift a Kid a Book’ this season

First 5 San Bernardino is encouraging parents and caregivers to give kids books in addition to toys this holiday season.

The “Gift a Kid a Book” literacy campaign is a great opportunity to reinforce the joy and value of reading with youth according to First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott.

Studies show that 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of their life. One of the best ways to help children develop an appreciation for learning is through reading.

First 5 recommends these books for ages 0-5 years:

• Babies – touch and feel books, lift-the-flap books and sing-alongs like Open the Barn Door by Christopher Santoro; Peek-a-Who? By Nina Laden; Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by Scarlett Wing
• Age 1-2 – short story books like Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle; The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle; Tails by Matthew Van Fleet
• Age 2-3 – slightly longer and more complex books like Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills; Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin; Happy Birthday, Little Pookie by Sandra Boynton
• Age 4-5 – short chapter books like Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam by Tracey Corderoy; The Red Lemon by Bob Staake; If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen

First 5 San Bernardino is also giving away free book bundles to parents and caregivers in San Bernardino County as part of their “Gift a Kid a Book” campaign. To schedule a pick-up, contact LuCretia Dowdy at [email protected] or call 909.383.7706 while supplies last.