Between The Covers   by Arleen M. Kaptur

Between The Covers By: Arleen M. Kaptur

This is the computer age and even some primary schools have computers for each student. One has to wonder if good old fashioned reading of books has fallen out of grace and will children no longer seek the solace of a library and the adven- tures that exist on each shelf or will they go to video stores to get the information that little minds really want and need to know.

Well, it is just not going to happen. While books are not quite as popular as the latest laser video game, a bedtime story still hits the spot when its cold, or rainy outside, or when its hot and muggy, and even chilly and windy. You see, it really does not matter the weather that exists just outdoors. The sunshine and warmth of a story that is read by someone who really loves you, and they even throw in a hug and a tuck into the covers makes any weather just right. Even in today's rapid age, this is a bargain worth keeping. Whether you read it to some little person or they read it themselves, a book still is the key to the door of adventure and to opening up portals to far away places and distant stars. Books for our children are still treasures of childhood and important moments for parents. You don't have to impress your child, or even dress for the occasion. You just have to be yourself and let a little love and attention flow between the pages that the two covers of the book contains.

Libraries are still magical carpets to places that only imagination can lead to and make-believe holds court when days are long or adults are busy and have no time. Little ones still want to cuddle in your lap and listen with attention to your words, even if they have heard them over and over again. It doesn't matter if the book is brand new or tattered, these very words will carry them through many of life's twists and turns, and they will come to the path of love, and success. So, no matter how up-to-date you wish your child to be, don't leave reading out. That would be one major omission that is lost forever and cannot be regained when little bodies grow and friends and activities take over family time and bedtime rituals.

So, while you have their very presence with you and awaiting every minute they can share and spend with you, read, read, and then read once again. Holiday books, story tales, fairy tales, and whatever is of interest to them fits the bill. Also, don't forget that if they see you reading instead of always clicking away at the computer, you are giving them a gift that will never tarnish or go out of date. Reading is still the diamond that childhood is a part of. Don't let today's technology steal these wonder-filled pages because of the internet or e-mails.Video games will have their time in the spotlight but then when you are really looking for something to warm the soul and touch the heart, those x-boxes just don't seem to fit the bill. From toddlers to teen-agers and young adults to golden agers, books still are the reward at the end of a trying day, or are the "hug" you may need when the coldness of the world might just match the weather outside. While you may never write the all-American novel yourself, there is no reason you can't enjoy some of the classics, or even the next entry on the New York Times Best-Seller List. For children, they don't really mind if the story is "too cute" or "too way out", they enjoy the fact that they can add things between the lines and imagine to their heart's content. Even kings and queens resemble people they know and the dragon is very similar to Cousin Sam, who squeezed their cheeks at Christmas time and made them cry. It just doesn't get better than a snuggle, a story and a tuck "good night". I bet you remember a favorite story from your childhood, as they assuredly will. It's not old-fashioned, just childhood and hasn't today's world robbed our children already of precious sweet moments of being a child. Someday you may just find out that the prince or princess looked just like you in your child's mind - not bad for a few minutes of your time. Arleen M. Kaptur ©March, 2007

About the Author

Arleen is the owner of A & J Northwoods, a gourmet food, gift, and book shop. She has written numerous articles on living life on purpose and enjoying every minute of it.

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