Good Books

Families become stronger when individual members read good books. Wise parents insure that their children know how to read and then encourage them to learn to love to read good books. Joseph Smith prayed, "And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou hast said" (Doctrine and Covenants 109:14) Another prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley stated, "A great man was once asked which one of all the books he had read had most affected his life. His response was that he could no more remember the books he had read than he could remember the meals he had eaten, but they had made him. All of us are the products of the elements to which we are exposed. We can give direction to those elements and thereby improve the result. Make every effort to enrich your environment with the reading of good books." (Stand A Little Taller, p 40.). It is important that children learn to read. It is also important that they learn to enjoy reading. Parents can help children learn to love reading by reading to them from the time they are born. Parents can insure that the books are appropriate for the child's age as well as show them that words can paint wonderful pictures in their minds. Parents can also help children to love reading by discussing what they are personally reading and by setting an example of a reader. Parents can use good books about correct principles and values to help their children become outstanding adults. I am grateful that my children love to read and are teaching their own children to enjoy good books.