While accompanying our child on their growth journey, we are equipped with countless information to support their development process. We buy the best toys, clothes and make healthy nutrition plans. Dialogue with the child also begins from birth. Experts also emphasize the importance of dialogue to support children's brain development. One way to establish this bond is to read books together.

In a study conducted by the Mother Child Education Foundation ( AÇEV), parents of preschool children were asked 'what do you do together?' The first place goes to 'watching TV together.' The percentage of those who read books with their children does not exceed 20 percent. I think the most explanatory reason for this is the lack of information about the importance of reading books for mental development.

Another point that is overlooked is that the purpose of reading during this period is not to learn anything, but to have a pleasant time and develop the child's vocabulary. As illustrated children's books create a desire to read again in the child, free from anxiety about the message, their bond with books is strengthened. Children's mental development is also supported by books.

SELECTING BOOKS ACCORDING TO THE CHILD'S AGE

When choosing a book suitable for the child's level before school, the first step is to make sure that the book is appropriate for the child's age and development level. Short and understandable sentences and colorful visuals are among the features sought in preschool books. For example, visuals are at the forefront in books chosen for babies aged 0-36 months. It is recommended that books be made of thick cardboard, especially for the first 6 months, because your baby will want to taste everything. For this reason, experts recommend that the first books be black and white, suitable for the baby's development process, and that the first baby books should not be made of fabric or plastic materials that make noise.

As the baby develops and grows, its ability to focus also improves. Between 36-66 months, the importance of stories increases along with visuals. In his book 'Yetişin Çocuklar', Prof. Selçuk Şirin draws attention to the fact that a good book should sweep the child off their feet: "After the child turns three, storytelling becomes more important; stories that take the child from one place to another in their imagination should be preferred."

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