I started reading to my children even before they were born. I became a member of a mail-order book club, which allowed me to purchase a selection of children’s books as part of one of their introductory offers, as we weren’t close to a Library. Since I was on a base with a military salary, we had to find ways to save money wherever possible, so for entertainment, we read books. We experienced instant joy when the books arrived. That small investment indeed paid off. Even after three decades, I still have some of those books!

I read to my children so often that the books wore out quickly. As they grew older and gained access to them, I would find scribbles and missing pages, but that didn’t diminish our enjoyment of reading and listening. I read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss so many times that I have it memorized and can recite it verbatim to this day!

I approach my own books the same way. I’ve read them so many times that I can recite them verbatim! That’s why they say, “Readers are leaders.” Readers can guide the story effortlessly—who needs glasses or an actual book when it’s all stored in your memory? Here’s to reading more of what you want to keep in your mind forever. So, if you’re near me and want to hear a good story, just sit tight and get ready to feel like a child again. I have a book in my head that I’m sure you’ll enjoy!