This year I have begun to think of books in a brand new way.  Not that I didn’t think about books before, of course.  I did.  I even thought about children’s books.  I would open boxes of books or walk with Michael through the Scholastic Store and look at all of the books or list off titles for everyone looking for suggestions.

So, what’s different?  I am thinking about these books for the little readers who are about to enter my life this autumn.  Professionally I know and can dispense advice on what to read to your children at a variety of ages from board books up.  Even now, my mind flips through titles.  Great titles.  Titles I love reading aloud or can’t catalogue without flipping though.  Now, everything just seems so much more important.  There is a huge part of me that wants my girls to love reading.  And yes, that also means that a part of me that wants them to love the books that I loved.

While reading up on my pregnancy (is anyone surprised I was reading about it?), I realized that they can hear at this point even before they are born.  This was put to the test when my dog barked and I felt them kick because I think he startled them.  I have talked to them for months now but it didn’t really occur to me that they could hear me.  And yes, I understand that they don’t really know what I am saying.  But I can’t be the only one who thought about reading to their belly, right?

That brings up the big question.  What do I read them?  I could read simple stories to them like We Belong Together by Joyce Wan which I will admit, I’ve been obsessed with since it came across my desk nearly a year ago.  Then I think of all of the times I will be reading that book to them and think that maybe I will wait until they are here.  My husband began reading The Neverending Story aloud to me and the girls before we even knew what we were having.  It has always been one of his favorite stories growing up and I think he didn’t want them to miss out.

I’ve always believed reading builds a connection between people.  I believe that the connection between mother and child is so important.  Yes, I know they won’t understand the story now but even if I feel more connected to the squirmy, Rockettes auditioning little girls (seriously, I have no idea what they are doing in there but they are active) I am carrying around with me then it is all worth it.

So now I ask you.  Did you read to your (or your partner’s) belly when you were expecting?  If yes, what did you read and why?  Let us know in the comments!