Overview

We have always known that reading aloud is an important way to bond with your baby and develop language skills.

Now neuroscience research is showing us the long-term benefit that reading aloud has for children—all the way into adulthood. Author Rekha S. Rajan was part of current research that shows individuals who were read to more frequently as children had a measurably healthier brain in old age.

This innovative and accessible book incorporates the latest research on brain development, describes how reading aloud supports language and social-emotional development, and gives parents and caretakers what they need to make read alouds a regular and enjoyable part of the family routine.

 

Reviews

“Dr. Rajan's insightful book shows us why reading with our babies and young children is developmentally essential and truly joyful. I hope parents all over the country and world will read this book!” —Eric Litwin, New York Times bestselling author of Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes

“Reading aloud is the key to healthy development right from the start of life. Babies benefit in many ways by hearing the sound of their loved ones reading. Not only is there love in the reading aloud experience, there is the foundation for neural, linguistic, and social development. The Read Aloud Factor is a joy to read and full of insight. Dr. Rajan affirms the primacy of early years for a lifetime of positive outcomes. We honour children by reading aloud from the beginning.” —Raffi Cavoukian, CM, OBC, singer, author, Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring

"Reading aloud builds listening, imagining, and reading skills; it also builds a love for books in children. Children who are read to from birth have a huge advantage in school over their peers who miss these formative years. Rajan's book clearly explains why reading aloud is so important to the developing brain. I urge all parents to make the time to read to their children." —Alan Boyko, former president, Scholastic Book Fairs

"Everyone should read this book—perhaps even out loud to a child." —Booklist Starred Review

"A must, chock-full of usable ideas and recommended reads and sure to be a favorite for parents of preschoolers." -- Library Journal starred review

Author Biography

Rekha S. Rajan, EdD, has been an educator for over twenty years and is a nationally recognized STEAM expert. She holds a doctorate in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has masters degrees in both music education and early childhood education. Rajan’s work has been featured with NPR, the National Head Start Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the California Alliance for Arts Education, and the National Endowment for the Arts. She is the author of multiple books and articles on how the arts, reading, and home-based experiences support children’s development, and has several forthcoming children's titles. She lives in Chicago, IL.