Reading is a fundamental skill that all children must learn. The sooner you introduce your toddler to the wonderful world of books, the better off she will be. Giving her an early start will help instill a love of reading. Exposing your little one to the written word at an early age can also help her with spoken language as well.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are introducing your toddler to books:

• Be selective.
  Look for books with large, colorful illustrations and short, simple text. Many toddlers prefer rhyming books, but you should also consider books with simple stories, as well. Touch-and-feel books, books with surprises under flaps, and books with dials to turn are also excellent choices for your toddler.

• Be creative.
  Don't be afraid to take a little artistic license with stories. Shorten lengthy passages, change the character's name to your toddler's name, or replace difficult words with simpler ones that your toddler will understand, for example. Doing these things can greatly enhance your toddler's listening pleasure and help hold her attention for longer, as well.

• Be persistent.
  Your toddler will most likely do little more than squirm or make a fuss the first few times you sit down to read together. Persistence and patience are the keys to helping your toddler develop a passion for books and reading. Set aside a regular time each day to read a short story together, such as right before bedtime. Don't force the issue, however. If your toddler starts throwing a temper tantrum, put away the book for another day.

• Be interactive.
  Your toddler can participate in the reading process long before she is actually capable of reading the words on the page. Start engaging her in the process by pointing to familiar objects on the page and asking your toddler "Where is the little yellow kitty?" or "Look at that pretty rainbow!"

• Be brief.
  It is best to start with short stories and books when you first start reading with your toddler. Move from page to page as quickly as possible in order to hold her attention. As her attention span and ability to sit still for longer periods of time improve, you can advance to lengthier books and stories.

• Be a reading role model.
  Let your toddler see you reading and enjoying a good book instead of settling down in front of the television. Try to set aside some time each day to read at least a few pages of a book. Encourage your toddler to get her favorite book, even if she can't read it, and join you on the sofa while you are reading. Cuddling together with a good book is the perfect way to create some cherished childhood memories, as well.

It is important that parents not only teach their children to read, but to enjoy books, as well. If you introduce your toddler to books at an early age and follow these simple suggestions, you will be giving her a precious gift that she will treasure for the rest of her life