September is National Literacy Month. Reading is important for doing well in school and life, but learning to read doesn’t happen automatically, and it doesn’t start in elementary school. The words and conversation kids hear all throughout their early years, starting from birth, are what fuel their reading success.

More than quantity, it’s the quality of words and language that makes the biggest difference. Reading together and having back-and-forth conversations are vital, so grab a story, get comfortable and find a new adventure.