Reading with children puts them on an early path to success

Building healthy habits like daily reading at a young age has dramatic impacts on a child’s language and listening skills, as well as their future academic success.

Massachusetts Center for the Book is currently partnering with local WIC programs to launch an early family reading program. Based on the proven success of book sharing models, like Reach Out and Read and Little by Little Readers, we are providing age appropriate books to children at their in-person WIC nutritionist appointments.

Families who participate receive a book every 6 months as well as anticipatory guidance on reading with their family. We also provide resources on a website hosted by Mass Center for the Book with links to local libraries, local literacy resources, and other helpful programs and organizations in their area.

Participating Families Click HERE

Early Reading, Lasting Impact

Experiencing language-rich interactions helps children build important skills such as communication, patience, empathy, and literacy—abilities that support success in school and later in life. Even something as simple as letting infants hold and explore books can help prepare them for learning in school. Reading together also provides many other benefits, including:

  • Stronger recognition of sounds and letters

  • A broader vocabulary

  • Improved listening skills

  • A better understanding of how stories are structured

Reading with young children also nurtures their curiosity and strengthens their memory. Stories allow them to imagine places and times they have never seen, helping them expand their understanding of the world. Sitting close and sharing a book can also comfort children during moments of anxiety while building a warm, lasting connection to reading.

A Little Input, Big Results

Reading at this important time (even just ten minutes a day!) results in higher test scores and grades in school—and stronger reading, grammar, and spelling skills later in life.

When you making reading a daily habit, you can improve language scores, increase vocabulary, and strengthen kids’ performance in elementary school and beyond.

Nearly 60% of Massachusetts fourth-graders aren’t reading at grade level—and the path to change starts in the crib. Reading, talking, and singing to your baby every day builds the brain connections that make strong readers.

Our Program Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We have partnered with organizations that buy books in bulk for early literacy programs. Through bulk purchasing we are able to provide contemporary books to families at very low cost.

  • We are always happy to talk to businesses and organizations about how they can partner with us to help bring books into homes around Massachusetts. If you are interested in learning about sponsorship please reach out to the program email at G2R@massbook.org.

  • If you would like to donate books or funds please visit https://www.massbook.org/donate

If you have more questions or would like more information please reach out to G2R@massbook.org