In late 2022, Minalee Saks, a founder of Birth To Three (today Parenting Now), was asked by author Helen Rosenau to road-test a new children’s book, Leo and the Crows.

Minalee: It became a sweet, special thing for my granddaughter and me, on Zoom and in person, curled up together. I encourage reading to little ones from the time they are born. If you read with humor and enthusiasm, even squirmy toddlers will connect with stories and laughter. It’s fun to take turns reading with older children, or if they prefer, let them read to us.

Helen: Grandparents represent comfort and safety. As a child development educator, what do you think reading does for children?

Minalee: Reading opens up their world. It is the very best gift! It’s special cozy one-on-one time together.

Helen: As a writer, I want children to experience curiosity, joy, and wonder. But the best stories–the ones that grab your heart–are often about tough  and tender problems. About finding safety, love, and connection, sometimes when there’s fear or even danger. How does that help children?

Minalee: Reading can model humor, love, and good values for life. It can teach big emotions and practical skills. Sweet identifiable characters help.  Reading teaches about allies beyond family. As they grow, children need to learn whom and whom not to trust, and how to act in new settings.

Helen: Writers want readers to feel like they’re inside the story. Most early readers are K1-3. They’re learning how to make new friends and feel safe in unfamiliar environments, facing new challenges, from bullies to homework.

Minalee: Even children from safe, happy homes need to learn to navigate in society. Grandparents are uniquely positioned to help. Reading together creates a common language. When life causes your little ones even small problems, you can relate them to the stories you’ve shared and help them work through what to do.

Helen: Books often offer situations where choices have to be made, sometimes very quickly or with unknown consequences. Stories can offer children role models for both courage and caution. Children can learn to take a deep breath and think before jumping too far or fast.

Minalee: Yes! Reading gives models to guide their decision-making. A really great story shows how kindness can open every door. That attitude makes all of life feel easier.

Helen: As an advice columnist, I helped people become more self-confident about problem-solving. If reading jump-starts children becoming braver, wiser, and more self-assured, we can spare them (or at least prepare them) for life’s messier pitfalls.

Minalee: Science shows us kindness makes people happier. In Mr. Rogers words, “Become a helper!” Teaching kindness early, and investing in their social-emotional learning, will help our children create a happier, kinder world. 

Authors: Helen Rosenau is a semi-retired fairy godmother and author, and Minalee Saks is a lifelong activist for good parenting and grandparenting.

Meet Leo!