Reading to children from an early age can help boost their brainpower and imagination, according to the childrens' charity Barnardos.
"As we read to children, we help to open their imaginations, teach them new words, new ideas and new languages," Barnardos childcare worker, Ms Barbara Ryan said today.
Ms Ryan was speaking at the launch of the second edition of Guide to books for 0-5 year oldsby Barnardos and Cow & Gate.
The guide is aimed at making reading fun and eductional for both children and adults. It features over 40 publications ranging from books for 0-1 year-olds up to books for 5 year-olds.
"The mark of a great book is one that continues to surprise, delight and engage its reader long after the pages have been creased or stuck together with blobs of jam and spilt milk," Ms Ryan said.
The guide also features reviews by author Ms Cathy Kelly, former Taoiseach Mr Albert Reynolds and MEP Ms Mairead Mc Guinness as well as RTÉ Disney Clubpresenter Ms Mary Kingston and journalist and radio presenter Mr Matt Cooper.
Mr Reynolds who read Five Little Monkeysby Zita Newcombe to his four year old granddaughter Katie said: "Katie absolutely loved this hugely interactive book. She got so involved with the stories and put on a first class performance, dancing and jumping around to the different rhymes. A very enjoyable reading experience for both of us."
The free guide is available here (PDF Format) or from Barnardos National Children's Resource Centres throughout Ireland.
