The other day, I snapped this picture of my husband reading a story to our son on a tablet for the first time. And, to be honest, I really had a lot of mixed feelings about it.
On one hand, I appreciate the convenience and ease of reading on an electronic device. It can also be a valuable tool for struggling readers because print size can be adjusted and some readers don’t feel the pressure of finishing a “big” book.
However, I don’t ever want kids to not know the experience of a good old-fashioned book!
Only in a good old-fashioned book, will the pages pop-out at you.
Only in a good old-fashioned book, will the pages make you feel so small.
Only in a good old-fashioned book, will you be able to touch and feel the pages.
Only in a good old-fashioned book, will you be able to smell the pictures.
Only with good old-fashioned books can you build dramatic play libraries.
Only with good old-fashioned books can you fill all those shelves.
Only with good old-fashioned books can you use your favorite bookmark.
In the end…
Yes, I know you are reading this post on an electronic device! I read a lot on my tablet and computer too. But, I sure hope that a good old-fashioned book will be around for a long time to come. Because, that is my favorite way to read a book!
What is your favorite thing about a good old-fashioned book?
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Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
I so agree! I’m a book nerd – I look the sound of the pages turning, the smell of a brand new book, the thud as you stack them together, the sight of them lined up on a shelf. While I read on a Kindle because it’s easier, my daughter is so far been restricted to “real” books. I think the whole sensory experience of reading a book is something that just can’t be replicated on a screen.
Jodie Rodriguez says
Emma, it is a true sensory experience!
Jen Robinson says
Well, it’s not my favorite thing, but books also make good coasters (much better than electronic devices).
Seriously, though, I read myself on Kindle quite frequently, and I enjoy it. But for my four year old, I’m sticking with print for as long as I can get away with it. I love the piles of books strewn about her room. I love letting her pick books out from the shelves. I love cuddling in bed with a stack of picture books. None of these things work so well with devices…
Jodie Rodriguez says
I plan to hold out for as long as I can with my kids too. Guess I should take lots of pictures to capture the memories!
marg Noecker says
I loved, loved, loved this post even before I read the bookmark page!
What a beautiful way of pointing out the value of an old-fashioned book!!
Very insightful, Jodie!!
Marg
Jodie Rodriguez says
Thanks Marg! And, thanks for the bookmark!
susancallhutchison says
I love hard copy books, especially children’s picture books. But I expect there will be developments in e-books that improve the reading experience for those. I LOVE being able to carry a huge library around in my pocket. One day, people will be nostalgic about the e-reader experience, too, because whatever opens us to the magical world of reading is precious.
Jodie Rodriguez says
I agree Susan. As an adult, I do like to the convenience of reading e-books especially for fiction. I still like to “mark-up” my professional development books though!