WHY I READ

As a mother of two young children, there is stark difference between what I like to read and what I usually read.

But, hey, reading is still great fun.

Since a young girl, I have always loved a good mystery. I sharpened my teeth on Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy mysteries, and Alfred Hitchcock Young Detective stories.

I developed a deep love of Agatha Christie and still enjoy reading any of her books today. I rarely guess the ending, even on a second read. I have developed a real fondness for her enigmatic detectives: Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. They're almost part of the family -- that odd second cousin once removed on your mother's side. With a good mystery, the film version rarely compares with the printed word.

But with two small children, reading a novel can be a luxury. I prefer to dive right in and read a book from cover to cover in a matter of days. With kids, I've found a novel can take weeks to digest. Lack of time and attention can muddle a complicated mystery plot.

Instead, we delight in such favorites as "Never Tease a Weasel" by Soule.

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"Never tease a weasel, this is very good advice. A weasel will not like it, and teasing isn't nice."

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I believe I can recite the whole book by heart. And so can my husband and kids. This book is akin to a visit from an old friend who makes you smile.

Another family favorite is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Joffee Numeroff. My husband and I chuckled to a reference to this book in the summer movie blockbuster "Air Force One" by "President" Harrison Ford. The screenplay, we decided, must have been written by a parent.

Of course, some of our favorite family books are the tongue twisters of Dr. Seuss. I love to read "Yertle the Tertle," which was my younger brother's childhood book. The green cover is tattered and worn, but the words still incite giggles like they were written yesterday.

One of the most important books in our household is the Bible.

I was impressed by a presentation at our church on a recent Sunday morning. Those youngsters going into the third grade received their very own Bible as part of the service. Each soft burgundy cover was imprinted with a youngster's name in shiny gold letters.

The students were obviously proud and delighted. Our minister, Dr. Larry Gallamore, pointed out the Bible is the basis of all reading.

It was a timely reminder of the importance this very special book plays in our lives and the world.

Reading opens our hearts and our minds to the world's possibilities. It lets our imagination soar, our dreams take wing. It transports us to far away lands, long ago times, and opens the doors of opportunity.

I hope my children inherit my love for the printed word. As a mom, I'll do all I can to make that happen.