Bringing up bookmonsters The joyful way to turn your child into a fearless, ravenous reader

Wife and husband Amber Ankowski, a psychology professor, and Andy Ankowski, a writer, follow up Think Like a Baby with a delightful guide to instilling a love of reading in children. All children have a "bookmonster" inside, the authors advise, and parents can bring it out by incorporating reading into everyday life and making it fun. Their advice comes in four sections that cover child development, reader-friendly environments (with books at eye level, or letting children take the lead at the library), a "grocery list of materials, activities, and talking points," and guidance for advance practices such as writing. The authors write with humor and whimsy ("Cover yourself in khaki and throw on one of those big, round explorer hats. Because we're about to go on an adventure... deep into the lair of the legendary, elusive creature known as the bookmonster"), but keep their advice practical, with suggestions, for instance, to talk to children and play word games early, read aloud with expression, and use books as a way to discuss family values. For parents looking to bolster literacy, these encouraging tips will feel like an easy-to-follow treasure map. Agent: Uwe Stender, Triada US Literary. (Apr.)