"It is amazing to have a book to give out at well child check ups for the first 5 years. Now every visit starts with a smile, and the kids love having a new book to take home. It also sends a very powerful message to parents that we physicians consider reading to their child and fostering the love of learning as important as vaccines and general health. It is wonderful to watch children leave the office with books in their hands (or mouths). I know our Reach Out and Read program will make a difference in their lives." (Jill Alexander, M.D., Mom and Pediatrician)   "Reading is one of the greatest pleasures of being alive. Being read too, is of course at the top of the list. When I was in school, Potwin Grade School in Topeka, Kansas, my favorite class was the 4th grade. Miss Watson was my teacher and she read to us "the Secret Garden". We all lived for that class........ When I got to High School my favorite class was a class on English Literature. I can't remember the teachers name but all of us were in love with her because she read to us 'The Lady of the Lake' and 'Ivanhoe' and she became the heroine even though she was a gray haired lady. When do you start reading to children? When do you stop? The answer is you can never start too early (even while they are in the womb). And you never stop listening to stories, I personally listen to at least 40 books on tape or CDs a year just while driving around running errands in Ames and I am in my 70's. Our library is a great source of education and entertainment." (Bill Boon, Volunteer Reader in McFarland Clinic Pediatric Waiting Room)    "When our daughter born. I received a Baby Talk visit in the hospital and a baby book and early literacy information from the library. She was only a few hours old when her picture was taken with the book. We continue to read to her every day. Since then, what has worked best for us was to follow her lead. Even when she was small, she showed us by her actions what books were most interesting. I am very supportive of Baby Talk’s reading readiness program, and I hope everyone will gain from it." (Amy Edmonds, Mom)    “I am so glad I went to the Baby Talk Annual Meeting. Reading the books on the table, plus listening to the speakers, especially Dr. Alexander, made me realize that I haven’t been reading to my new grandson nearly enough! I want him to love books and reading as much as I do, and to associate those pleasures with me! I’m making a point of reading to him whenever I see him." (Marilyn Moehlmann) "I think Reach Out and Read is a fabulous program. There's no bonding time more special than cuddling up together to read with my children. Whether reading with my infant daughter as she makes those vital first connections with her world, or with my two school-aged girls who use reading to learn and to fuel their imaginations, this is sacred time for us to be together and escape the often all-too-busy, media frenzied world.  As an elementary school teacher, I see first-hand the benefits of reading with young children.  Children who are read to are hungry to learn, explore and imagine.  Because they've learned to listen and converse when being read to, they are ready to listen and respond in the school setting - and they are without a doubt more prepared and more eager to become readers themselves.  Reading to children is a true gift - and a gift that can start at birth!  The rewards are priceless." ( Christy Franco, Mom and Teacher)