I started learning to read before I entered kindergarten. My mother, grandmother, and two aunts took a very special interest in my learning and education. As I reflect on this, I believe it was because I was an only child and an only grandchild at this time. I remember my grandmother reading to me Bible Stories for Children. It was a book that included many stories from the Bible that had been worded in a vocabulary suitable for young children to read and understand. I remember hearing about Adam and Eve, Noah and his Ark, the birth of Baby Jesus, and Caine and Abel. These stories still remain as favorites of mine, and I try to share each and every one of them with the Sunday school class that I teach. I just recently purchased a book similar to this one, only its called Bedtime Bible Stories for Children.

My mother, on the otherhand, purchased many different sets of books for me including the Dr. Seuss books, a beginner book series: An I can Read Book that included Morris Goes to School by B. Wiseman, and the Sweet Valley Twin books that featured the lives of two identical twins. These books were my favorite because I loved reading about the adventures of these two twins. My mother also liked to read to me fairytales. I can't begin to count the number of times that I heard Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, or Cinderella. I think these three were her favorites.

Although, I can't pinpoint the day or time when I knew I could read, I still remember the enjoyment that I felt from reading a book. As a young girl, I remember going to the Horse Cave Public Library once or twice a week to check out books. I liked to check out books by the authors Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume. Two of my favorite books by these authors are Dear Mr. Henshaw and Dear God, It's Me Margaret. I believe I was about Margaret's age when I read this book. This book was really helpful to me in dealing with some of the emotional problems I was facing as a teenager. I also read countless number of books from the Nancy Drew Series. As I've grown older, I still enjoy reading children's books. Amongst my favorites, you will find all the very books by Eric Carle. For a chill and thrill, I read books written by Stephen King.