Sometimes, there’s nothing children love more than being read to. In fact, reading can be a tradition with every visit. You can bring a book for each child, depending on their age, or one book for all the nieces and nephews to enjoy. You can start the children on a new series, so they look forward to the next installment with your next visit, or bring books based on their various interests. School-age children can help you read the story to the younger children.

Of course you can also read them one of their favorites from their own libraries, though sometimes it seems that the only book they want to hear is the same book you always read to them, over and over again. But children don’t get bored with repetition like we do. In fact, they actually find comfort in it. To entertain them (and yourself) try reading the book in different voices or accents. Or give each child a role to read.  Even if they can’t read, they’ll often know their role by heart since they’ve heard the story so many times.

Older children may enjoy a chapter book, where each visit you read a new chapter. It’s a very special time with your niece or nephew, who will always associate you with the book.

What are your favorite reading time stories? Which books do you suggest for other Savvy Aunties to read to their nieces and nephews?