Parent-Child Storytime Going Strong, Since Day 1

Ely Cielto has made good use of her MWFB for Babies Early Literacy Kit, which she received when her daughter Olivia Janea was born more than a year ago.

“The early literacy kit introduced me to songs and poems as well as different books to read to my child during her first year,” said Ely.

Ely cherishes the Baby’s First Year Calendar, in which she recorded all of Olivia’s “firsts,” as a keepsake for Olivia’s first year of life. In addition to the Baby’s First Year Calendar, the kit includes a “Songs for Teaching” CD (music selected by MWFB), a copy of the Baby Faces board book Hugs and Kisses, a “Read to Me” bib and refrigerator magnet, and information on Pima County Public Library locations, hours, and storytimes.

This is one of Mom Ely’s favorite books to share with daughter Olivia.

Making the Most of Early Literacy Kit

Since receiving the kit, Ely and Olivia have not missed a day of reading together. Olivia gets to listen to the “Songs for Teaching” CD when she rides in her father’s car. And, once a week, Ely and Olivia head out to Toddler Storytime at Pima County Public Library’s Mission Branch.

Olivia is turning the pages of books now, pointing to pictures, and saying her first words, among them “Mom,” “Tata,” “papa” (which means eat to Olivia), “uh-oh,” and “moo.” (Olivia’s favorite book these days is My Little People Farm, by Doris Tomaselli, a lift-the-flap book).

Every Milestone a Reason to Smile

“One of Olivia’s first words was book; she pronounces it “buh,” and brings books to us to read to her,” said the proud mama. “We also started sign language with Olivia when she was seven months old and use signs and point to pictures as we read.”

While Olivia takes the lead during storytime, Mom still has her favorites, like I Love You Through and Through. This sweet lap-time cuddle book, by Bernadette Rosetti-Shustak, reads as an affirmation that the child will be loved, from top to bottom, when happy or sad, silent or talking.

“One of Olivia’s first words was book; she pronounces it “buh,” and brings books to us to read to her. We also started sign language with Olivia when she was seven months old and use signs and point to pictures as we read.”
‑ Ely Cielto