Capturing Children's Imagination during Book Week at Midtown Makers

BOOK WEEK IN MIDTOWN MAKERS

by Jim Stevenson

I remember, when my kids were young, they always wanted me to put them to bed, because I was better at reading and telling them stories, with the different voices of the characters. Either reading or a made-up story, was looked forward to with a certain joy, when I created a world for them, that they enjoyed and so this week, as my eldest son’s Birthday falls, I decided that why not make it Book Week, he always a good story. So here in Midtown Makers it’s Book Week.

Enjoy and take time to read, you may enjoy it and learn something.

When your children begin listening to your stories, they are learning. Each book introduces new words, sounds, and ideas that help develop communication skills. As children hear stories told to them, they begin to understand about language, making it easier for them to learn to read and write themselves.

A Dad reading to his children

Reading helps concentration and listening skills. As children follow a story, they learn to pay attention, remember details, and understand sequences of events—important skills that support learning throughout their lives. Remember that if you make up a story, they will remember better than you will about the characters

Each story opens doors to new worlds, they will travel to distant lands, meet fascinating characters, and have adventures with them beyond their everyday lives, encouraging their thinking, which helps them to listen and learn to picture scenes in their mind and helps children understand emotions and relationships. Through character’s experiences, they learn about happiness, sadness, friendship, courage, kindness.

Stories can also create comfort during challenging times. Children often identify with characters who face fears, obstacles, or navigate new experiences, this helps them understand their own feelings. It introduces children to people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This makes them appreciate diversity and helps them understand that others may think, feel, and live differently from themselves.

Ralphie's Day of Dress Up by Rebekah Beatrix

Some of the most cherished childhood memories are created while sitting beside a parent, grandparent, carer, or teacher talking about stories with children, showing them about kindness, respect, sharing, and understanding others, which builds empathy and social awareness. It provides dedicated time to connect, talk, laugh, and learn. It creates routines that offer children comfort and security while those ten minutes a day makes a difference in a child's development while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Research shows that children who are regularly read to often enter school with stronger language skills, better concentration, and a greater readiness to learn. A love of reading developed in early childhood can continue throughout life, opening doors to knowledge, education, creativity, and opportunity. This connects them with local history, traditions, life, and community allowing them to connect with the place they call home.

The Shrew with the Flu' written by Will Hamilton-Davies, illustrated by Jennifer Davison

Books are more than pages and pictures—they are tools for learning, imagination, emotional growth, and connection. Every story shared with a child plants a seed. Some seeds grow into confident readers, some into creative thinkers, and others into lifelong learners. Whatever path they take, the simple act of reading together can have a lasting impact that reaches far beyond childhood.

So, open a book, find a comfortable seat, and begin a new adventure. The next story could help shape a young mind for years to come. We have a wonderful selection of Northern Irish writers and illustrators' book here in Midtown Makers, including Jen's Sketches, Hemlock Hollow and Skye Springer. Call in and pick up a book from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.

Front cover of book Skye and the Swallows, featuring drawing of a black and white spaniel dog jumpi