Will you read me a story? If you do, I'll take my turn And read one to you. We can share poems, And tales of old, Riddles and jokes They can all be told. Let's sit together, And snuggle tight, Come, Mom, come, Dad, Let's read tonight!                            - Marilyn Helmer Good fortune Both my parents were great readers and so I had the good fortune of being read to as a child. On my sixth birthday, I was given my own library card.  When I walked into the children's department of the local library, I decided that I would read every single book in it.  I didn't manage to accomplish that goal but I did become an avid reader and reading is still one of my favorite pastimes.  I'll let you in on a secret.  Although I do read a wide variety of adult books, it is children's books that I read most often and love best of all. The magic of books When my children were born, one of the joys of parenthood was reading to them.  I shared my favorite books with them and together we discovered new ones.  Soon my children had a list of their own favorites, stories they wanted to hear over and over again.  I marveled at the magic of books that could so engross and fascinate them.  What a challenge, to capture a child's attention and imagination through story!  I knew then that this was something I wanted to do myself.  I wanted to see my own words on the pages of a book that a child could open, read and enjoy. And so my dream of writing for children was born.  It's never too early or too late To all of you who are aspiring writers - it's never too early or too late to get started.  The more you practice, the more skilled you will become.  Take pen in hand or put fingers to the keyboard and WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! Good writing is learned by practice and it is also learned by reading.  Go to your library or the nearest bookstore, check out some of the wonderful books you'll find there and READ, READ, READ!