Reading TogetherI know that reading together likely not an activity between grandparents and their grandchildren that requires too much explanation, but I will ramble on a bit anyhow... Reading with your grandchildren is an opportunity to cuddle and a most excellent way to initiate and maintain a love for reading and literature. I recently re-read a book that my dear Grandmother Rempel read to me when I was about ten ("Beautiful Joe"). I had forgotten the story but I have never forgotten the quiet warmth and love that my granny conveyed as she turned the pages. My other grandmother had the "Books of Knowledge" (early home encyclopedias) that I pored over when visiting... but I truly appreciated the being read to. 
What to Read? Small children enjoy picture books, the fewer words, the better. This gives you an opportunity to teach a little about how to turn pages, to have the child contribute to the story line, and to just enjoy the snuggling. Older toddlers and young children will likely have books they like to have read to them (if you are at their home). They may know the story off by heart. This becomes a co-reading opportunity. Again, more snuggling. If you want to have an idea of some great children's books chosen by librarians for young children, go here Respect for Books: I know that I might come off as an old 'fuddy-duddy', but I also look for opportunities to impart some basic values and ethics when reading together. Keeping the books tidy and tear-free means the book will be around for the next generation to look at. Putting the book back-where-you-got-it- from means that Mommy or Daddy will have one less thing to pick up at the end of the day. And, of course, this is doubly important where library books are concerned. It is not a huge, punishable deal if a page gets torn or colored on, but it is useful as a lesson if the child is there to watch you scotch-tape the page and be given another try. (Little children probably should stick to cloth and board books until they can master the turning of thin paper pages). Have fun with this most pleasurable of all activities for children and grandparents!
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