As the eldest of the girls, my mom spent a lot of one-on-one time with me, teaching me how to read. I knew how to read some words by the time I was four, and I can still remember her using the classic "Why Johnny Can't Read" book to teach me my phonics. Together, we explored my love of reading as I grew older. She always bought me books, and she would often read them with me. I'll never forget when I was about 7 or 8, she bought me my first set of Little House books in their own shelf-case. I devoured them and loved them dearly. One day she came to me and asked, "Do you mind if I read them, too?" My face lit up. "Sure!" I replied. I handed her the first one, and she read the entire series right along with me. I know that a love of reading and an interest in books starts at home with the parents. I also know that I am very blessed that she took the time to nurture that in me. To this day I read voraciously and adore books of every type and genre... and I owe it all to her.