I grew up in a house filled with books and we were read to every night by my mother. We read P.D. Eastman, Dr. Seuss and Robert McCloskey. I especially loved the pictures in the Robert McCloskey books "Blueberries for Sal," "One Morning in Maine," and "Make Way for Ducklings." I also remember the thrill of being able to read on my own so I could escape to different worlds without having to wait for someone to read to me. I hope your article inspires people to read more to their children and teach them the joy of picking up a book, holding it, looking through it — even the smell of the books, which is another great memory.

JOHN ATKINSON, Fridley