Do you like to read? I think you do!

You were always interested in things with writing on them. Even before you realized that the writing was made up of things called “words” and they have sounds and that’s how we talk to each other, you knew they were special.

Here are some photos of you being a smart young lady and doing a great job at reading. The picture of the book on top is a book for you I got for you a few days ago (I think on Sunday, October 6th, 2024). The book feels sad, but I hope it doesn’t make you sad when you read it. When I read it, I was very sad because I missed you a lot. But it’s okay. I will see you soon. I promise!

I wrote you a note in the front cover, like I do with every book I get for you. If you like it, you can keep it forever (it’s your book!) If you don’t like it, maybe we can give it to a friend or someone in our family. Giving things to people we love feels very nice. I know it sounds funny and strange, but sometimes its better to give a gift than receive a gift! Just like I love giving things for you, but I also love when you draw or sing for me.

I love that picture of us reading! We both look very serious… which is funny! because we are always joking around and laughing.

The book of you holding with two of your hands is one that your Uncle Justin bought you. He wrote you a special message in the book. If you haven’t met Uncle Justin yet, I will make sure that you will. He is a very smart and kind person. We have known each other for a long time, over ten years! This was his favorite book when he was little. And you have read it many, many times. It is a very good book!

I know it might seem hard at first, I will always help you with whatever you need. With reading, homework, or any project you would like to do. For school or for someone else or for yourself. I would love to help! Just like giving a gift, helping someone feels really nice, too!

And remember, learning anything new is hard at first. But it gets easier and easier the more we practice it.

I like to read by myself, but I think reading with you is even more fun. I like when you point to things that are interesting in the story, or when you explain things to me. You help me a lot! I would love to read with you any time.

There are so many different kinds of books! Interesting ones, funny ones, cute ones… There’s always a nice story and sometimes nice pictures. We can slow down and talk about the things that are going on. Especially in long books! It’s okay if it takes a long time.

Grown ups read books without pictures in them. It may seem sad and boring at first. But you will see that, when you read, you can imagine what is going on in your head. The “pictures” appear in our heads as we read! That’s because we all have a special power called imagination. That’s what makes us able to play, to be creative, and also (not a lot of people know this) to be smart!

This is a book I am reading now. I used to read a lot when I was younger because it helps me relax and learn new things. This one doesn’t have any pictures in it, but it is very interesting! It is about being an artist and what that means. I think everybody is an artist. And you are a great artist! Do you like being an artist?

One day, if you want, we can read this book together.

I am trying to read more and more because I want to try to get into the habit of reading again! If things become a habit, it means that we do them all the time.

Usually, its because we like to do these things again and again. It can be reading, playing basketball, dancing, painting, singing… Anything you’d like! But it can also be other important things, like brushing your teeth, taking a bath, feeding our pets, or eating food at a certain time (for example, to eat lunch at lunch time). If you have good habits, you can live a healthier, more fun, and fulfilling life.

I know these are big words (and there are so many!), but don’t worry, you will learn all the words you need before you know it. And I am one of many people who love you and will help you with anything that you want. You can always come to me with anything, forever.

You are, after all, my smart little squirrel.

I love you lots and lots and a few lots more…

daddy ♥