Provides parents with practical advice, games and activities, and lists of children's books and resources for helping children read. Part I gives background information on reading and education, with chapters on America's reading crisis, why reading to children is important, the whole language and phonics controversy, and how children learn to read. Part II spells out ways to help a child in preschool through third grade, and discusses reading difficulties and disabilities. Includes a glossary, and lists of recommended books. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.