The Love of Reading Starts Long Before the First Book

The joy of reading doesn’t begin the moment a child opens a book—it begins long before that. It starts in conversations, in playful moments with language, in curiosity, and in trusting relationships that help children feel confident exploring the world around them. I’ve seen this firsthand, both as an educator and as a parent. With my own children, I watched how early conversations, storytelling, and playful interactions with words, built confidence and a love of language long before formal reading instruction began.  

In the classroom, I learned how honoring these early moments creates a foundation that allows children to approach reading with joy rather than pressure. At Gryphon House, we’ve always believed that strong literacy grows from these early experiences, and that educators play a powerful role in shaping them. 

That belief is what makes me especially excited to share our first new release of the year, Ready to Read. We know that implementing the Science of Reading in pre-K and kindergarten classrooms can feel overwhelming. Many educators are eager to do right by their students, yet are left with questions about what this research truly means for young learners. Ready to Read meets educators exactly where they are, offering clear guidance, practical strategies, and reassurance that developmentally appropriate practice and strong literacy foundations go hand in hand. 

Edited and co-written by Latisha Hayes, PhD, associate professor at the University of Virginia and director of UVA’s McGuffey Reading Services, this book brings together insights from fourteen leading literacy experts to demystify the science of reading for early childhood classrooms. The strategies are intentionally designed for pre-K and kindergarten, honoring how young children learn while equipping teachers with the tools and confidence they need to support every child’s reading journey. 

At Gryphon House, our goal has always been to connect theory to best practice in ways that feel accessible, joyful, and meaningful. Ready to Read does exactly that. It reminds us that when we nurture language, play, and connection early on, we’re not just teaching children to read; we’re helping them fall in love with learning itself. 

We are proud to begin an exciting year of new releases with a book that reflects our commitment to educators and to the children they serve. I hope Ready to Read  becomes a trusted companion in your classroom and a source of confidence as you support young readers at the very start of their journey. 

Rebecca Berlin 
President, Gryphon House