Children who read often have bigger vocabularies and stronger comprehension skills. And a Pew Research survey reported that reading is considered the second most important skill kids need to get ahead. So start a new chapter in your child’s life by raising a reader with these tips.

Studies show that reading to babies (even before they’re born!) can boost vocabulary and give them a head start to reading. Luckily infants aren’t too discerning and will listen to you read pretty much anything—newspapers, romance novels, the back of the cereal box. Beginning readers, however, need engagement through adorable photos, compelling stories, and rhyming text. Get started with a sneak peek at the new early-reader book