Children often want their own place to keep books that have special meaning for them. By encouraging children to set aside their personal favorites, you are helping them express their affection and respect for books. Here are some tips for helping children set up collections:

• Find a special place for books. If your child's
  room doesn't have a bookshelf or bookcase, use
  a box, basket, or other sturdy container. Plastic
  stacking cubes work well.
• As often as possible, let your children choose
  the books they want to add to their collection.
  A book-buying trip to a yard sale or bookstore
  is a fun Saturday activity.
• Take your children to the library regularly.
  Even a child with a well-stocked bookshelf
  needs a fresh supply of books. Encourage
  children to treat library books with the same
  care they show their own.
• Give your children books or magazine
  subscriptions as gifts.
• For babies and young toddlers, choose sturdy
  books that will survive rough handling. Board
  books, for example, have thick pages that can
  be turned easily and wiped clean.