Question :  Should I keep trying to read to her, or give it a rest for a while?

"Hi Brett,
I have read to my 2.5 year old daughter since she was born & she has loved it from day one & reading is a regular part of every day (she makes sure of this!!). I also have a 9 month old daughter, who is very different to her sister in most ways. I am having a great deal of difficulty reading anything to her. If I sit her on my lap to read, she doesn't even glance at the book before eagerly shoving it her mouth. I have tried sitting her in her bouncer a few times, so she can't reach the book but she isn't interested & doesn't look at the pictures or pay attention to me reading.
At the moment, all she's getting is overhearing me read to my toddler. I still make at least one attempt to read to her every day, as I feel reading is really important. Should I keep trying or give it a rest for a while?
Any tips would be gratefully accepted!
Thanks
Alison"

Brett Answers:

Hi Alison
Your youngest daughter might not be showing so much interest in books yet, but you should feel lucky she has such a great mentor in her big sister! Having shared reading sessions is perfect. Even though at the moment she might be more interested in what's going on elsewhere, she'll soon become interested in what's engrossing your eldest daughter.

You should absolutely keep trying to get her interested. Even just a few minutes each day will help train her to listen in what, for her, is a new way. Feel free to experiment with many different kinds of books, too. For example, your daughter might not seem interested in a story with narrative, but a short poem or rhyme may hold her attention for just long enough.

Good luck!

Brett