Can you remember the books you read as a child and how they transported you to another place and time? Give that gift to your own children by spending just a few minutes a day going on an adventure together through a good book. 

Reading to a child can help strengthen his or her self-esteem and learning skills. It can also reinforce the bond between parent and child. The memory of being read to every night after dinner or at bedtime is one that will be recalled fondly over a lifetime. Recently launched literacy awareness program, "Read With Your Child 15 Minutes a Day", promotes the many benefits and joys of reading. The program, sponsored by California-based Shea Homes, a nationwide family owned and operated home building company, encourages parents of preschool age children to read to their kids at least 15 minutes a day. "I've always been a firm believer that reading is the key to everything. If you read, you will be successful," said Dave Schaefer, a Chino Hills father and grandfather who enjoys reading to his two grandchildren.

 Setting aside 15 minutes a day is a realistic goal for many busy parents. It's something that can be done by anyone and doesn't require anything other than a good book and a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Add to the experience by visiting a library or bookstore with your child and choosing books you both enjoy. If you have a special hobby or interest, share it with your child by choosing related, age appropriate books. Think about what you enjoyed reading as a child. Your youngster might enjoy the same stories. Scholastic offers reading recommendations based on age. Infants to 2-year-olds may enjoy Where's the Baby? by Cheryl Christian, which will have little ones hunting for a hiding baby under the flaps of the board book. Little Bear, by Elsa Holmelund Minarik tells the stories of a bear and his mommy complemented by the drawings of the renowned Maurice Sendak. For the 3 to 6-year-old consider Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? a cheerful, rhyming jaunt by the popular Eric Carle. The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams is a beloved classic about a toy that yearns to be real. "Setting aside 15 minutes a day is a very manageable time commitment for any parent or caregiver and the potential impact to our nation's future is phenomenal," said Bill Pisetsky, Shea Homes vice president of sales and marketing.