As part of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, this brochure (in English and Spanish) provides a guide to assist parents in helping their children become ready to read and to learn. The suggestions include: (1) talking to infants/toddlers to help them learn to speak and understand the meaning of words; (2) reading to infants every day starting at 6 months of age; (3) using sounds, songs, gestures, and words that rhyme to help infants learn about language and its uses; (4) pointing out printed words in home and other places; (5) taking children's books and writing materials whenever parents leave home with their children; (6) creating a quiet, special place in the home to read, write, and draw; (7) helping children see that reading is important; (8) limiting the amount and type of television watched; and (9) reaching out to libraries and community and faith-based organizations for help in finding age-appropriate books, showing creative ways to use books, and providing year-round children's reading and educational activities. (KB)