Little bundles for little bookworms

LOVE FROM MALI: Little Bundles co-ordinator Hayley Inder said the inspiration for her latest community project, Mali's Book Bags, was inspired by her book-loving daughter Mali, 2.

A big-hearted Masterton mum's latest community project is inspired by her little girl's favourite thing -- books.

Hayley Inder has launched new initiative Mali's Book Bags (named after two-year-old daughter Mali) to collect donations of pre-loved children's books for families in need of extra support.

All books collected will be distributed to Parents As First Teachers (PAFT) Wairarapa to assist with its programme of helping parents engage with their children's development.

Mali's Book Bags is an extension of Hayley's community programme Little Bundles, whereby low-income families receive second-hand clothing, books, blankets and bassinets donated by members of the community.

Hayley said the idea for the new project came from little Mali's love of books which she has worked to instil in her daughter from birth.

Mali will also be involved in the book bags project, helping Mum assemble the parcels and putting her "signature" on each one.

"She's pretty crazy about books," Hayley said of her daughter.

"Whenever we put books into our Little Bundles, she wants to pick them up and flip through them.

"But she knows they're for the other boys and girls to read with their mummies."

Hayley read to Mali when she was very young -- but her very active baby was easily distracted.

But, at 10 months old, she was "right into it".

"I think I was reading her about 20 to 30 books a day," Hayley said.

"I've got photos of her when she's learning to stand, holding herself up against the coffee table and looking at a book."

Most precious to Hayley was the bonding time she and Mali shared while reading together.

This inspired her to involve PAFT in her project, as one of the organisation's main aims is helping parents foster a love of books and stories in their youngsters.

"Reading is one of those shared activities you can do together for years to come.

"Mali is a busy little girl, but reading together is our close and cuddly time.

"If children associate cuddles with something they enjoy, like reading, they will be more likely to carry it on later in life."

Reading to a child from a young age can also help them develop a wide vocabulary and good listening skills by the time they start school.

"Even to just looking at the pictures together can help the child be more aware of the world around them."

So far, Hayley has received about 50 paper bags from Kathmandu Masterton for the book parcels -- which will be inscribed with the note "With Love from Mali" and some felt pen drawings from the namesake herself.

Mali has been a part of Little Bundles since she was five months old, and Hayley hopes she will continue to be involved as she grows.

"Whenever we put a bundle out on our doorstep to be picked up, she runs to the window to see if it's gone. She's a very caring kid and that's a good quality to encourage."

For more information, or if you have books to donate, call Hayley Inder, (06)3780061, or email little.bundles.masterton@gmail.com.