This book concerns a neglected aspect of the education of bilingual children, namely, their potential desire and ability to learn to read before age 5. The basis of the study is considered in the chapter on children as early learners, which provides accounts of children being taught to read from the age of 6 months to 4 years. The next part of the study is presented in the chapter on preschool reading and the bilingual child. Here accounts are given of how three families taught their children to read in two languages before the children entered kindergarten. It is noted that generally the parent-teacher's task consists of reading the child's wishes, inventing games to stimulate this interest, and including the child in their conversations and activities. It is also observed that early reading seems to be related to establishing a sense of personal and social values. The final chapter uses these accounts to develop specific methods and techniques for parents who wish to guide their children to early reading in two languages. (AMH)