The answer to that is -- everyone.

Developing good reading skills does not only mean that you can read a novel or a nonfiction book or a magazine or newspaper, it also means being able to read -- and understand-- a credit card contract or an insurance policy. Or directions for putting together that new shelving unit you just bought. Or instructions for how to install a new printer to use with your computer. Or qualifications you need to apply for a job or to take out a loan to buy a house. Or that article you found on Internet advising consumers about best, most economical car to buy.

Possessing good reading skills also means you can read and understand a product label. Or directions for taking medication. Or warnings printed on a bottle of household cleaner.

In addition, developing good reading skills means that you can think for yourself. That you can read about advantages and disadvantages of anything from breast feeding to homeschooling to taking a vacation to Ireland. And then you make up your own mind about what's best for you and your family.

If opportunity presents itself, I urge you to take time to read to a child. Or take time to let a child see you reading. Everyone will benefit. The child. You. Our society. The world as a whole.

And if you're looking for books to read that tell good true-life stories, that focus on old-fashioned family values, and that present some of history of rural America in narrative memoir form, visit http://ruralroute2.com to read sample chapters from my books, "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)" and "Give Me a Home Where Dairy Cows Roam." (Also please note that there's free shipping (!) on books ordered from author.)

There is a multitude of characters from cartoons that you can utilize for baby room themes. Try Superman, Aladdin, Lion King, Curious George, Snoopy, Cinderella, or Mickey Mouse. How about pirates, knights, princesses, castles, cowboys, Peter Pan, and Tinkerbell?

You'll have no problem finding bedding, lamps, rocking chairs, and other accessories with these design figures. You can even choose animals for baby room themes, such as frogs, bugs, and goldfish. Buy a table and chair set painted with snails, butterflies, moths, ladybugs and caterpillars.

Or furniture with bold colors and patterns, such as lime green chunky ball feet on tables, and chairs with polka dots decorating purple table and chair legs.

Transportation themes are also easy to coordinate when you are deciding on a baby room theme. Pick planes, trains, bicycles, or automobiles. Use bright primary colors and put up a display of model trains or vintage cars.

Whichever theme you decide on, choose a design that is appropriate for an infant and a toddler. Use inexpensive, stain-repellant area rugs that can be replaced when you want to update design.

The frog lamps, duck mobiles, and framed pictures of lions and tigers can easily be switched to pictures of latest cartoon heroes when your infant becomes a toddler.

The most important factor in choosing a baby room theme is to make sure it's safe and comfortable for your baby.

Then figure out all activities that room will be used for and go from there. The sky, literally, is limit!