This is a snapshot of how important books and stories are for children.
♣ Sitting down with a book provides children with a time for quiet and calmness in their busy lives
♣ Stories can stimulate  imagination and play
♣ Reading provides parents with more opportunities to bond with their children
♣ Stories provoke curiosity and discussion
♣ Books provides inspiration, thought and reflection
♣ Picture books help readers to develop an appreciation for art and writing
♣ Reading a variety of books exposes children to a wide range of language features and vocabulary
♣ Listening to stories assists in the development of  literacy skills and language development
♣ Exposure to books contributes to the understanding of print concepts (eg. left to right, top to bottom)
♣ Books and stories fill a child’s mind with knowledge

Source: http://www.mylittlebookcase.com.au