NONFICTION : THE RIF GUIDE TO ENCOURAGING YOUNG READERS by Reading Is Fundamental, edited by Ruth Graves (Doubleday: $16.95, hardcover; $8.95, paperback; 324 pp.).

One of the most important gifts parents can give their children is the desire to read and the recognition that reading can be a lifelong source of information, knowledge and joy. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), America’s largest reading motivation program, is a national nonprofit organization associated with the Smithsonian Institution.

“The RIF Guide to Encouraging Young Readers,” edited by Ruth Graves, is designed to help parents and other adults make reading an adventure for children. The book begins with a brief introduction by the editor, in which she describes how to use the book and offers some helpful tips for encouraging young readers. Graves wisely advises parents to “relax, trust your instincts and enjoy your children.”

The heart of the guide is the hundreds of activities suggested for engaging children and books. The ideas, drawn in part from RIF volunteers across the country, are presented recipe-style, with age ranges suggested for each activity. The book also contains an excellent, annotated list of more than 200 books that will interest children, and lists of helpful publications, organizations and other resources.

The guide is compiled with care and full of ideas to help concerned parents inspire their children’s interest in reading and books.