Bedtime stories build kids' brain power

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Bedtime stories can do a lot more than bond a parent & child.

New research shows they may boost a child's learning ability and imagination.

Looking at the brains of kids between the ages of 3 and 5 with MRI scans, scientists found more activity in areas linked to language and visual images when they were being read to.

They think that with the stories, preschoolers can "see" or imagine what's happening, even though they can't read the stories.

Since the time before kindergarten is the prime time for brain development, the doctors say the more reading to a child, the better.

So pull out those books and get reading!