DAPHNE, Ala. — No matter how well-intentioned many parents and grandparents might be, there are simply times when they can’t always be there to read a story to the children in their lives. There’s a solution, however.

Daphne resident and former television news anchor Drexel Gilbert, now a motivational speaker, developed “I Love It When You Read to Me” as a way children can experience the joy of having a loved one read to them, even when the parent, grandparent or another who is close to them is unable to be there.

Gilbert records on video the reading of one of her children’s books, which will then be made available to the child who will be reading along. She said the idea began coming to fruition around five years ago when she talked with a mother overwhelmed by job responsibilities lamented the loss of quality time with their child.

“I’d been there. I lived it,” Gilbert said. “For eight years, I got up at 2 o’clock in the morning to go to work, and spent time on the job and had small children, so I had compassion for her.”

For the next few years, Gilbert researched various aspects of families and family life before fully developing a solution. She said, “Parents and grandparents want to spend more time with their children, and they do when it’s possible, but there are times when circumstances in life mean we just can’t be where we want to be. I thought back to my own kids, and what they wanted from me and my husband when they were young.

“They loved when we’d read to them. They were constantly saying, ‘read me a book,’ and so that stuck with me. That led to the idea of using my skills from all those years in television to put together this production.

“That’s really what it is – a production. We go into places where parents and grandparents congregate, and we have a backdrop; we have our set. We’re mobile. We can set up wherever we needed.”

Gilbert records the reading then edits them into a polished and professional video, complete with music.

She said, “They have created lifetime memories for their child or grandchild, and they have bridged that gap of time when they can’t be with that child.”

Sometimes children are the ones reading a book, and it becomes a gift for parents or grandparents. Even cousins take part from time to time, reading a book to younger family members.

“I realized this was a challenge, and needed a solution. I thought perhaps I could fill the need,” Gilbert said. “There may be some variations on it, but nothing to this degree.

“For the next 10 minutes, that camera is your child or grandchild. Make it personal, and make them feel like you’re in the room with them.”

Gilbert noted the child can sit in front of a television or computer and read along, stretching their imagination. She added, “They’re learning, but they think they’re having fun.”

The books utilize the letters of the alphabet, and words are intended to increase a child’s verbal skills.

“I try to incorporate words children use all the time in their vocabulary, as well as words they might not know,” she said.

Eastern Shore artist Leslie Spradlin provided the colorful illustrations. Gilbert said, “We had been looking on a project to work on together for quite some time, and I was thrilled she was available.”

The books are aimed at children around 2 years old to 7 or 8 years old. Gilbert pointed out, “We’re getting an awesome response to these books.”

Books are $12.95 each. Video production is $19.95 for the first, $16.95 for the second and $14.95 for the third, if all are recorded at one session. She travels to places like churches and other public venues so several readings can be recorded at one time. Reservations are recommended.

Gilbert said, “We don’t want the child to just sit there and watch TV. We want them to be engaged.

“We’re not advocating this as something you should do instead of actually reading to your child, but we understand how life goes. You sometimes have to be away from your child.”

To learn more, visit Gilbert’s website at www.iloveitwhenyoureadtome.net.