COLUMBUS, Ohio — When it comes other learning a second language, research shows the earlier, the better.

According to the Child Mind Institute, from birth to about age 3 is the ideal time to introduce kids to another language.

A new program offered by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio aims to help families teach multi-lingual literacy by providing free bilingual books to kids monthly up until their fifth birthday.

Ana Soria Sanchez reads to her sons, Dante and Axel, every night.

“It’s part of our daily routine,” she said. “I think it’s a calm moment to share with them, so that’s always great.”

Both boys were enrolled in the Imagination Library, but at age 6, Axel aged out last year. Leaving three-year-old Dante to receive the monthly special deliveries.

“Different sizes, different colors, it’s not like the same drawings,” Sanchez said. “So that definitely helps a lot for the kids to not see the same stuff every night.”

All of Dante’s books moving forward will be written in both English and Spanish.

Ohio is one of five states offering free bilingual books to kids from birth to age five through the Imagination Library. Of the nearly 411,000 total kids enrolled in Ohio’s program, so far more than 3,300 are now receiving the bilingual titles.

It’s a huge help for Sanchez who said she had a hard time finding dual-language books for her kids.

“Practice our Spanish, because in our home that’s important,” she said. “And also learn about new things.”

Using reading to spark the boys’ curiosity and strengthen their understanding of both languages.

“Associate the words and the pictures and know what they mean,” Sanchez said.

The bilingual book program is available to every child in Ohio from birth to age five to help prepare kids for kindergarten. The books are free to families thanks to state funding and donations.

For more information or to sign up, click here.