Dd started to learn to read before age 2. She was a teeny tiny thing and dh started amusing her with words to keep her entertained in her high chair, in hopes she might tolerate staying longer and eating a little more. It started with looking at the writing on the Cheerios box, evolved to writing 3-letter words in large letters on the Cheerios box, and then to 3x5 note cards. They had progressed to "through", "though", and "thought" before she was out of the high chair.
Also, when not in the high chair, she used to haul around a DK alphabet book - it was almost as big as her. Shortly after her second birthday, she could read enough to be a back seat driver - "NO PARKING, Daddy."
At 12yo, she is still in love with the printed word. (And she grew - now 5'3"!!)
