They should present the child with quality literature and help their child self-select what to read. Then they should read along. Once your child is talking, he or she can chime in after the first line has been read.
Children enjoy cumulative tales and stories with a set beginning, middle and end.
These stories allow the child to understand a definite pattern. Take a second to tell the child about the story, but don't give away the ending. Create interest by asking what the child thinks will happen to the characters. Associate the books with reality. Imaginative uses of ordinary items will draw your child into the story.