I think the earth just spun the opposite direction for a minute, because I actually very much agree with Fern on this one. ;> (Sorry, Fern, couldn't help it!)

First, unless you've been to the kid's house, you don't know that he doesn't have any books. I'm not saying that he's lying, per se. But even older preschoolers often OFTEN say things like that to get attention from an adult they like, or even a peer friend.

Again, I'm not sure that you can trust his word that his mom took the books either. I would be very careful about making assumptions. He could have lost them, and it's less threatening to shift the potential disappointment to his mom (whom I assume was not there). I am confused and don't know whether YOU are his daycare teacher, but I know that when I was a preschool teacher I often lent books out to children and families (but always got parental permission/participation first). So that would be one way of seeing if he or she is truly interested.

It sounds like you already have some problems with/impressions of this lady though. I would be very surprised if she did not sense this on some level (and you can bet HE does).

I've learned very painfully by overstepping my bounds as a teacher (though thankfully the parents involved were relatively gentle and understanding even though it must have been annoying for them) that A) preschoolers often love to tell embarrassing stories about their parents to you...and you to their parents and B) unless it's an abusive situation it's better to deal with concerns in a roundabout way rather than assuming the worst because 9 time out of 10 you'll be munching on your mid-thigh within 2 seconds of opening your mouth.

Host a book show and tell day or something like that. Ask the parent what kind of books their kid is into lately, ect. It tends to be a good idea to get a bigger feel on things than an offhand comment by the kid and running with a pretty big assumption.

I'd be tempted in the same way by this situation though. I don't get non-readers at all.
-Kitty, mama to Fiona, Thomas, and Dylan.