Alicia Keys loves reading with her son Egypt, two, and says the little boy particularly enjoys books about trucks.

The 'Girl on Fire' hitmaker loves reading with little Egypt - whose father is her husband Swizz Beatz - and says the youngster's favourite books are those about haulage vehicles because he is so "fascinated" by the different types.

She said: "We like any books that are about trucks because Egypt is fascinated by them. He can look at a picture of trucks and name every kind that there is - even an excavator."

The 31-year-old musician is keen for Egypt to experience art and culture, both in the home and on excursions.

She told Scholastic Parent & Child's December/January issue: "We love to go to art galleries and to the park.

"We love to do painting days and to visit our family - and we also love to run around our house and just go nuts!"

Alicia feels more fulfilled now she is a mother but admits she finds it hard to be away from her little boy for any length of time.

She said: "Being a parent has made me more open, more connected to myself, more happy, and more creative. I'm more discerning in what I do and how I do it. It's just made me a better person all the way around.

"What's been surprisingly easy is just how natural parenthood feels. I feel great about how easily I've fallen into the role. I love it!

"What's been surprisingly hard about becoming a mom is being away from him and trying to find that magical balance for everything, which I kind of expected."