Recently, as I was browsing the children's section at a nearby bookstore, a grandmother approached me and asked what books I would recommend for her grandchildren. As we discussed titles, we got to talking about how important it is to read to your children. It's true, studies show that reading to your child will build their vocabulary, stimulate their imagination, and improve their communication skills. In fact, many studies have shown that language skills — and even intelligence — are related to how many words an infant hears each day.
When I got home I made a list of some of my favorite books, here they are in no particular order:
1. Good Night Moon
A true classic, and one that I remember MY mom reading to me. I could repeat every word of this book in college—it clearly made an impact on me!
2. Pat The Bunny
My sister is 17 years younger than I am and I can recall reading this book to her. Years later it has become one of my children’s favorites too. Who doesn’t love to play peek a boo with Paul?
3. The Runaway Bunny
Another classic and one I think should be re-read in those pre-teen years. I remember my mom reading this to me when I was being a bit “difficult.”
4. The Giving Tree
The most beautiful book about unconditional love, forgiveness and generosity.
5. Where is Baby’s Mommy?
Finding Mommy under the blanky always brings out a big smile on my two babies.
6. Owl Babies
The suspense in this book is palpable! Every time Mommy swoops in soft and silent my little ones bounce and flap their arms with joy.
7. Freight Train
If you have a train lover like I do this one is a must have. Need a little help naming the parts of a train? This book will clear it all up for you and your little engineer.
8. I Love You Through and Through
We got so many “I love you” books when my daughter was born, but this one is our absolute favorite. It always held my kids attention beginning at a very young age. A beautiful way to tell your child you love all of them.
9. The Lovables in the Kingdom of Self-Esteem
This could be my all time favorite. This book’s message may be a little too advanced for very young children, but the animals will grab their attention none the less. My three year old loves the pictures and I know that over time the message that she is loveable has gotten though to her. No one is too young or too old to read or listen to this story.
10. That’s Not My Puppy: Its Coat Is Too Hairy
We have several of these touch and feel books and we love them all—not to mention they are HARDY little books (so our tiny destroyer cannot annihilate them in seconds) unlike many other board books. With so many different textures to feel these books are always chosen at bedtime.
11. My Little Golden Book About God
This book was published in the 1950s and I can still recall sitting in my mother’s arms as she read this book to me. In fact, my copy is from 1975! This is one of my all time favorite books because God is not described as any specific religion or as a man in the sky. Simply put, God is presented as all encompassing, great and loving, no more. When our children were very young we kept the story simple by merely describing in each picture how God was present, but now we read each page and my daughter especially enjoys reading this book and reminding us of all God made.
12. My Good Morning Book
Another oldie but goodie this is a beautiful story about a child’s early morning activities. My kids love to see what happens next and marvel at the fact that they do these very same things when they wake up.
13. Tom Arma’s Bird Count
This is a very simple book but I have to say this is one you should have in your library. BOTH of my kids LOVED this book as young babies--and as a result of us reading it 100 times a week they could both count to 5 by the time they were 15 months old!
14. Excuse Me!
A darling book about manners, this book is delightful without being preachy. I especially love how the author gives appropriate actions for things kids just “do”.
15. Peaceful Piggy Meditation
I highly recommend this book for your child. (And you too!) This is a brilliant book that introduces children to mindfulness, peace and how important it is to SLOW DOWN and take a break when needed.
16. If You Were My Bunny
This book is about the relationship between mothers and their children. This charming book is full of catchy songs with revised lyrics done to standard lullabies. Even if you’re not an American Idol your child will love this darling book.
17. Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day
This is a fantastic book for your moody toddler. This book has great illustrations and is incredibly silly and witty. More importantly however, it teaches that it is okay to have feelings—good or bad.
18. Where The Wild Things Are
When Max misbehaves he is sent to his room, but there, in that room, he enters an imaginary world where he is King of the Wild Things. I love that this book stimulates a little ones imagination but also emphasizes that even though the grass may look greener --nothing beats being home with those who love you most.
19. My Dog Lyle
If you have a dog, or are an animal lover you must have this book! As the little girl in the story explains how her dog Lyle is anything but ordinary your kids will be laughing out loud. My kids love hearing all of the funny adjectives used to describe this one of a kind pup.
20. It’s Potty Time
At 20 months we started potty training our daughter and this book was an enormous help. When my daughter would push the button and hear the toilet flush she would laugh right along with the little girl in the story. I think this book makes “going potty” fun and exciting and I highly recommend it.
Missing these from your library? Check them out here.
What are your favorites?
