A Librarian Mom's Favorite Books: What I Love to Read to My Child

As a school librarian and mother of a preschool-aged boy, I love reading books. Children's books are a passion of mine. There are certain titles, for various reasons, that I love reading again and again to my son. If you are looking for some great titles to read to your kids, check out my selections for my top 10 favorite books to read to young children.

Too Many Toys by David Shannon. David Shannon, best known for his "David" books for toddlers, has written this wonderfully fun book that gets across his point beautifully. Too Many Toys describes young Spencer, a little boy that could be any of ours, and his affection for every single toy in his collection of seemingly millions. Funny and fun to read, Toy Many Toys is an excellent book to read to your preschooler.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Okay, so sure this is a seasonal favorite, but reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas never gets old for this mother librarian. The beautiful rhyming verse and even more beautiful moral to the story makes this one of my very favorite books to read to my preschooler again and again.

I Love You as Much by Laura Krauss Melmed. This beautifully illustrated book is short and sweet and absolutely adorable. I love reading this touching book to my son. The rhyming words and animal watercolor illustrations catch his attention, while the sweet message warms my heart.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. In a departure from his usual silly poetry, author Shel Silverstein tells the heartwarming tale of a young boy and a very special tree. This classic is one of my favorite stories to read. It is touching and interesting and enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.

The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop. This retelling of a Chinese folktale takes a look at five very unique brothers, each with his own special power. The mystery and magic of this tale makes it so interesting for readers in preschool through middle grades. This unique and special story never gets old in my house. I love reading The Five Chinese Brothers.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas. A new favorite in my house is this hilarious book about four dust bunnies and their love of rhyming words. One dust bunny isn't on board with the rhyming, but only because he is looking out for the safety of his fellow dust bunnies. Your preschooler or lower elementary child will find this book hilarious and entertaining, while still learning a little about rhyming words.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. Many parents love reading Numeroff's adorable stories that in essence are totally fun nonsense. These books are great for teaching children a little about sequencing and the cute illustrations and funny storyline make them a joy for parents to read.

Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. I will never tire of reading this funny, yet so understandable and true book to my child. Poor Alexander has one of those days, one of those terrible, horrible, no good days we all have! Your child will identify with Alexander in this great children's book, and so will you.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and other "pigeon" books by author-illustrator Mo Willems, are silly and hilarious and they never get old. These short books are quick to read to your children and will have your preschool or lower elementary aged child laughing out loud as you read Pigeon's attempts to get your child, the listener, to let him ride the bus!

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss. A final children's book that I never tire of reading to my son is The Carrot Seed. This classic book with a simple storyline and simple illustrations takes a look at a young boy's determination and faith that indeed, his carrot plant would "come up." This is a great inspirational tale, on a preschool level.

Reading to my son is one of my greatest pleasures in life, and is also something that is wonderful for his development. If you are looking for some great new children's book titles that you will never get tired of reading to your children, try these librarian-mom approved picks.