Cuddle Up and Read!

Even in our information-packed 21^st century, there is nothing to compare with the closeness and joy that comes from reading aloud to your child. Reading aloud teaches language, thinking, and attention skills. Most of all, reading aloud reinforces the bond between the child and his/her parent or other reader.

If you are eager to get started reading with your child, but don't know where to begin, try these ten well-known (and a few lesser-known) classics. Take advantage of the opportunity to have some precious one-to-one time with your child today!

Read Aloud Favorites for Young Children

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown: The story of the little bunny who wonders what will happen if he runs away offers small children a sense of security and peace as his mother assures him of her presence and love in his life. On one hand, the story may be viewed as an adventure story; on the other, it is sure to tug at the heartstrings of the reader. Age 1 and up.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: Is there a better bedtime book than Goodnight Moon? As bunny prepares for bedtime, he bids goodnight to all the familiar objects in his room. The story is told as a simple rhyme which lulls even the youngest child to sleep. This classic is part of the bedtime routine in many families. Age 1 and up.

Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood: Even toddlers catch on quickly to this story's engaging rhyme scheme, and love to finish each line as they see the vivid illustrations that guide them from page to page. Within these pages, children will learn concepts of opposites, vocabulary, and language development through a captivating story line. Age 2 and up.

Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin: Parents will read this book again and again! Young children love the bright illustrations, and the patterned story encourages them to predict what will be on the next page. Colors, animals, and rhyming concepts are embedded into the story, but little ones simply love to chant along as Mom or Dad reads. Age 1 and up.

Read Aloud Favorites for Early Elementary Grades

Katie and the Big Snowby Virginia Lee Burton: Snowplow Katy perseveres in the face of a major snowstorm that has crippled the city of Geopolis. Children love to see Katy called into action so that the hospital and fire department can function once again. Ages 4 and up.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovelby Virginia Lee Burton: Another story of persevering in the face of obstacles, Mike Mulligan and his friend, Mary Anne the steam shovel, take on the challenge of finding a new job when Mary Anne is deemed too slow and obsolete, compared to more modern equipment. Suspense builds as they try to dig the cellar for the town of Popperville in only one day. Can Mary Anne do the job? The values of loyalty, hard work, and not giving up emerge through the story of Mike and Mary Anne. Ages 4 and up.

Strega Nonaby Tommy dePaola: Strega Nona warns Big Anthony not to go near her magic pasta pot...but of course he cannot resist and the results are disastrous! dePaola's version of this folk tale is enhanced by his illustrations. Children appreciate the humor embedded in the story, as well as Big Anthony's problems when he doesn't listen to directions. Ages 4 and up.

Read Aloud Favorite Chapter Books

The Boxcar Childrenby Gertrude Chandler Warner: A great first read-aloud chapter book, The Boxcar Children captivates its audience with the story of four orphaned children who make an abandoned boxcar their home. The original Boxcar Children book gave rise to many sequels and mystery stories, but begin with the original 1942 publication. Ages 7 and up.

Mary Poppinsby P. L. Travers: Long before Disney and Julie Andrews adapted the story of Mary Poppins, children were captivated by the magical nanny who blew in on the east wind. What child wouldn't want to be Jane or Michael Banks as they watch what Mary Poppins pulls out of her carpet bag? Ages 7 and up.

Winnie the Poohby A. A. Milne: The original stories of the tender friendships between Pooh, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit, Eeyore, and Christopher Robin never go out of style. Children love the predicaments that the denizens of the Hundred Acre Wood face, and learn the value of friendship and sometimes doing nothing at all. Ages 6 and up.