My Top 10 Favorite Books to Read to My Children

I have made a list of my top ten favorite books to read to my daughters. Along with captivating text, these books all contain wonderful illustrations, which evoke inspire a children's imaginations.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The text and the artwork harmonize with one another, creating a captivating book. Sendak's illustrations are a visual snack. The conflicts the main character, Max, encounters are ones every child can relate to.

This book is appropriate for age 2 and up.

Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss

"Do you like green eggs and ham?" This question is asked over and over again by "Sam I Am" as he relentlessly tries to convince his friend to try green eggs and ham. Parents enjoy the ending, where Sam I Am finally entices his friend to try the green eggs and ham, discovering he actually likes them after all. This relays the message to your child that trying new things can be good after all.

This book is appropriate for age 2 and up.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Although this is a thin book with few words, the message is one that resonates with children and adults alike. You're taken on an adventure of a small boy and a tree he loves. When young, the tree provided branches for climbing. As the boy aged, the boy looked to the same branches to build his house. You aI enjoy this book for its strong message of kindness and encouragement to give to others.

This book is appropriate for age 4 and up.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

This book should be a staple in any child's bookshelf. The book and illustrations will amuse young children and the recurrence of simple text makes this a first-rate choice for beginner readers. I distinctly remember my mother reading it to me when I was growing up and it is great to now share with my daughter.

This book is appropriate for age 3 months and up.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This book ranks as one of my most favorite books growing up. Not only does the text in this book evoke the most vivid scenes and feeds young imaginations with its vivid text, but teaches a wonderful lesson: that happiness doesn't just happen to you - happiness is a decision you make.

This book is appropriate for age 9 and up.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Who can resist a Who ? Dr. Seuss cleverly depicts the greed and commercialism of Christmas. Through his witty rhymes, he displays to children the true spirit and values of Christmas by the story's end.

This book is appropriate for age 4 and up.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Every child is tempted to discover forbidden territory, and we read about this trait in Peter Rabbit. This is a great story to teach your child about exploring and getting in trouble.

This book is appropriate for age 2 and up.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis was a well-known Christian writer and many believe there are Christianity references in this classic. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discover the wonderful world of Narnia through a wardrobe closet. The adventures, animals, and fairies in Narnia are so enchanting and unforgettable.

This book is appropriate for age 9 and up.

I Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch

This is a story that follows a child from infant to adulthood. It is a book that should be shared between generations. Reading it now as a parent, the ending evokes tears each time I read it.

This book is appropriate for age 2 and up.

The benefits of reading to your child include not only the development of reading skills, but parent-child bonding as well. For young readers, illustrations tell the story alone. You can encourage your child to discuss the drawings, further engaging them in the book. I also believe these ten selections end with an important moral or lesson for the child, rather than just the typical "happily ever after".