Top 10 Books Your Kids Will Love

In my house, the hour leading up to bedtime is the best time of the day. Not because it means that the only freetime I get in 24 hours is just around the corner (although that does add to the sweetness), but because this is reading time with my kids. This is the perfect way to relax and unwind before tucking in for the night. Here is our list of favorite titles that continue to make the cut.

The Napping House by Audrey Wood The calming text and wonderful illustrations make this a great book for virtually any age group, from toddler through elementary school age. The repetition appeals to young children, with each page building on the one before. Older children can appreciate the whimsical illustrations, using them to predict what will happen next.

Owen by Kevin Henkes This is currently my two-year-old's favorite. A cute story about a young mouse that is not ready to give up his favorite blanket, this book appeals to very young children, as well as to those about to enter school. The storyline is a wonderful way to illustrate growing up and reaching toward independence.

The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale by Jan Brett This book has great illustrations and a funny storyline, describing what happens when a boy loses his mitten and various animals decide to move in. Young children will enjoy looking at the animals, while older children can strengthen predicting skills. Each page builds on the one before, and holds a sneak peek into what will happen next.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak This classic book is still a favorite among kids of all ages. Describing what happens on the night Max wore his wolf suit, the book tickles the imagination of toddlers and young children.

Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies by Jane Cutler A cute story that illustrates how a young girl feels about her baby brother, this book is great for kids trying to adjust to new siblings.

Tuesday by David Wiesner With only a handful of words, this book relies upon illustrations to tell the story of what happens on a Tuesday evening. The funny illustrations make it appropriate for toddlers. Elementary school kids love it, since they can tell the story themselves, giving voices to the frogs in the book. The end of the book gives opportunity for predicting, and even making a new story about what happens next Tuesday.

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein This classic is a must-have for any library. With hilarious poems that appeal to young school-age children, this book is just as popular today as it was 30 years ago.

Possum Come A'Knockin' by Nancy Van Laan This book has hilarious text and a cute storyline that young elementary schoolers love. The dialect that in which the book is written makes it fun to read and listen to.

Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown This classic board book is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. With colorful illustrations, the book illustrates the day of animals in the barnyard and ends with the calming moon at bedtime.

My Little Sister Ate One Hareby Bill Grossman: Describing crazy items that a young girl eats that don't even make her sick makes for a hilarious story for kids ages three through eight. Most kids can even relate to the tenth item that finally makes her sick!

These are just a few of the great kids books that are out there. The benefits of reading to your child are endless. It's been proven to aid in language development, as well as strengthen comprehension and problem solving skills. Spending quality time reading with your child helps increase emotional well-being, as well as aid in parent-child bonding. So choose one from my list or choose one of your own to read to your kids. You won't regret it.