Top 7 Children's Books

I have been an avid reader since I could first pick up a book. I remember all my first visits into exotic worlds and lustrous landscapes.

With so many books to choose from, how do we choose? What is the best path to cultivating a loving relationship between our children and reading. Here is my personal pick of seven books, which will absolutely charm and thrill a child of any age.

7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl is incredible. And, although the book is darker that the original movie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and somewhat lighter than the remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it is still a delightful read.

We can all imagine the sweet tasting and exotic candies and the exhilarating ride the kids take as they journey through the chocolate factory.

6. Green Eggs and Ham - Who doesn't know Dr. Seuss? And, I will admit, this is mostly read by the younger kids. But, it needed to be on the list. My son, made me read this book to him every single night and I could recite most of it without the book.

But, he, and many other kids, never tired of hearing about eating the food with the fox in the box and other crazy places to eat and animals to eat with.

It also worked to get him to try new foods, because until he tried it, Sam I Am's friend did not know he loved those Green Eggs and Ham. So, this is a great book as far as I am concerned.

5. Where the Wild Things Are - This is a childhood favorite. What child doesn't love sharing adventures with Max and the creatures who gnash their teeth and roar their roars?

Children feel mischievous at times, and definitely feel frustrated when they get in trouble for just having fun. Using your imagination to leave your surroundings goes a long way to alleviate it. And, of course, it's even better to be able to come back home with your family and a nice, hot dinner. Traveling to Where the Wild Things Are is a thrilling adventure and one that every child loves to take.

4. Harriet the Spy - I think that this a great book for kids. There are many lessons to be learned from Harriet's travails and it is taught with a very good and interesting story.

We all have opinions and some of them are not flattering. Is it appropriate to write them down? Or is it wrong, even if it is written in a private diary? Whatever the answer, if someone sees it, there are nasty consequences and Harriet learns what some of those could be.

This story tells of friendship, what you should and should not do, and the consequences of your actions. I highly recommend this book. Your child and you won't be disappointed.

3. The Phantom Tollbooth - I remember the first time I read this book. I was sick and my mom had picked it up for me because it seemed interesting.

It's about a little boy who doesn't appreciate anything he has and is bored with all his toys and routine. One day he gets a present in the mail. Opening it up, he finds a tollbooth. After setting it up he uses his toy car and drives through the tollbooth sure that this was just going to be another humdrum boring thing in his life.

Instead, he finds himself in a new world, with all sorts of crazy encounters. He learns not to take things for granted and actually starts to appreciate what he has.

The story and amusing characters drew me in and I forgot to be miserable. And, after all, isn't that what books are supposed to do?

2. Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe - Who doesn't dream of walking out of your real life and stepping into a world of fantasy where animals talk and there is an epic battle of good and evil?

Our hearts race as we share Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy's adventures in Narnia. We are saddened by Edmund's betrayal, we yearn to actually meet the mighty Aslan, and we cheer when Edmund returns to the fold and the ice queen is defeated.

A truly magical story that will continue to delight children of all ages for countless years to come.

1. Charlotte's Web - This was my absolute favorite book of all time as a child. Who doesn't sympathize with Wilbur, the pig who does not want to get eaten?

We have all felt scared and alone growing up. This book taught us the true power of friendship, and what friends will do for each other.

We feel Wilbur's elation at being saved from what he thought was certain death and his sorrow at losing his best friend. And, even to this day, I also shed a tear for Charlotte, a true friend to the end for Wilbur the pig.

These were my personal favorites. But, I have to mention two, which would have absolutely made my top seven except they were not appropriate for all children.

Harry Potter - I love the Harry Potter books. Any book that gets kids wanting to read 700 or more pages is a wonderful find. However, as the books progress, they get very dark and, therefore, are not appropriate for the younger kids. So, for the older child, this is a must read. You would be hard pressed to find a more exhilarating ride than you get when you open up the pages to J.K. Rowlings' magical world.

Please Tell Me Again about the Night I was Born - This second book I wanted to give a plug to is one of my husband's and my favorite books to read with our son. It is by Jamie Lee Curtis and chronicles her child's adoption. The illustrations are wonderful and the writing lends itself to a child's understanding of the adoption process. It's a wonderful book, and it teaches about love and family. However, it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Whatever book you choose, whether it's one from my list or a different personal favorite, the idea is to share your love of reading with your child and allow them to also enter fabulous realms where anything is possible.