Books to Read Together

by Laura Torres | More from this Blogger

11 Jan 2006 12:09 AM

Experts say that one of the best things you can do for your kids is to read to them. It increases their own reading ability as well as contributes to many other areas of development. Also, the time spent together is quality time, and who can't get enough of that?

Ever since my kids were teeny tiny, I've read to them. It's one thing my dad did for me and my sister when we were young that I remember best. Maybe it was the consistency, maybe it was his terrific radio-DJ voice, maybe it was the fact that he loved what he was reading to us and it made me feel important that he wanted to share it. Whatever the reason, I wanted my kids to have this same feeling.

Another reason reading together was important when my kids were little was that it set up a bedtime ritual. Every night before bed we had story time, so it got the kids in the right frame of mind, and they looked forward (almost) to bedtime because of the reading. This still works today, sort of wind-down ritual even with older kids.

We started by reading two picture books every night, and progressed to reading chapter books and some scripture. When the kids were old enough, we began reading a passage of scripture first, and then a section from a novel. We have quite diverse interests in reading, ranging from diehard Sci-fi fans to non-fiction-only readers, so it's been a challenge to find something everyone enjoys. Here are our favorites. Maybe you'll find a new favorite among them.

Picture books:

George and Martha (any of the titles), James Marshall

The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales, Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak

Once There was a Bull...Frog, Rick Walton

Young Readers:

Junie B. Jones (any of the series), Barbara Park

Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren

Preteens and teens:

Holes, Louis Sachar

A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket

Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card

The True Colors of Caitlynne Jackson, Carol Lynch Williams

Harry Potter (any of the series), J.K. Rowling

The Life of Pi, Yann Martel

Learn more about Laura Torres

Laura Torres is the best-selling author of many books for kids and teens, and a party planner. Check out her website at lauratorres.com.

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