Listmania!
my essentials: from childhood to now
By an Amazon.com customer
Goodnight MoonGoodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $0.01
consider getting spanish version, too
The Runaway BunnyThe Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $0.01
this one is just touching and adorable and funny - i love it
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen
Buy new: $9.93 / Used from: $0.99
get the whole series, to be honest - so good
The GruffaloThe Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $3.15
gruffalos child and gruffalos christmas are also good
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryCharlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Buy used from: $0.01
anything roald dahl is a must
Charlie and the Great Glass ElevatorCharlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl
Buy used from: $0.01
you can't read one without the other
MatildaMatilda by Roald Dahl
Buy used from: $0.01
a classic
Are You There God?  It's Me, MargaretAre You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $0.01
great for those early teen years
Four Fudge Books by Judy BlumeFour Fudge Books by Judy Blume by Judy Blume
Buy used from: $10.72
classics
Kristy's Great Idea (The Baby-Sitter's Club #1)Kristy's Great Idea (The Baby-Sitter's Club #1) by Ann M. Martin
Buy used from: $0.01
everything babysitters club (the original series) is a must
Catch-22Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Buy new: $10.88 / Used from: $1.02
very intriguing, very moving - a good read
The Handmaid's TaleThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Buy new: $10.17 / Used from: $0.82
one of my alltime favorites
Frankenstein (Enriched Classics)Frankenstein (Enriched Classics) by Mary Shelley
Buy new: $4.95 / Used from: $1.23
just needs to be read, plain and simple
Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, Book 1)Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, Book 1) by Dean Koontz
Buy used from: $0.01
an interesting take to an old classic
Gone With the WindGone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Buy new: $18.48 / Used from: $4.22
timeless, wonderful, necessary
100 Selected Poems100 Selected Poems by e. e. cummings
Buy new: $10.08 / Used from: $2.04
just trust me, you need to read him - along with 800 other poets, but at least start with him
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood PalLamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore
Buy new: $10.79 / Used from: $3.99
one of the best books i've ever read
Good in BedGood in Bed by Jennifer Weiner
Buy new: $10.80 / Used from: $0.01
a jennifer weiner classic, must be read
In Her Shoes (Movie Tie-In)In Her Shoes (Movie Tie-In) by Jennifer Weiner
Buy new: $11.66 / Used from: $0.01
if you liked good in bed, you'll like this one possibly even more
Goodnight Nobody: A NovelGoodnight Nobody: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner
Buy used from: $0.01
in her classic style but for a more mature audience, mothers
The Undomestic GoddessThe Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
Buy new: $15.64 / Used from: $0.01
i laughed and cried so hard it was pathetic. loved it.
Total SudokuTotal Sudoku by Michael Mepham
Buy new: $9.34 / Used from: $0.01
incredibly addictive and good brain candy
Better Homes and Gardens New Cook BookBetter Homes and Gardens New Cook Book
Buy used from: $0.79
shouldn't we all be bettering ourselves in the kitchen, too?
Wedding Chic: The Savvy Bride's Guide to Getting More While Spending LessWedding Chic: The Savvy Bride's Guide to Getting More While Spending Less by Nina Willdorf
Buy used from: $0.01
this was really helpful
What to Expect When You're Expecting, Third EditionWhat to Expect When You're Expecting, Third Edition by Heidi Murkoff
Buy used from: $0.01
this really is essential