Discovered this book when my oldest turned four; welcomed the insights into selecting high quality books. Newer editions feature research about why reading aloud is so important.

One of many Richard Scarry books that kept my kids entertained. (I think I remember these from when I was little!) Lots to discover in the illustrations.

A gentle, quiet book for bedtime with beautiful illustrations. Opt for the full-length, full-size version over the abbreviated board book.

One of the first favorites. A nice short one. Dum ditty, dum ditty, dum, dum, dum!

One of many, much-read Seuss books in our house including Hop on Pop, The Foot Book (for younger kids), Mr. Brown Can Moo (for younger kids).

A sturdy, engaging flap-book that withstood many, many readings in our house (and car, and restaurant, etc.)!

A rollicking twist on the classic.

We had a fire engine nut, and this was a favorite. It is very dated, but my husband and I love the Tibor Gergely illustrations.

Interesting story, especially for kids who live far away from relatives they'd like to hug on a more regular basis.

Easy to relate to the Little Critter characters in this Mercer Mayer series. Also enjoyed: Just Go To Bed and All By Myself.

You have to have at least one of these Numeroff books in your collection. Silly cause-effect type storyline.

The animals trick the farmer -- good fun.

Another "I'll love you forever, no matter what" book. A good reassuring message, I guess! This one is about an Inuit family.

All in a day's work and one big bed! Sleepy parents who are accustomed to sharing their bed with sleepy kids will relate.

Big fans of Tomie dePaola and especially enjoy his folktales from around the world. It's interesting to read several and examine the similarities between cultures: Fin M'Coul (Ireland) is similar to The Mysterious Giant of Berletta (Italy), for example. (This is something you may be able to do as a "guest reader" in your child's 2nd or 3rd grade classroom.)

Another author with favorite, longer picture books including: Choo Choo, The Little House and Mike Mulligan's Big Steam Shovel.

Both of my children loved this beginners' chapter book series - we read the books together when they were in first or second grade. The kids really related to his experiences (from first day of school to a kids' view of WWII and other big events in his life) and we all enjoy dePaola's illustrations.

This is a wonderful series that we read to a son and a daughter in Kindergarten, before the boy thought it might be "too girly." We learned quite a bit about pioneer life and often comment "just like in Little House in the Prairie" when we see other examples from the late 1800s era.

I read this aloud to my son when he was in 2nd grade and I enjoyed it as much as he did. Some books in the series are better than others; some are scary. Great writing! (the audio version of this series is also one of the best I've ever listened to!)

A chapter book with captivating illustrations for children in 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade - especially appealing to reluctant readers. Great, engaging story!