Books to Get Young Children Hooked on Reading

Over the years I have had young parents come to me seeking answers about which books they should be reading their young children. My three children are all older now, so I guess those young parents assume I can; from years of experience recommend some great and timeless books for young readers and listeners. Well, I think I can! The books mentioned in this article were favorites of my three children; two girls and a boy, as well as me and my husband. My husband and I would make up music, and read in differing voices which really kept the kids attention, and made them want more. We began reading to them while still in my tummy; my husband thought it would make them happy, so each night he would read to my stomach. It seems silly but I have to admit it was a grand and relaxing way to end a hectic day.
So, Books that may not make your child a genius but will I promise; instill a love of reading and with luck, writing.

"Where the wild things Are"- by Maurice Sendak - Great for toddlers and you'll have a blast making up voices for the various characters. You can make up music for the pages without text and your child might even dance while looking at the great artwork on the pages. Every family I know has come up with their own special way of reading this story; it truly is a versatile and amazing book.

"Noisy Nora"- by Rosemary Wells- This is a fabulous but little known (it seems) book about a young mouse. The story has a lot of opportunity to use differing voices and volume, and makes kids want to know what she'll do next! Has a repetitive "catch phrase" that kid's can "read" right along with you.

Any Richard Scarry book- Richard Scarry's books are fabulous for not only teaching the spoken language through you reading out loud, but also for identifying objects, their sounds/names. All while having fun; your child is learning that pesky skill of recognition, the foundation of reading and writing.