10 Wonderful Books for Storytime

The love of literature is one of the best gifts that a parent can give. Reading to your child for just twenty minutes a day can help make a big difference in more ways than one:

READING...

• Helps strengthen the bond between you and your child
• Supports the growth of your child's academic abilities
• Stimulates your child's imagination and ingenuity
• Increases your child's vocabulary
• Encourages your child to become an avid and fluent reader
• Allows your child the opportunity to practice reading skills and comprehension strategies
• Creates a tradition that can be handed down for generations to come

Here are some excellent books for your bedtime reading ritual...

Mischievous Peter Rabbit always escapes trouble by the fuzz of his tail. With twenty-seven tales of classic characters (such as Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and Benjamin Bunny) this book is a great asset to any child's library!

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a book full of rhyme, humor, AND positive messages-- a 100% must-have!! Your kids will love to read poetry once you dive into this collection of Shel Silverstein's greatest poems. This book will ickle you, pickle you, and tickle you too!!

My Very First Mother Goose is a collection of nursery rhymes and familiar lines that are accompanied by whimsical illustrations. From Humpty Dumpty's famous fall to Jack and Jill's terrifying tumble, this book is sure to bring a smile to your toddler!

Classic tales from the Brothers Grimm (such as "Cinderella" and "Red Riding Hood") fill storytime with magic and wonder. You're sure to feel waves of nostalgia as you read through each tale, and focusing upon the morals of each story opens up great opportunities for discussion.

The Velveteen Rabbit is a touching tale which teaches youngsters that love is both powerful and magical! With stunning artwork and a heartfelt storyline, this book is sure to be a bedtime favorite!

Happy Birthday, Moon is a great story about a cuddly little teddy bear who learns that finding the perfect gift takes lots of effort and thought. Kids will also love the adorable illustrations!

Born from a peach and ready to help save his village from peril, a young samurai (Momotaro) journeys to Orge Island. With the help of his newfound animal friends (a giant dog, a clever monkey, and a courageous pheasant), Momotaro proves that strength and loyalty can overcome any adversary!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a delightful tale about the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. As the caterpillar eats to prepare for cocooning, his constant snacking creates little holes in the pages. At the end, we see the caterpillar turn into a majestic new insect!

Too Many Mangos is a sweet island story about friendship, generosity, and building community. Kama and Nani help grandpa pick mangos off of the family tree, but they end up with too much of the delicious fruit. The abundance of mangos initiates a gift-giving spree in the true spirit of aloha.

Little Nutbrown Hare and his daddy try to outdo each other with their displays of affection. Whose gesture of love will reign supreme? This cute tale of two bunnies will show kids it's okay to say "I Love You!"