When children reach the preschool years, they start to take an active part in reading by asking questions, following the story and really paying attention to what the characters do and say. Reading fosters language development and auditory processing, as well as bonding between parents and their kids. The editors at iParenting have compiled a library of their favorite children's books that you and your children will enjoy reading over and over again. The characters are intriguing; the stories delightful! We hope you enjoy sharing them with your kids as much as we do with our own children. Happy reading!

Freddy Fights Fat (CTC Publishing, 2004) by Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D.

Freddy, like so many of today’s children, has a problem with his weight. He doesn’t like the way he looks in the mirror, he’s out of breath when he runs and the kids are starting to tease him. But Freddy learns how to fight fat! With some help from his family and friends, he adopts a healthier lifestyle and he soon learns that it’s fun to be fit.

Angus and the Forgotten Trails (iUniverse, 2005) by Steven A. Corirossi

In the third installment of the Angus Book Series, Angus and the Forgotten Trials, 11-year-old Angus McBride and his friends are trapped in an abandoned mine that is likely filled with undiscovered gold and silver lodes. This captivating tale features three elementary school friends who experience a taste of the Old West in Wickenburg, Ariz., during an amazing sevens days at the Crazy Horse Dude Ranch.

Happy Healthy Monsters: Get Moving With Grover (Random House, 2005)

Eating right, keeping fit and getting enough sleep are all basic components of healthy living, but they sometimes seem tough to tackle on a daily basis. The books in this series are filled with easy and practical tips that will help you and your little monsters develop healthy habits for life.

The Black Belt Club: Seven Wheels of Power (Blue Sky Press, 2005) by Dawn Barnes

Max Greene isn’t sure why he’s been invited to join the exclusive Black Belt Club – the other three members are outstanding karate students, and Max has never felt special. But when faced with a secret mission that requires courage, intelligence and concentration, Max proves he is capable of surprising strength and abilities he never even knew he had.

A Big Beaked, Big Bellied Bird Named Bill (Cute and Cuddly Productions Inc., 2004) by Greg Watkins

Can a big beaked, big bellied bird find friends in Bird Bluff? Being the new bird in town is tough, and when the Bad Bird Bunch give Bill the brush-off, Bill learns that the best friends don’t have to look just like him. Bill discovers that real friends stick by your side – even when you have to face up to mean bullies … or a big, hungry alligator.

Lots of Pots (Random House, 2005) by Melissa Lagonegro

Learning to read is one of the most important things a child will ever do. And now, with a little help from that silly old bear, Pooh, learning to read is easy and fun. Using only 12 vocabulary words, Pooh’s Readables are the very simplest readers your will find!

The Bravest of the Brave (Alfred A. Knopf, 2005) by Shutta Crum

A reassuring tale of a loveable skunk who overcomes his fear of the dark. With rollicking rhyme and lush illustrations, this adorable picture book will entertain and reassure any child who’s ever been afraid of the dark.

Hello, Grand Mamoon! (Earth Time Pub., 2005) by Donna Steinmann

Tula’s Grandma Nellie has died and Tula misses her very much. With her grandma gone, she imagines she will never discover the magical way of seeing the moon that her grandma has told her about many times. But Tula keeps trying and when she finally does see the special moon, it’s just the way Grandma Nellie had described.

Ya Ya’s Boom Boom (Author House, 2005) by Angie Bergmeier and Michele Johnson

A simple, perfect book for any child who is afraid of thunder. The end of the book contains information on what thunderstorms really are and why they occur.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (Hyperion, 2004) by Mo Willems and Alessandra Balzer

Best-selling author and illustrator Mo Willems uses a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations in a stunning book that tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy's in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Dragon Rider (The Chicken House, 2004) by Cornelia Funke

When their peaceful valley is threatened with danger, Firedrake, a silver-skinned dragon, and his sidekick, Sorrel, set off to find the mythical Rim of Heaven. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Balancing on a Rock (Olly Pub. Co., 2004) by Diane Youngblood Donlon ("Miss Diane")

A story! A song! A dance game! Kenny, Emma and Peanut are excited about playing with their friends, Biz and Joey. There is only one problem: They can't decide WHAT to play – until Kenny throws a pillow into the middle of the room. Then things get creepy, slimy, scary and fun! Features a multicultural cast of boys and girls and outstanding illustrations to bring this fun story to life for your children. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Hyperion, 2003) by Mo Willems

When a bus driver asks your child not to let the pigeon drive, the fun begins. Children interact with an adorable and very persistent pigeon as he tries to talk and bargain his way into the driver's seat.

Families Are Forever (As Simple As That, 2002) by Craig Shemin

The first in a series of children's books confronting the issues of adoption and multicultural life. Locating the delicate balance between individuality and diversity, Families Are Forever follows one girl's heartwarming, fascinating journey from China to America into the arms of a loving mom and her extended family. Lighthearted and touching, this color-bursting tale is narrated by Rain, a 6-year-old Chinese-American adopted girl and her beloved stuffed hippo who is a family legacy. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Words Are Not for Hurting (Free Spirit Publishing, 2004) by Elizabeth Verdick

Children are known for speaking their minds. We can’t expect them to watch every word, but we can help them to understand that their words affect other people. We can gently guide them to choose words that are helpful instead of hurtful, and to say two very important words – "I’m sorry" – when hurtful words come out before they can stop them. This book helps little ones learn big ideas: that they are responsible for what they do and say; that their actions and words affect others; and that they can make positive choices. Simple words and delightful, full-color illustrations make it perfect for reading aloud one-on-one or in small groups. The book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Up in Heaven (Doubleday, 2004) by Emma Chichester Clark

Daisy is Arthur’s dog, and she’s devoted to him. But Daisy is very old, and lately she’s finding it hard to keep up with Arthur. One night, after she goes to sleep as usual, she wakes up in heaven. Emma Chichester Clark’s tender and hopeful story, just right for any child who has ever lost a beloved pet, is a truly comforting book that heals as it inspires.

Dream: a Tale of Wonder, Wisdom and Wishes (TCP Press, 2004) by Susan V. Bosak

From the smallest personal beginnings to the largest human triumphs, why are we here if not to dream? As you open this Dream Chest, you’re whisked away on a colorful journey of a lifetime in which the young discover all the possibilities within themselves and adults are reminded that their best can be just ahead. Remarkable illustrations, inspiring quotations and a beautifully resonant story reveal with each reading. A celebration of living and dreaming, this is a book to treasure, to share and to give as a gift – for everyone, at any age, who dreams.

I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting off a Little Self-Esteem (Joanna Cotler, 2002) by Jamie Lee Curtis

Celebrate liking yourself! Through alternating points of view, a girl's and a boy's, Jamie Lee Curtis's triumphant text and Laura Cornell's lively artwork show kids that the key to feeling good is liking yourself because you are you.

Miss Rumphius (Puffin Books, 1985) by Barbara Cooney

As a child, great-aunt Alice Rumphius resolved that when she grew up she would go to faraway places, live by the sea in her old age and do something to make the world more beautiful – and she does all those things, the last being the most difficult of all.

Possum Come A-Knockin’ (Dragonfly Books, 1992) by Nancy Van Laan

A toe-tappin’ tale of a sly possum that comes a knockin’ at the door. A fun read-aloud book that will delight young and old.

Duck for President (Simon & Schuster, 2004) by Doreen Cronin

Duck is tired of doing chores and decides to hold an election to replace Farmer Brown. But Duck gets more than he bargains for when he wins the election.

The Cheese Chase (Beaver’s Pond Press, 2004) by Toni Simmons

A picture book that retells the African-American folktale, Why Dogs Chase Cats. This lively participation story will captivate children of all ages. This book is perfect for read-a-louds. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Care Bears: Funshine in the Sunshine (Scholastic, 2004) by Sonia Sander

In this children's book, Funshine Bear is always playing jokes on the Care Bears, but this time his friends are turning the tables as they surprise him with a party. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Nicky the Jazz Cat (Dominick Books, 2004) by Carol Friedman

Nicky the Jazz Cat teaches children about the joy of jazz, the importance of friends and mentors and the power of imagination and originality. Nicky is a kitten who loves jazz. He meets Roy, a great trumpet player who takes him under his wing. Roy teaches Nicky how to play, and word travels fast – soon all the top musicians hear about this jazz cat and want to play with him.

The book is illustrated with wonderful photographs of Nicky and jazz masters Roy Eldridge, Quincy Jones, Lena Horne, Gerry Mulligan, Abbey Lincoln and Lionel Hampton as they meet and make friends. The brightly colored graphics and the rhyming text – conversations between Nicky and his musician friends – reflect the humor, rhythm and spirit of jazz itself. Children and adults alike will delight in this cool cat’s journey from curious jazz kitten to acclaimed jazz cat. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

What to Do When You're Scared and Worried (Free Spirit Publishing, 2004) by James J. Crist, Ph.D.

This book contains advice, reassurance and strategies kids can use to recognize, understand and manage their fears, plus guidance on getting help for hard-to-handle problems kids can't manage on their own. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Money Mama & the Three Little Pigs (P4K Publishing, 2003) by Lori Mackey

This read-aloud hardback book introduces the basics of sound money management and helps children develop a positive money attitude. Featuring whimsical illustrations and engaging child-friendly explanations, the book helps parents teach their kids the value of giving to help others, investing for their future, saving for retirement and spending their money wisely – the four components of abundant money management. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

Diary of a Worm (Joanna Cotler, 2003) by Doreen Cronin

This is the diary … of a worm. This worm lives with his parents, plays with his friends and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework and, because he doesn’t have legs, he just can’t do "The Hokey Pokey" – no matter how hard he tries. This hysterical picture book by New York Times best-selling author Doreen Cronin and New York Times best-selling illustrator Harry Bliss tells the daily doings of a small worm in a gigantic worm world. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein

This story of a young boy's journey into manhood, with the tree that gives him so many wonderful things throughout the years, will capture your heart. A bittersweet tale, The Giving Tree shows the gift of giving and receiving, and our ability to love unconditionally.

The Little Mouse, The Red Strawberry and the Hungry Bear
By Audrey Wood

Do you think you can trick the mouse into giving you his juicy red strawberry? The reader takes part in this adorable book about a mouse, a bear and a tricky narrator (that's you!) who loves strawberries. This is a book to be read over and over with your child.

The Runaway Bunny
By Margaret Wise Brown

When a young bunny decides to run away from home, his mother follows him to the ends of the earth to make sure he knows she loves him. This classic book, with its detailed illustrations, has sent many children to dreamland each night since it's first publication in 1942.

Goodnight Moon
By Margaret Wise Brown

When a little rabbit doesn't want to go to sleep, he decides to tell every object in site goodnight. Children will love this book filled with goodnight wishes, and finding all the objects will keep them entertained!

The Tale of Peter Rabbit
By Beatrix Potter

Mrs. Rabbit warns her children not to go into Mr. McGregor's garden. Will they listen? Peter ends up getting himself in some trouble in this humorous classic tale that has been a favorite of generations of children.

The Little House
By Virginia Lee Burton

A little house in the country, surrounded by apple trees and lush green fields, soon finds itself surrounded by the big city. Winner of the Caldecott Medal in 1943, The Little House will delight children as this small country house finds its way back to where it belongs.

The Kissing Hand
By Audrey Penn

It's time for Chester Raccoon to go to school, and he doesn't want to -- he wants to stay home with his mother. Chester's mom finds a way he can take a part of her with him. Published by the Child Welfare League of America, this book is a delight.

The Little Engine That Could
By Watty Piper

A little train carrying toys for good little boys and girls encounters a mountain that looks almost impossible to pass. This beloved classic has generation after generation saying those magic words, "I think I can ... I think I can."

Blueberries For Sal
By Robert McCloskey

Sal, a young girl, sets off to collect wild blueberries with her mother. At the same time, a young bear cub sets out to find blueberries with her mother. What will happen when these two little ones start following the wrong mother? Children will love having this delightful Caldecott Honor Book read to them over and over again.

Madeline By Ludwig Bemelmans

Madeline is the smallest, but most mischievous student in Miss Clavel's class. One night Madeline wakes the whole house with an attack of appendicitis. The book's charming rhymes and Parisian charm will make it an instant favorite.

Harold and the Purple Crayon
By Crockett Johnson

Harold takes a walk one day, taking with him only his big purple crayon. The adventure starts when he draws himself into a wonderfully imaginative story. This is a great book to kindle your child's imagination and to show them that anything is possible.

Millions of Cats
By Wanda Gag

When an old man sets out to find the prettiest cat, he ends up bringing home "hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats." When his wife points out they cannot keep them all, which one will get to stay?

The Complete Adventures of Curious George
By Margaret Rey

Curious George has entertained children for more than 50 years. This book combines all of Curious George's famous antics into one 416-page collector's book. It includes all seven of the original Curious George titles: Curious George, Curious George Takes A Job, Curious George Rides A Bike, Curious George Gets A Medal, Curious George Flies A Kite, Curious George Learns the Alphabet and Curious George Goes To The Hospital.

Where the Wild Things Are
By Maurice Sendak

Sent to bed without his supper, Max has some ideas on how to spend his time. He puts on his wolf suit and imagines himself in a world full of loveable monsters. A Caldecott Medal winner; ALA Notable Children's Book; Reading Rainbow Selection and New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book.

Are You My Mother?
By Philip D. Eastman

When a baby bird is hatched while his mother is away from the nest, he sets off to find her. The little bird runs into many creatures along the way, including a cow, a steam shovel and a plane, all of which he asks, "Are you my Mother?" A wonderful first book for children!

The Velveteen Rabbit
By Margery Williams Bianco

A stuffed rabbit living in a nursery full of other toys waits for the day he will be picked as the child's special toy. The rabbit befriends a Skin Horse who tells him, "When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but really loves you, then you become Real." A timeless classic since it's first publication in 1922.

Possum Come A-Knockin'
By Nancy Van Laan

A fast-paced, comical, rhyming book that gets more fun each time you read it. When someone knocks on the door, everyone stops what they're doing to find out who, or what, it is. Could a possum come a-knockin'? Find out in this Parents' Choice Award winning book.

Stellaluna
By Janell Cannon

Stellaluna is a fruit bat that has been separated from her mother. She is adopted by a family of birds, and must quickly adapt to their way of life. Beautifully illustrated, Stellaluna is a wonderful story about being different and accepting others as they are. Factual notes on fruit bats are included at the end of the book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle

A hungry caterpillar eats his way through the book -- literally! Each day of the week the caterpillar dines on a different delicacy, from apples on Monday, to plums on Wednesday, until he turns into a beautiful butterfly.

If You Give A Moose A Muffin
By Laura Joffe Numeroff

If you give a moose a muffin, of course he's going to want some jam to spread on it. Children will love following along these series of events that take place because a young boy gives this moose a muffin. This is a great book to read aloud.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
By Laura Joffe Numeroff

Is you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to want a glass of milk to go with it. But that's not all he's going to want! A little boy learns the hard way that giving a mouse a cookie is not as simple as it sounds. Another great book to read aloud!

Owen
By Kevin Henkes

"Isn't he getting a little old to be carrying that thing around?" Maybe Owen is getting too old for his favorite blanket, Fuzzy. He will be starting kindergarten soon. But Owen will not give up Fuzzy that easily! A wonderfully told story about that special relationship between a child and his blanket or "lovie. "

The Rainbow Fish
By Marcus Pfister and J. Alison James

Rainbow fish is so proud of his beautiful, shiny scales. He may be beautiful, but Rainbow Fish is also lonely. He learns that friendship is more important than beauty, and also learns the art of giving.

Valentine
By Carol Carrick

Heather is sad each day her mother leaves her to go to work. But this Valentine’s Day she’ll find something else to do when she discovers a new lamb in Grandma’s barn. She thinks she’ll call him Valentine.

Read a review of this book here.

No More Kissing
By Emma Chichester Clark

For Momo the monkey, kissing is yuck! But after his baby brother arrives, Momo finds out that kissing isn’t so bad.

Read a review of this book here.

A Book of Hugs
By Dave Ross

What does it feel like to hug a fish? Or how about a tree? This delightful book covers all sorts of hugs, and even has some facts and hints on something kids love to do -- Hug!

Mouse’s First Valentine
By Lauren Thompson

What could Little Mouse’s big sister be doing with paste, lace, paper and ribbon? Little Mouse will soon find out! A great book to introduce Valentine’s Day to your child -- and possibly inspire a craft project or two!

Counting Kisses
By Karen Katz

A family showers Baby with kisses in this adorable counting book. Just how many bedtime kisses are enough? Read this delightful book and find out!

Froggy’s First Kiss
By Jonathan London

Frogilina is the prettiest frog Froggy has ever seen. Valentine’s Day is coming soon. Could this be love? Froggy needs to find out!

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs you'll ever have, but you don't have to do it without support! We've picked our favorite books to help you over most of the hurdles you'll encounter during your parenting adventure.

How to Behave So Your Children Will, Too!
By Dr. Sal Severe

This is an excellent tool for parents -- and professionals -- who want to improve their parenting skills. Dr. Severe gives down-to-earth, realistic tips and advice to help parents increase their skills, which will encourage more positive behavior in their children. Read an excerpt here.

Run, Yell, Tell: Safe Choices, Safe Children: A Pro-Active Guide to Teaching Children About Abduction and Abuse
By Diana R. Jones

Filled with practical advice on how to talk with your kids about abduction and other safety issues in a non-scary way. A great resource for parents as well as teachers. Read an excerpt here.

150 Ways to Raise Creative, Confident Kids
By Silvana Clark

A creative collection of resources, ideas and recipes emphasizing getting the family together to have fun. Practical, easy-to-do activities that will make your child want to turn off the TV and interact with the family.

Perfect Parenting : The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips
By Elizabeth Pantley

A whole book of ideas to answer all your parenting questions. Practical advice on almost any topic that will give you confidence as your raise your child. Read an excerpt here.

Hidden Messages: What Our Words and Actions Are Really Telling Our Children

Real-life scenarios introduced through short stories will teach you how your words and actions are really affecting your children. A refreshing approach that will show you the hidden messages you're sending your children.

The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children: Parenting from the Heart
By Steven W. Vannoy

A collection of real life, uplifting stories about how parents can instill good morals in their children. Stories cover sharing, kindness, courage, trust, communication, responsibility, integrity and more.

How to Handle Bullies, Teasers and Other Meanies: A Book That Takes the Nuisance Out of Name Calling and Other Nonsense
By Kate Cohen-Posey

Cohen-Posey helps parents help their children through the rough spots. Her book helps children -- and their parents -- to understand what makes bullies act the way they do. Read a review here.

The Safe & Sound Child
By Larry Stone

An informative sourcebook with the most current information on how to keep your children safe. Easy-to-follow techniques and tips, from fire safety to childproofing your home, are covered. Meet Larry Stone.

Raising a Thinking Child: Help Your Young Child to Resolve Everyday Conflicts and Get Along With Others
By Myrna B. Shure

Shure's program, called I Can Problem Solve, was developed to teach children how to think and solve daily conflicts on their own. Includes games, activities, communications techniques and dialogues to show you how to talk with your child. Meet Myrna B. Shure.

Ready for Kindergarten
By Sharon Wilkens

Is your preschooler eager to start kindergarten? Wilkin's banishes drudgery from getting ready for school with 156 imaginative kindergarten-prep activities that will delight your child so much she won't realize she's learning! Read a review here.

Don't Divorce Your Children: Children and Their Parents Talk About Divorce
By Jennifer M. Lewis and William A. H. Sammons

Jennifer Lewis and William Sammons have combined their 20 years experience with dealing with families of divorce to write a book that represents both sides of a divorce -- the parent's and the children's. Written in a diary format, it discusses a specific problem then follows with a doctor's response. Meet the authors.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families : Building a Beautiful Family Culture in a Turbulent World
By Steven R. Covey, Sandra Merrill Covey

Stephen Covey has incorporated his famous "seven habits" from the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to apply to parenting and today's families. A practical guide to solving family problems -- from serious to the everyday.

Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
By Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey

Through stories from their patients, and personal experiences (both authors have ADD) authors Hallowell and Ratey try to explain many myths associated with ADD. Filled with tips for dealing with an ADD child or adult.

The Discipline Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Better-Behaved Child-From Birth to Age Ten
By Dr. William and Martha Sears

Dr. William and Martha Sears, who have raised eight children together, talk about such issues as self-esteem, divorce, being a single parent, spanking and much more.

The Montessori Method
By Maria Montessori

This book is Montessori's own exposition of the theory behind her innovative educational techniques. She shows parents, teachers and administrators how to "free a child to learn through his own efforts."

1001 Rhymes & Fingerplays
By Totline Staff (Compiler)

A wonderful resource for parents and preschool teachers! Packed full of fingerplays, rhymes and songs that can be easily incorporated into playtime, story time or used as themed teaching units for homeschoolers.

Preschool for Parents: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Preschool
By Diane Trister Dodge

How do you know you've selected the best preschool for your child? This book will help! Based up the latest research, author Diane Trister Dodge reminds us that children learn at their own pace, and that academics is not the only factor when picking the right school for your child.

Win the Whining War & Other Skirmishes: A Family Peace Plan
By Cynthia Whitham

A step-by-step guide for help reduce the conflict many parents have with their children. Whitham offers practical solutions to make your children more cooperative.

Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems
By Richard Ferber

Wish your child would go to sleep at night and stay asleep? Richard Ferber, the director of the Sleep Laboratory and Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at the Children's Hospital in Boston, offers help and solutions for parents dealing with sleep problems.

The Social Skills Picture Book (Future Horizons, 2003) by Jed Baker, Ph.D.

Unique! This is a dynamic teaching tool for students who depend on visuals to learn. It engages and motivates them through pictures on how to master nearly 30 social skills, such as communication, play, sharing, emotion management, empathy and space. An iParenting Media Award Winner!

What books do you enjoy reading with your children? Tell us at the Recommended Reading Discussion Board! Is there a book you think we should add to the list? Send your book recommendations to info@preschoolerstoday.com!