So they say that your kids can hear you reading to them in utero. I was THAT mom that not only read to my boys, but also rocked out to classics like Canon in D while in the car. Through the years we have literally taped, glued and held books together page by page as they became so loved that they lost the ability to hold themselves together. We now have two copies of many of these books. Just today I was helping our 8 year old with his room when I noticed our first copy of The Big Red Barn stashed in his closet. In all of it’s taped and worn glory, it remains his favorite.

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The Big Red Barn remains the uncontested
favorite of my 8 year old. While it’s a little
to simple for him now, the first copy, purchased
about 6 months before he was born,
is now carefully stashed in his
room for safe keeping.
The faster you read Doggone Dogs, the better. This book is full of funnies that the kids will remember. They want to read along or try to read it
as fast as you. Of course, they are usually laughing
at the silly things the dogs do.
Goodnight Moon– Which kid doesn’t love this classic?
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is great for the younger kids who are just getting into reading. My 5 year old still picks this one up when he’s ready for something simple.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar has gone way beyond books, but despite the overuse of the graphics, this book is a staple.
The Littlest Dinosaur, well, the entire series of books actually. Of course we have to sit and read them all.
All books about Otis are a hit. Now an entire series of Otis books are available and my boys couldn’t get enough. It’s another book that the boys, although growing older, still pick up to read because it’s a favorite.

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My kids are quickly getting into books that are way beyond little stories like these, but these books are cherished in our house and have been continually read to the point that they have fallen apart repeatedly. As a note, if you decide to add any of these to your collection, some great clear packing tape will be in your future.