"The man who does not read good books is no better than the man who can't." - Mark Twain

For book club this month we were supposed to choose our favorite Children's Book to share with the group, as well as learn about teaching our children to read. I had a hard time choosing my favorite book, since I have several favorites. I find that children's books are hard to buy. Some look fun and pretty, but the storylines are just pointless (I am sorry, but in order for me to enjoy reading a book to my children, I have to like the story). So, I thought I would share my kids' all-time favorite books, for those of you who are looking to start or expand your children's book library. Please share your favorite books in the comments as well, so that everyone else (myself included) can benefit from your fav's! Thanks!

1. Fancy Nancy By: Jane O'Conner
McKinley's ABSOLUTE favorite book is Fancy Nancy (if you know her, you understand). I actually LOVE reading this book to her because it is well written, pretty funny, and SO true! According to Nancy, 'everything in French sounds fancy,' now who doesn't agree with that? This is the one book that McKinley is constantly requesting to read, and it's one that I don't mind reading over and over. There are now several other Fancy Nancy books, as well as Fancy Nancy dress-up costumes, Fancy Nancy dolls, etc. (I have seen them at Target). This is a little older book, so depending on your child's attention span, probably appropriate for age 2 1/2 and older.

2. I Love You As Much By: Laura Krauss Melmed
This is a very sweet story about how much Mommies love their babies. My kids love the pictures of the baby animals with thier Mommies. The pictures are beautiful, and the wording is very simple, yet sweet. This is one of our favorite bedtime stories. I have been reading this one to my kids at bedtime since McKinley was only about 6 months old. (Our other favorite bedtime story is the classic Goodnight Moon, By: Margaret Wise Brown, we have been reading that since McKinley was very young as well).

3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear By: Bill Martin, Jr.
This is an old classic, but an all-time favorite with my kids. They love to guess what animal is next, point out the colors, and make the sounds of the animals. This book is awesome for learning colors, recognizing and naming animals, and practicing animals sounds. Another similar favorite is the ever-popular Dr. Seuss's Mr. Brown Can Moo. These are great for any age, especially toddler/preschool age children. I love that due to it's simplicity, McKinley can tell the whole story word-for-word just by looking at the pictures. She loves to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear to Mason. We also have this one in a felt story, which allows her to tell the story in a different medium.

I hope some of these reviews were helpful, and I look forward to hearing your book suggestions. Thanks!