Some of my favourite books

So it's back to school this week and I know from my background as a teacher how important reading is.  Reading to your child helps them develop and expand their vocabulary, learn how a story develops, voice inflection and pronunciation plus it's a great way to bond with your child. 

In my home we read to our children every night and they love it!  But it takes time to develop that routine - so don't give up.  Be sure to start with books that are age appropriate for your child.

When I first started reading to my children - these were the favourite in our home.

These books are a great start Sandra Boynton has so many wonderful books - be sure to check out her other books too.
Very repetitive and cute!  the kids will love them and will love hearing you read these ones over and over again....

You'll probably want to start expanding you library a bit and it's good to do that for the kids too.
You can strat adding books that are a bit longer and have some more words.

These books are more interactive.  Pus there are other books by these authors too. Eric Carle is a classic children's author and Eric Hill has many more interactive books for children too. One great thing about these books too is that after a few years they will become favourites of your child.  My 3 year old son loves to read 'Where's Spot?" to my husband and I - it's so cute!!

As your child is getting old and getting ready to start school or it perhaps just starting - you will want picture books with even more writing and more of a story.  My son and daughter are enjoying some different books right now but here's a sampling of their current favourites.

Books also make a great gift and if you have nieces and nephews living all over the country you can order and deliver online  Amazon.com  and  Chapters.ca are amazing and super quick too. Plus they have lists of great recommendations for kids. 
Another great idea - buy the collections (all the series on one book) Curious George, Madeline, Jillian Jiggs, Robert Munch and so many more come in collections.

If you can't afford to buy books- check our your local library. You can check out about 10 books at a time, many libraries offer activities and reading times for kids and they will love the trip to and from the library.