I was an avid reader as a child. My first toy was a book and from the ages of two to nine, I always carried a book with me wherever I went. When I became a mom, my love for books didn’t change. In fact, it transferred to my children—early on I knew the importance of instilling the love of reading in my little ones. Not only does reading age-appropriate books spark their imagination, but it stimulates curiosity, encouraging them to want to learn more about the world around them.
I knew my thinking was accurate when I discovered that kids who are read to, regularly thrive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children who are read to frequently are more likely to count to 20 (or higher), write their names, and read or pretend to read at a very young age. Having a precocious reader was a necessity for me, and I was on a mission to create a budding bookworm.
These days, my babies are four and two years old, and my husband and I make a conscious effort to read to them daily. We have a large library of books, but the following are books our kids go to time and time again. If they could, they would make us read them all night, or at the very least, 10 times in a row. From classics to new releases, these are the books my kids love us to read to them over and over again.
I Promise by LeBron James
I love instilling in my children that their success is heavily dependent upon their actions today. This picture book brings that concept into reality while also instilling the importance of keeping your family close.
I Promise by LeBron James, $13, amazon.com
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
The relationship between a Black father and his daughter is so important. This easy-to-read picture book celebrates that love while empowering little ones to embrace their natural hair texture.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, $7, amazon.com
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
A laugh-out-loud-funny book that’s perfect for preschoolers.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, $12, amazon.com
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Celebrating over 50 years of print, Corduroy is a classic story about a bear and an unexpected friendship he finds in a little girl.
Corduroy by Don Freeman, $5, amazon.com
Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle
Tiny truck lovers will love the adventures that Little Blue Truck finds himself in, including a giant traffic jam.
Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle, $5, amazon.com
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
An honest story of what it’s like to have fear and overcome it with the support of your family.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, $14, amazon.com
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
Empire actor and activist Grace Byers sets the framework for young girls to feel special, empowered, and ready to set the world on fire.
I Am Enough by Grace Byers, $13, amazon.com
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
This heartfelt tale explores race and what it means to love everyone.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, $12, amazon.com
The Littlest Dragon by Susan Quinn
This tale of persistence explains the littlest dragon’s mission to breathe fire. And more importantly, little readers will learn about friendship and what it means to be a little different.
The Littlest Dragon by Susan Quinn, $30, amazon.com
Every Little Thing by Bob Marley
Based on Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, I dare you to read this book without humming the tune.
Every Little Thing by Bob Marley, $5, amazon.com
