We love books, and have spent hours together reading over the years.  My youngest is nine now, and I know sometime soon we need to clean out her room and file away many of the special books we've enjoyed together over the years.

Today, in the quiet hours when everyone was gone, I pulled out dozens of them and looked them over, one by one.  Many have tattered pages, some have stained or ripped covers, and all hold their own special memories.

This list represents some of our very favorites. I've included brief descriptions of each, and appropriate ages as well. I will say that my children have enjoyed many of these books until age 10. You can click on the links to get more detailed descriptions of each title. All children are different, so use your instincts when choosing books that you think they will enjoy or be ready to listen to.

1. Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct

For ages 4-8. If you could ever meet a dinosaur, Edwina would be your gal.  She is sweet and thoughtful, loves kids, and overcomes her biggest doubter, Reginald Von Hoobie Doobie, who insists she is not real.

2. Snowflake Bentley

For ages 4-8. This is the amazing true story of a boy from Vermont who grew up to be both a scientist and nature lover. He shared with the world that no snowflake is alike, and appreciated that they are all beautiful in their own way.

3. Tikki Tikki Tembo

For ages 4-8. This ancient Chinese folktale is a book that every family should enjoy.  My kids love hearing his long name read over and over, and learning about what becomes of the boy who fell into the well.

4. 10 Minutes till Bedtime

For ages 2-6. My mother gave this to my son several years ago.  It has barely any words.  My initial thought was that it would be painful to get through.  He absolutely loved it!  There's so much to look at, and the kids all loved using their imaginations to think about what the characters were all saying and looking at the detailed drawings.

5. The Little House


For ages 4-8. Virginia Burton books are classics, plain and simple, and deserve a spot on every child's bookshelf.  We've always loved this tale about the sweet little house that moves from downtown Boston to the countryside.

6. Dinner at the Panda Palace