The Voice of Mom

Reading to young kids for just 20 minutes a day can have lifelong benefits for them and instill a love of books. You can find books tailored to every interest from cartoon characters to monster trucks. But there are also a number of great books out there that teach important messages to young kids. Here are five great ones to read to your little ones.

• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon – So what if you are a little different? This book teaches kids that it’s okay to be different and that you should make the most of who you are.
• Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888 – Even the best baseball players strike out sometimes. This book sends the message that try as you might, you won’t always win … and that’s okay.
• The Kissing Hand – My mother has raved about this book since reading it to my brother in preschool. When I heard my son’s teacher read it on the first day of class, I had to agree. It sends a great message of love and reassurance to kids who are just starting school, daycare or any other away-from-parents program.
• Green Eggs and Ham - You don’t like green eggs and ham? The main character insists that he doesn’t like them, but Sam I Am knows differently and insists that he just try a bite. Turns out they aren’t so bad at all … great message about trying new things.
• Oh, The Places You’ll Go – You’ll do great things, most likely, but not everything in life will be good. This book relates really well to the reality of life – with ups and downs and everything. And it’s got a great rhythm.