by Rose Elder
Every evening before the kids go to sleep it’s “Story Time”. We started this little tradition, that a lot of other families share, since Alexander was about 6 months old. Throughout the years I have noticed all the amazing benefits of reading to them. It awakens their curiosity, their love for books, they have gotten familiarized with reading and writing and of course it feeds their imagination and creativity.
For me, it is just an amazing time when I can snuggle with them and smell their hair. See the excitement in their faces as I turn the pages while their little fingers point to certain illustrations.
Believe it or not my 4-year old, Alexander, already has a favorite author. Since he was a year old he always gravitated towards Richard Scarry’s books. Adam had his old “Busy Busy World” book from when he was a little boy, in pristine condition I might add, and that is how his fascination with Scarry’s books began. “Busy Busy World” is an amazing book that is compiled of short caricatures about characters from countries around the world. From Mexico to Germany and all over. We have read that book to Alexander at least 300 times. Then we added to the collection “The Best Word Book Ever” and “Cars and Trucks and Things that Go”.
We also have other favorite books that I would like to share with you. Even though you go to Barns and Noble and realize how large the book section is, it’s somehow not that easy to find books that kids love. So I will save you some research time and recommend a few books that are “big hits” in the Elder household.
If I Built a House and If I built a Car from Chris Van Dusen
Shifty Mc Gifty and Slippery Sam from Corderoy and Lenton
Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson (this is more of a favorite of Nicholas, my 2-year old)
Ralph Tells a Story by Hanlon
Busy Busy World, The Best Word Book Ever, Cars and Trucks and Things that Go from Richard Scarry. There are many more from this author that look amazing.
Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site by Rinker and Lichtenheld (Also one of Nicholas’ favorites)
We are also subscribed to Ranger Rick Jr. Magazine. My mother in law gave it as a Christmas present to Alexander and he jumps up and down every month the magazine arrives. 
Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Hodgkingson
CALIFORNIA - PERFECT 