It is so important to me that my kids grow up understanding how wonderful it is to be a reader. Books are not just a source of information and entertainment. They can be gateways to magical worlds where anything is possible. They can help cultivate empathy and understanding for people with lives extremely different from our own. They can help teach us right from wrong. A world without books and stories would be an extremely bleak and unappealing place to live, in my opinion, for people of any age.
I can’t imagine a better gift to give to a child than a love of books and by extension, a love of learning. As a starting point to nurturing that love, see my thoroughly, excessively, embarrassingly researched lists of the best books for kids categorized by age.
If you are looking to raise a child that loves to read for pleasure, getting them hooked on a book series is the way to go. Here is a list of some of the best book series for kids for each grade level.
If you’re looking for something less authoritative to read, see my own family’s personal favorites, the ones my kids ask for night after night, regardless of literary worthiness.
I don’t believe you need a book to tell you how to be a good parent. Raising kids has come naturally to parents for millions of years and there is no such things is one “right” way. However, if you’re like me, and it’s a topic that interests you, feel free to check out my own personal opinion on dozens (and dozens) of parenting books.
Lastly, if you don’t have a library card that you use regularly, please read my homage to the greatest institution ever invented and discover all the many reasons why I love libraries.
All the Things
In case you don’t know where to start, here are many of the posts in this Book Lists section. I hope some of it is helpful to you!
Related Links
Play Ideas for Kids
Best Books for Kids
Learning Activities for Kids
Michelle has a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree from the California Institute of Technology. 
[…] Create Cozy Reading Nooks: Set up enticing little corners dedicated to reading. A tent with cushions, a window seat with a view, or a hammock in the garden can become magical spaces for children to explore books. And if you’re looking for books to stock your nook, I recommend the Research Parent site. […]