Books I Can't Wait to Read to Rory

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an avid reader. Before Rory was born (Am I the only one that divides all life events into two categories: pre-baby and post-baby?), I visited the library at least once a week.  I'm one of those people that become depressed when I finish a really good book. My husband doesn't allow me to bring books along on road trips anymore because I inevitably end up ignoring him. (I am blessed with the ability to read in the car without feeling sick.)

Needless to say, as a teacher and a book-lover, I understand the importance of introducing children to books as early as possible, and I've been reading to Rory pretty much since the day I found out I was pregnant. Reading classics such as "Goodnight Moon" (who decided this was a good book?) and "Guess How Much I Love You" has become a part of our bedtime routine, along with watching an episode of Dexter. (I apologize in advance for future nightmares.)

As much as I love reading Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle, I can't wait to share some of my favorite books and novels with Rory. I can't wait for the day when we can actually discuss literature, even if we disagree. I learned so much about life from books (thank God for Judy Blume), and I know there will be times when instead of trying to explain something, I will simply hand Rory a book. There are many things I pray for (sleep, a smaller waist, and of course, world peace), but at the top of the list is that Rory will inherit my love for reading. I pray that I will find her under the covers with a book and a flashlight hours past her bedtime because she just couldn't go to bed without finding out how it ends. Of course, I will pretend to be upset, but after I order her to put the book down and go to sleep, I will close her door with a smile on my face.

There are so many books I want to read to/with Rory, but these are the ones that top the list:

Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends



I want Rory to enjoy all genres, including poetry. Shel Silverstein is hilarious, but many of his poems also have a great message.

Anything by Mo Willems



If you haven't discovered Mo Willems yet, run (or drive if you're lazy) to your local bookstore and purchase anything with his name on it. I promise you won't be disappointed. I haven't met a single kid who doesn't enjoy these books. Mo Willems books were often the only books that appealed to my most reluctant readers when I taught kindergarten and first grade.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, The Sneetches, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Horton Hear a Who, etc. 



Dr. Seuss was a bit crazy, but he was also a bit brilliant. (These two attributes often go hand in hand, don't they?) I don't really care for The Cat in the Hat or Fox in Sox, but I love Seuss' books that are embedded with important life lessons. Is there any better line than, "A person's a person no matter how small"? Brilliant, I tell you!

Julie Andrew's Mandy



This was my favorite book as a child. I must have read it ten times. It's about an orphan girl in England who finds a small, abandoned cottage in the woods and decides to fix it up. A lot more happens, and I don't want to give anything away, but she may or may not end up getting adopted. (Bet you didn't see that one coming!) As predictable as it may be, it's a great feel-good read.

Eleanor Estes' The Hundred Dresses



Because there is no better way to explain the importance of being kind to everyone.

Sharon Creech's Love That Dog



I've read hundreds of books in my 28 years, and this remains my favorite by far. I still cannot get through this book without sobbing. Whether or not you're a dog lover, I challenge you to read this book without shedding a tear. I promise I don't look forward to making my daughter cry, but this book is the epitome of good, powerful writing.

Anything by Roald Dahl



Please don't ask me to pick one book. It's impossible to say one is better than another when it comes to Roald Dahl. I have fond memories of spending hours in my bedroom totally engrossed in The BFG and James and the Giant Peach. Dahl does a great job weaving humor and tragedy into his writing, making it appealing to both children and adults.

Markus Zusak's The Book Thief



I read this book my senior year of college and couldn't put it down. It's set in Europe during WW2 and is narrated by death. If that doesn't hook you, I don't know what will. It's an amazing story and beautifully written. Although tragic and often unfathomable, I think it's important to keep the memories of WW2 alive, lest we forget and history repeats itself.

Anything by Jodi Piccoult 



I went through a period a few years ago when I read about 10 Jodi Piccoult books in 2 months. Needless to say, I felt as though I had a law degree by the time I was finished. I now limit myself to one a year. What I love most about these books is that there are always two sides to the story, which makes for great discussions. Plus, this will help Rory learn the very important lesson that the book is always better than the movie.