I just recently became an aunt and I would love to see a place where people recommend good children's books. Also, if there are any good ideas to get my niece interested in reading, etc. She just likes to flip to random pages right now look at the pictures and talk about them when I try to read to her. She only lately stopped chewing and throwing the books so there is some progress

Hi JET-

THat's a really neat idea. What sort of books are you interested in starting you niece with? I know picture boks are standard, but I have to admit, as a child myself, the books that never failed to captivate me for hours were the pop-up sort, ones that had things to DO inside, as well as read the story and see the lovely pictures.

If you're into mythology, there are even some great books you can share with her; you being the one who does most of the holding now, but as she grows, letting her play with it by herself. I fould the book 'Dragonology' a really wonderful one; ther are bits of 'dragon skin' to touch, "spells" in little envelopes, and lovely lovely art; and there is erven a "magical jewel" in the back where those who love dragons can look to see if they too are reflected back, proving that they have the magical gift to see dragons.

Hi, your niece sound like fun. You're doing her a big favor by introducing her to books. It might make her a reader for life. I was a librarian and some of the classics are endearing. I love Frog and Toad, Harry the Dirty Dog, Cricket is a book that makes sounds, one time I got it to read to a group and the darn thing was broken and wouldn't stop. Chirp, chirp, chirp.

Another wonderful resource for children is Cricket Magazine; actually the company that makes Cricket makes magazines for nearly any age child and all sort of other interests, from reading, to history, to science and more.

I grew up with Cricket, and learned so much from it, but in a really loving and wonderful way -- they never spoke down to me, never had in "EZ to Read" stories or that sort of thing that so many children hate. More importantly, they never forgot that it *was* a magazine for children and so there was a lot of humor and cartoons, and even a section where readers could enter contests for poetry, fiction and art.

I'm sure they have to have a web presence, but not sure of the URL at this time; but if anyone really wants it, I can look it up!

Anne,

As a mom of a 7 yr old voracious reader, I'd love the URL for Cricket Magazine! I can't seem to keep the boy in reading material, no matter what I do! A monthly mag might just be the ticket

My oldest used to get "Highlights for Children" but he never read it because the stories were "boring" according to him.

Rosie, your suggestions are right on the money, and I would add "A Porcupice Called Fluffy" and "Good Night Moon" to that list.

And it's funny you mentioned Mythology, Anne My 7 yr old's favorite book at the moment is called "The Children's Book of Myths and Legends" published by Barnes and Nobles Booksellers. We've had it a couple of years now, so it's been a bed-time story book that's turned into a "Mom, you remember this one, right?" him-reading-to-me-book

Dierdra

Hi all - I LOVE children's books. I have a huge collection of them. I would love to see a children's book section started too!

JET!! If your little niece is looking at the pictures and talking about them with you she is already doing the beginnings of reading. This is a valuable opportunity for you and your family to help her build her vocabulary and language skills. Have you checked out the books by Eric Carle (my daughter's favorite book from childhood is The Very Hungry Caterpiller) and one of my favorites - Lois Ehlert. Both authors/artists use a collage technique for illustrations and the work is bright and eyecatching for small children. I also like the large font used in Ehlert's books. Very clear and concise.

When she gets older if you would like to share with her a trilogy of books that I think pretty much are a recipe for raising a wonderful child check out Island Boy, Miss Rumphius and Hattie and the Wild Waves, all three by Barbara Cooney. Without doubt, these three books are my favorites. This is what I generally give as a baby gift to new parents. I just feel so strongly that the message in each book is important.

Oh! I must stop. Once I get started I can just go on and on....

Jet, since my last post I thought that if your niece is very young, some of the ABC and/or concept books would be fun for her, colors, shapes, etc. There is a whole beautiful world out there for you and her to explore together.