Reading to your children is an important part of their growth and development. As your kids grow they will want to read books on their own, but you can still share the stories and adventures with them by discussing what they have read. Knowing which books are highly recommended for younger readers will help you and your child choose from among the many selections that are available.

Here is the Top 10 list of Children’s Books:

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is now a story that is more than 100 years old. This Beatrix Potter classic still amuses and delights children and parents. Unlike some of Potter’s other stories this tale was first included as part of a letter that she wrote to a child who was ill. Potter hoped the humor of the story would help the child forget his illness for a bit and hurry him along the road to recovery.

Goodnight Moon written in 1947 by Margaret Wise Brown. This charming book with its gentle poetry and colorful illustrations has been a favorite for generations of children. Today many new parents have fond memories of this book and enjoy being able to experience Brown’s tender words once more as they read it to their own children.

Curious George is a series of books written and illustrated by Margaret and H.A. Rey. Although the 1st Curious George book appeared on the market more than 60 years ago the popularity of this funny, inquisitive little monkey has never waned. This remains a top selling children’s book and Curious George has spawned movies, cartoons and a host of other popular merchandise.

Love You Forever is a book for children as well as adults. This book was written for children to enjoy but the sentiment and devotion that is expressed hits home with readers of all ages. Author Robert Munsch created a book that was first published in 1986 but you can be sure that it will stay on the Top 10 list for many years to come.

Although you can see the movie, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is best enjoyed in its original written form. This 1963 book has become a childhood classic and is one that kids take great delight in hearing at bedtime. Skeptics originally thought that the story about wild monsters and a little boy would cause nightmares but their fears proved to be both unfounded and widely exaggerated. This is now a favorite book for children around the world.

The Cat in the Hat was first written during the 1950s and its popularity with children continues to this day. Dr. Seuss books have the ability to connect with parents and kids and of all his many stories it is The Cat in the Hat that has become the best known of all. No one is able to resist the colorful drawings, the wacky characters and the rhymes that are created with “nonsensical” Dr. Seuss words.

The Polar Express is another of the more recent books that makes it to the Top 10 listing. Chris Van Allsburg is the author of an easy to read, but very meaningful story that fascinates parents and children alike. Beautiful illustrations accompany the words and everyone can enjoy this book that reminds us all to keep our dreams, hopes and beliefs alive. If you want to share a book with your child that will also spark your own inner child to life then The Polar Express is the one you should choose.

Charlotte’s Web is another favorite childhood book that has retained its popularity for more than half a century. This is a book written by EB White and the ideas and lessons it contains are still as fresh and heartfelt today as they were in 1952 when it was first published. The story of Wilbur the lonely pig and Charlotte the wise and caring spider teaches all readers the importance of friendship, love and compassion for others.

Winnie the Pooh was written early in the 20th century by AA Milne. This book depicts the many adventures of a carefree, roly-poly little bear and his companions. The stories about Pooh’s adventures delight both parents and children as they read about the bear, Christopher Robin and the many other animals that live in the 100 Acre Woods.

During the 1990s author JK Rowling began writing Harry Potter. This was the first of a series of children’s books about a boy wizard and his friends. These books would go on to become international best sellers and transform the lives of millions of children. Suddenly kids wanted to read books instead of playing games on the computer and Harry Potter became a true wizard of the first degree as far as many proud parents were concerned.

One of these books will be the perfect choice when you want to share quality time with your children. This list contains stories that have proven to be popular with readers of all ages but they have all been written to appeal to the imagination and heart of a child. The dreams, fun and carefree nature of those childhood years are captured in the pages of each of these books and you and your family can enjoy the stories and adventures any time you wish.