Rosalynn reading with her daughter in Capay Valley.

Reading is a big deal in The Daniels household, especially when it comes to my two year old, Harper Lee. I knew before she was born that I wanted to implement a consistent reading schedule for her immediately upon entering this world. I’m so glad that I did, because now she picks up a book before she’ll pick up a toy.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a divison of the U.S. Department of Education, children who are read to at home enjoy a substantial advantage over children who are not.

Here are the top 5 books that my toddler just can’t get enough of. I love the fact that they are uplifting, some focus on positive self esteem, and my daughter can relate to all of these books in more way than one.

“I like Myself”

Author: Karen Beaumont

Illustrated By: David Catrow

I read the title and knew that my daughter HAD TO HAVE THIS BOOK! Self esteem and self-love is something I promote heavily in my home. For me, it is important for my daughter to find self-love at an early age, I’m convinced that it will make life so much easier.

I also can’t deny the fact that the main character has many similarities to my daughter. It’s so important to me that she reads books with characters that look like her in one form or another. 

Here’s how to find this book and others like it. http://amzn.to/2mRxW67

“What do you do with an idea?”

Author: Kobi Yamada

Illustrated By: Mae Besom

Now, you know that I’m all about flourishing ideas and thoughts. This book is beyond beautiful because it tells the story of a child who has an idea, but doesn’t know exactly what to do with it.

The storyline is powerful in the fact that it encourages children to use their imagination and create. 

“Beautiful”

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrated By: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

I recently purchased this book at a book fair. It’s a fun book that shatters stereotypes about what little girls are “supposed to be”.

The illustrations are vibrant and I love how all little girls are represented in this book.

Here’s how to find this book and others like it http://amzn.to/2odnUg5

“Big Girl Panties”

Author: Fran Manushkin

Illustrated By: Valeria Petrone

We’ve recently entered the world of Potty Training and let’s just say that it has been a bit of an adventure.

I purchased this book online, in hopes that it would represent potty training in a positive way, and it did not disappoint. It has a fun way of making light of the fact that your child is transitioning to “Big kid underwear”. I love the that there is a version of this book for little boys as well.

Here’s how to find this book and others like it http://amzn.to/2odAY5h

For boys here is its counterpart Big Boy Pants http://amzn.to/2oB9kep

“I Had a Favorite Dress”

Author: Bonnie Ashburn

Illustrated By: Julia Denos

Now, I had to save the best for last. “I had a favorite dress.” is one of Harper’s favorite books.

I purchased this book for her when she was about 9 months. It is intended for older kids, however,  it’s written in a way that all children can follow. I love the fact that this book encourages children to find ways to turn a bad situation into something good.

Here’s how to find this book and others like it http://amzn.to/2nCsWkH