I took Andy and Brady to the library the other day and (finally!) enrolled them in the summer reading program. We found out that Connor can participate, too.

Much to the boys’ delight, we also learned that they get a small prize for every five books that they read (or have read to them.) I wanted to argue, just five? But I kept my mouth shut. We read seven just tonight.

Anyway, we turned in our first set of titles and each boy got a prize. Andy chose a piece of cheap junk cherished toy that pops up. Connor got a certificate for free apple dippers from McD’s. And Brady — my boy who’s allergic to dairy — reached in and blindly chose a certificate for a free milkshake from Steak’n'Shake. Um, yeah.

Guess we’ll do a little trade.

Anyway, I was hoping for some help. I checked out 25 books to read to the kids tonight. Those won’t last us long. I’m generally in a hurry when I’m choosing more, so I was thinking of putting some on hold via the library’s website. So, here’s where you come in. Anyone have a favorite kids book you think we should read? What are your all-time favorite titles? Who are your favorite children’s authors? Why?

Please keep in mind that my kids aren’t quite ready for chapter books yet. (The oldest is just five.) Any suggestions are welcome, though.

For the record, my all-time favorite storybook from when I was a kid is “The Flying Hockey Stick” by Jolly Roger Bradfield. It’s out of print now and very hard to find (unless you miraculously win it on eBay like I did.) If you can find it, it’s worth a read. Kids love it! (And I still do, too.)