Summer Parenting: A Five-Year-Old's Favorite Reads

We read a lot in our house. Several books a day. My five-year-old is loving extended storytime every night this summer, as she works toward independent reading while still enjoying listening to Mom and Dad.  In this transitional summer before she starts kindergarten, it is fitting that her nightly choices mix old and new, comfortable longtime favorites and recent discoveries.

Her Top Ten Favorites this Summer:

10.
A child transitions into kindergarten with help of an imaginary friend.

9.
She likes the glow-in-the-dark cover as much as the astronomy lesson.

8.
My daughter proclaimed herself an "Obama Girl" at 2; she's a big fan of the author.
Mom's a big fan of the beautiful prose and inspiring messages for young women.

7.
About children who like themselves during life's challenges.

6.
A little mouse self-actualizes while attending Harvard.
Not a bad role model.

5.
She thinks this is the best in the series since the original.
Timely as we deal with Tooth Fairy issues as well.

4.
We're working our way through the entire series.
It's this generation's "Dick and Jane."

3.
Silly prose about a teacher and her students all getting ready
for the first day of school.  Addresses kindergarten jitters.

2.
This was the requisite pre-k graduation gift.
She loves all things Dr. Seuss.

1.
Each night, we read a chapter.  She wears her Dorothy costume.
Beautifully illustrated, this 1982 edition was originally a gift from my mother to me.
No other book thus far has engaged and enraptured her so much.

What books are inspiring your children this summer?

(sharing with Oh Amanda and 5 Minutes for Books Kids' Picks)