Little Gorilla, by Ruth Bornstein. This timeless classic with vibrant and colorful sketches teaches us that even though Little Gorilla grows so much that he's no longer little, the love that every animal in the forest holds for him remains steadfast; for ages 1 and up.

The Things I Can Do, by Jeff Mack. Hilarious child-inspired illustrations and a playful rhyming narrative guide us on a fun, tactile tour of the things young Jeff can do on his own, including writing this book; for ages 2 and up.

Owen, by Kevin Henkes. This award-winning book tells a deep story about Owen's attachment to his blanket Fuzzy, how some find it inappropriate for Owen to bring Fuzzy to school, how Owen strongly objects, claiming the blanket is his closest friend, and how his mother comes up with a surprising solution that works for everyone; for ages 3 and up.

Down The Road, by Alice Schertle. and Illustrator E. B. Lewis. Impressionistic watercolors provide a superb backdrop for this reassuring tale about Hetty's first time walking the dirt road from home to the store by herself; for ages 4 and up.

What The Road Said, by Cleo Wade and illustrator Lucie de Moyencourt. Poetic narrative and lush, rich illustrations take us on a journey where we learn to face unknowns, make choices, make connections, and keep going; for ages 5 and up.

So many studies and articles address this question. This one from the Child Mind Institute caught our eye due to its succinctness and clarity. It covers development of language, empathy and emotional awareness, and the parent child bond. Also discussed are what to read, multiple languages, e-books vs. print, and making reading time work for you. The Child Mind Institute is a non-profit focused on children's mental health.

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