Entertainment

11 Books Every Mom Should Read To Her Son For The Perfect Bedtime Bonding

by Lindsay E. Mack

Reading your son a story or two every night is a fantastic way to encourage your kid to grow up and become a reader. After all, encouraging a love of books is likely somewhere near the top of your parenting to-do list (right after: Get him to keep his clothes on for an entire day.) But if your current library is wearing out, you can check out some fresh books every mom should read to her boy. 

These books, which will appeal to boys from toddler age to beginning elementary school goers, cover everything from bug facts to imaginative play scenarios. Whether your little one is a backyard scientist who brings you his every discovery, or a budding soccer star who wants to learn everything about the game, there is a book here for you and your son. And you’ll get involved too, whether you need to deploy your best pirate voice or narrate an adventure into a wild world.

Robots, cowboys, and garbage trucks: it’s all here. To help him dream big, learn more about the world, and spark his imagination, reading these books with your son are certain to make some great memories for both of you. And in no time at all, he’ll be able to read his favorites back to you.

1

'The Wonderful Things You Will Be'

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You probably see a world of promise and possibility when you look at your son, and The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin helps convey that idea to your boy. Help him think about the future with this lovely rhyming read. 

2

'I Stink!'

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If your little boy is fascinated by the big vehicles that keep the world moving, I Stink! by Kate McMullan is an amusing look at garbage trucks. This funny, sassy truck will never let you look at sanitation vehicles the same way again. 

3

'No, David!'

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You and you son can crack up at David's endless misdeeds in No, David! by David Shannon. The book helps impart the message that parents always love their children, despite the chaos that sometimes follows in the wake of energetic kiddos. 

4

'Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!'

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If your little backyard scientist is fascinated by all things creepy and crawly, the informative Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by Jennifer Dussling provides loads of facts about the insect world. Furthermore, the brilliant photographs make these little creatures larger than life. 

5

'Where The Wild Things Are'

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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a classic tale for a reason. Max's journey to the world of the wild things is an ode to mischief, imaginative play, and conscience.

6

'A Child's Introduction To Greek Mythology'

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Acquaint your son with Zeus and Prometheus via A Child's Introduction to Greek Mythology by Heather Alexander. These myths still appear in popular culture all the time (just look at the Percy Jackson series), so you'll be setting the stage for years of literary enjoyment.

7

'My First Soccer Book'

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If your little kicker wants to learn more about passing and goals, My First Soccer Book is a great way for him to learn the basics. There are similar offerings for football, basketball, and baseball, so your sports fan can study all of his favorite games. 

8

'Robo-Sauce'

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Irreverent and imaginative, Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin explores a world where a special "robo-sauce" can turn people into robots. Also: the book itself turns into a robot, so its awesome level is through the roof.

9

'Beyond The Pond'

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You and your son can explore an extraordinary pond with Ernest in Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler. The gorgeous illustrations complement Ernest's adventures with squid, hidden treasures, and even monsters.

10

'Pirates Vs. Cowboys'

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Pirates Vs. Cowboys by Aaron Reynolds is a hysterical look at a misunderstanding between Burnt Beard the Pirate and Black Bob McKraw. Note that both the pirates and cowboys speak in their own unique dialect, so you may want to brush up on your best swashbuckler /Wild West vigilante impressions. 

11

'The Book With No Pictures'

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The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak has no illustrations, but requires the reader to say a load of silly words and phrases out loud to your listener. Your son is bound to laugh out loud as you rattle off a list of ridiculous words or call yourself a robot monkey. But it will likely turn into one of those books he begs to read again and again.

Images: DragonImages/Fotolia; Amazon.com (11)