Reading novels to your family

It is so good for you and your kids to spend time sharing the same story. Studies have been done that show that reading aloud to your kids improves reading and writing skills, all the while creating family bonds.  It may be difficult at first, but reading to them from a novel just 10-15 minutes a day, just before bed, or while their eating breakfast is so wonderful.  When my kids were really little I let them work on puzzles or some other quiet activity while I read.  More often than not, they would ask for another chapter.  Here are a few ideas:

Seven Chinese Brothers

I love this book, and luckily so have my boys. Clever, powerful, and exciting - it's a perfect book for boys, but girls like it too.  Already, my 2 yr old is taking an interest in the book - maybe it's the crazy look of the emporerer :)