Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Fort Worth, TX

Great illustrations are the key to a great read for preschoolers. If the pictures entice, they will fall in love with it long before they get to the "what does (fill in the blank) mean?" and "why, why, why did he do that momma?" It's a surefire way to begin to develop the love of reading even in a very small baby.  Here is a list of my favorite illustrated books, peppered with a couple authors who just always do it right so I could not pick just one!

These are great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, so go get 'em and watch your children delight in creativity and color!

1. Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.  A classic children's author and a classic story.  Believe it or not, we got this book free with one of the little black bags the hospital gives out to new moms to promote some brand of formula. Interspersed with our stack of black bags and sample cans of formula, this little gem was waiting. From the first read, our daughter was hooked.  WARNING: children become addicted to this book! We read it E.V.E.R.Y N.I.G.H.T. for 3 months (I am not joking here people!). The key to this book - although the sing-songy story is catchy - is the phenomenal illustration by Clement Hurd. He uses bold colors and makes the light jump out at you.  He also adds in some fun nuances to each page delighting the parent.
2. Richard Scarry. Anything he does is great! The illustrations are always busy with hidden fun things to find. The animals teach about our Busy, Busy World, as well as all things car and truck related.  These will be favorites for years to come!
3. Where's Spot by Eric Hill. This is a great first read.  Children will love the fun, lovable dog "Spot".  The images are big and bold and just right for little eyes! Then, they can move on to be teaching tools for learning readers.
4. Dr. Seuss.  What's not to love about Dr. Seuss? He's silly, makes up his own words, draws wild, imaginative characters, and can rhyme anything with...well, anything!  Some favorites of ours are: The Cat in the Hat (natch!), ABC, and, Oh the Thinks You Can Think.

Illustrations are the glue that holds a successful children's book together.  What are your favorite illustrated books?