Did you know that April is National D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) month? Families the world over have been celebrating D.E.A.R. for years–and we think you should get in on the fun, too. Check out the list below for some books to get you going. Get ready, get set, D.E.A.R.!

How do you D.E.A.R.? First, make reading a priority by setting aside time to enjoy a book or two–or three, four, five–with your child. For the infant – pre-k kids in your life, reading out loud is an important way to jump start their love of the written word. Remember, they’re never to young to enjoy all that reading has to offer!

Ten Tiny Toes

Cover courtesy of Cartwheel Books

A playful take on the classic Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, author Caroline Jayne Church infuses her version with adorable illustrations and joyful rhymes. Perfect for reading aloud to your toddler!

If Animals Kissed Good Night

Cover courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Seemingly made for your little one’s bedtime, Ann Whitford Paul and David Walker’s If Animals Kissed Good Night finds a girl wondering how animal families might say their good nights. Cozy and charming in one fell swoop!

You can also share a reading experience with your four-to-seven-year-old by asking them to recognize words and even read you parts (or all!) of the book.  They’ll love flexing their reading muscles and showing you what they can do!

Counting Crows

Cover courtesy of Atheneum Books for Young Readers

A trio of clever crows need your help to avoid a feline foe in Counting Crows, a clever concept book that’s sure to be a favorite.

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich

Cover courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers

When bear finds himself in the city, standing before an unattended sandwich, he has a choice to make. His decision and the adventure that ensues is as fun, funny, and endearing as any reader could hope for!

Visit your local library to pick up something new – and do some silent reading with your kids while you’re there. There’s no better venue for a good reading atmosphere, and no better place for your 8-and-ups to choose something special for themselves.

The Ramona Collection: Volume One

Cover courtesy of HarperCollins

Oh Ramona Quinby, how we love you! Spunky, smart, and endearingly charming, Ramona will steal your heart in this collection which includes Beezus and Ramona, Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave, and Ramona and Her Father.

The Ralph S. Mouse Complete Set

Cover courtesy of HarperCollins

It is absolutely impossible to go wrong with a Beverly Cleary book–especially when talking about Ralph S. Mouse. You could not ask for a more charming main character and this collection includes The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Runaway Ralph, and Ralph S. Mouse, so really, you’re set for hours of reading fun!

Finally, encourage your kids to have fun reading! With so many amazing books to choose from, this shouldn’t be hard, even for the older elementary-school kids and middle-school set, who (let’s face it) can sometimes be a bit finicky. No worries, though. The books below are sure to please!

Ava and Taco Cat

Cover courtesy of Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

For her eleventh birthday, all Ava wants is a pet. But when Taco the cat enters the picture, Ava begins to wonder if she’s in over her head. Endearing and funny with a life lesson to be learned, Carol Weston’s Ava and Taco Cat will delight!

Big Nate Lives It Up

Cover courtesy of Balzer + Bray

In the seventh installment to feature Big Nate, our fearless hero is asked to befriend a new kid at school. Will this guy turn out to be fun or the exact opposite? Read Big Nate Lives It Up to find out!

Nightbird

Cover courtesy of Wendy Lamb Books

In her first book for middle-graders, acclaimed author Alice Hoffman weaves a magical tale of curses and monsters, red moons and fairy tales–and at the middle of it all is Twig, an amazing girl tasked with unraveling her destiny.

Seven Wonders Book 1: The Colossus Rises

Cover courtesy of HarperCollins

 Follow the intrepid Jack McKinley as he races against time to find the seven magic Loculi in Seven Wonders, the first installment in a series that bestselling author Rick Riordan calls “a high-octane mix of modern adventure and ancient secrets.”

Happy reading, and have a great “Drop Everything And Read” month!