Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Cincinnati, OH

As Shannan mentioned last month, we're writing about some of our favorite books just in time for the holidays!  Be sure to check out the Savvy section on Books, Toys and More for more ideas.

Five favorites in our house include:

1.  Flat Stanley  

This book is great for all ages! I've read this aloud to my 6, 4 and 2 year olds and they're each enthralled - at the same time! If it catches on, there are many more in the series!

2.  Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late  

This book is a great one to emphasize expression - changing volume and acting out as you read it. All of my kids - ages 2-6 LOVE this book and happily tell the pigeon, "NO!" altogether! Great family reading!

3.  Corduroy 

Corduroy is such an easy book to relate to - you root for Corduroy and Lisa to finally be together and you're not disappointed. Indeed, it brings comfort and relief to preschoolers who can identify with a "lovey".

4.  I'm a Big Brother  

We have both the big brother and big sister version of this book, and indeed, it has become a mantra around our house! "I can eat pizza and ice cream" and the baby can't. It highlights all the reasons it's great to be big, boosting confidence for the older sibling. We had these before the little ones arrived and it helped us - and our big kid - prepare for baby!

5.  Go, Dog, Go!

This is a perennial favorite around our house! We've enjoyed this book for years - it's a crowd pleaser. It's a great book as our children become familiar with sight words, too - now our oldest is reading it to the youngest!