What types of books should we read to young children?

I also wrote an article on ezine articles about how picture books are the ultimate learning toy for toddlers. Child development research shows that parental involvement with infant and toddler play improves learning and development. This is mostly due to the interaction and feedback a child gets when playing with their parent as opposed to playing alone. Despite this, a recent study commissioned by Hearthsong has shown that more than 60% of American parents play with their child less than an hour a day. Most parents cite the interpersonal skills their child will get as the benefit of play, but tend to downplay other important skills such as improvement to their motor skills, problem solving, creative thinking, imagination, and a sense of accomplishment that come from play. One form of play and interaction between parents and young children is the basic activity of reading picture books to toddlers.