| Arrange those Harry Potter books starting with the | | | | Even the tiniest member of the family will have his |
| first novel, Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone, | | | | share of the bedtime magic. By that time, you've had |
| to the 7th book, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows. | | | | the names of all the characters down pat - Harry |
| The saga that begun in 1997 ended in July 2007, but | | | | (for sure), Ron, Hermione, the Dursleys, the |
| your children don't know that. They want Harry | | | | Weasleys, Hagrid (the gentle half-giant), Dumbledore, |
| Potter to continue to thrill them with his brave | | | | and other amazing witches and wizards. You'll be |
| exploits. So keep those books on the kids' | | | | describing in full detail the game of quidditch, the |
| bookshelves. | | | | invisibility cloak, and the monsters that Harry Potter |
| Magic, Wizards, and A Sad Little Boy | | | | battled with. |
| Combined in a bedtime story, magic, wizards, and a | | | | Words of Wisdom |
| sad little boy make for spectacular storytelling. With | | | | As the kids grow up, you'll be able to borrow words |
| the first book, you progressed to the next, and the | | | | of wisdom when your kids are troubled or have tiffs |
| one after that to satisfy your little ones until they | | | | with both friends and foe. If you get the book Harry |
| were able to read the book on the own. As Harry | | | | Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone, you can quote the |
| Potter grew up, so did your kids. It's nice if you've | | | | line: "it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to |
| kept the complete collection in kids' bookshelves. | | | | your enemies, but just as much to stand up to our |
| They'll never forget this hero who colored their | | | | friends", and send your child out to the world with |
| bedtime with his feats and filled their childish friends | | | | this reminder that will help shape their values. |
| with magic. | | | | Or if your kids are discouraged with their failed |
| If you recall, your kids hated the Dursley family - | | | | projects and friendships, you can also quote form |
| long-necked Aunt Petunia, ill-tempered Uncle Vernon, | | | | Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire: "understanding is |
| and the fat pig-in-a-wig Dudley. They were the | | | | the first step to acceptance, and only with |
| antagonists, just like the much loathed Lord | | | | acceptance can there be recovery." Beautiful and |
| Voldemort. Though the story has ended, they can | | | | right on target. Your kids will understand this. Haven't |
| still pick up these books anytime from the kids' | | | | they shared Harry's highs and lows too? |
| bookshelves you've placed in their bedroom. | | | | So be sure to keep those precious books on the |
| Sometimes you sneak a book out now and then | | | | kids' bookshelves until they have grown and until the |
| when you're tired of the latest news and the | | | | baby has gone through the seven books. You'll be |
| troubles of the world. You prefer a Harry Potter | | | | surprised that they'll remember the details of |
| book because at least, the turmoil and the intrigues | | | | Hogwarts more than you can. Someday, they will |
| were in far-away Hogwarts. The 7 books will remain | | | | share the magic with their own children. Just like J.K. |
| on kids' bookshelves until they are old and tattered | | | | Rowling, you've made this magic live in your children's |
| from repeated handling and reading during those rainy | | | | hearts and minds. So keep those books on the kids' |
| nights. | | | | bookshelves. |