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