There's something magical about going into a bookshop or library with a child who's just learning to read by herself. The sense of wonder is infectious, and you can almost see new ideas popping up as children excitedly survey the shelves and reach out to the books that call to them.

It's hard to tell which recently published books will stand the test of time, but in my decades of experience as a nanny, I've learned what to look for: Books that are designed to be read with children, not to them. Here are some of my recent favorites.

Children need challenges and increased expectations as they age, but change can be scary, and offering rewards -- coupled with choice and a sense of autonomy -- helps make their introduction smoother.

While it's natural for parents to want to give their children everything, make sure that along with toys and praise, you give your children the regular reinforcement that makes thankfulness a part of who they are, not just something they do.

The English are truly great at bringing up resilient, well-mannered, brave, and kind children. Too many parents -- in our own country and across the Western world -- have lost sight of what we've always done right.