Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Washington, DC

My three-year-old loves to read chapter books, I think they make her feel very grown up.  We tried a few of the learn to read types, but the books she really enjoys are the full-length books geared to kids much older than her.  I was skeptical when we started, thinking there was no way she would sit still and pay attention, but she does and can recite details of the stories and incorporate them into her imaginative play.  So if you have a preschooler handy, give them a shot at books that are way over their heads.  They just might surprise you, and might really enjoy it.  Here are some of our favorites:

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.  I had to read this one in elementary school and I hated it, may not have even finished it.  My husband loves this book though, and the whole Narnia series, and it is proving to be pretty good for our daughter.  She spent the weekend checking all our closets for hidden forests and was disappointed to find only clothes and dust, but has vowed to keep checking.
• Charlotte's Webb by E.B. White.  A talking pig is pretty hilarious when you are three, and for some reason Templeton the rat is also a huge hit.  I appreciate the themes of loyalty and friendship.
• Stuart Little by E.B. White.  One of my favorites as a kid we haven't tried this one at our house yet but it is on the list.  If anyone has read it to a young kid I would love to hear how they reacted.
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.  I mentioned this one before, but I think it bears repeating.  If you have only seen the movie, you really need to read the book because there are so many fabulous and varied bits that didn't make the cut for the silver screen.  Also a good book for teachable moments about how we all carry intelligence, heart, courage, and homeinside of us, even when we feel those things are missing.