My own experience: Father of 10 1/2 and soon to be 7 sons. I read the classics, Dr. Suess, etc. plus comics, Magic Treehouse series, Capt. Underpants and most any book they wanted. What I have found with my two, is that it is not the content of the books it is that daddy spends time with each one before bedtime reading whatever book to them.

With the 10 year, when he was 1 - 3 yrs, I read him the same book each night. I was worried that he would have difficulty learning to read because he was not getting a variety of books. He now devours books. The soon to be 7 is the youngest in his class. The teachers were worried that he would fall behind but he was the 2nd best reader in his 1st grade class (the best reader was the oldest girl - statistically, are girls better readers. (I think that is true, anyone know a source?) Both are excellent readers, not because of content but, I believe, because of that relationship we developed reading together. I believe it was my time with each son that encouraged them to want to learn to read. I do get them more action/adventure books because that interests them.

I got a handout from their school that said reading to your child creates a special bond and provides initmacy. I was thinking, "what the h*** are they talking about?" For my sons, it doesn't matter if it is Iron Man, Spider-Man, Superman or Transformers, they look forward each night to that time with dad. Yes, I still read to my 10 year. Both are excellent independent readers too.

So, read to your kids...