Arrange those Harry Potter books starting with the first novel, Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone, to the 7th book, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows. The saga that begun in 1997 ended in July 2007, but your children don't know that. They want Harry Potter to continue to thrill them with his brave exploits. So keep those books on the kids' bookshelves.

Magic, Wizards, and A Sad Little Boy

Combined in a bedtime story, magic, wizards, and a sad little boy make for spectacular storytelling. With the first book, you progressed to the next, and the one after that to satisfy your little ones until they were able to read the book on the own. As Harry Potter grew up, so did your kids. It's nice if you've kept the complete collection in kids' bookshelves. They'll never forget this hero who colored their bedtime with his feats and filled their childish friends with magic.

If you recall, your kids hated the Dursley family - long-necked Aunt Petunia, ill-tempered Uncle Vernon, and the fat pig-in-a-wig Dudley. They were the antagonists, just like the much loathed Lord Voldemort. Though the story has ended, they can still pick up these books anytime from the kids' bookshelves you've placed in their bedroom.

Sometimes you sneak a book out now and then when you're tired of the latest news and the troubles of the world. You prefer a Harry Potter book because at least, the turmoil and the intrigues were in far-away Hogwarts. The 7 books will remain on kids' bookshelves until they are old and tattered from repeated handling and reading during those rainy nights.

Even the tiniest member of the family will have his share of the bedtime magic. By that time, you've had the names of all the characters down pat - Harry (for sure), Ron, Hermione, the Dursleys, the Weasleys, Hagrid (the gentle half-giant), Dumbledore, and other amazing witches and wizards. You'll be describing in full detail the game of quidditch, the invisibility cloak, and the monsters that Harry Potter battled with.

Words of Wisdom

As the kids grow up, you'll be able to borrow words of wisdom when your kids are troubled or have tiffs with both friends and foe. If you get the book Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone, you can quote the line: "it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends", and send your child out to the world with this reminder that will help shape their values.

Or if your kids are discouraged with their failed projects and friendships, you can also quote form Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire: "understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery." Beautiful and right on target. Your kids will understand this. Haven't they shared Harry's highs and lows too?

So be sure to keep those precious books on the kids' bookshelves until they have grown and until the baby has gone through the seven books. You'll be surprised that they'll remember the details of Hogwarts more than you can. Someday, they will share the magic with their own children. Just like J.K. Rowling, you've made this magic live in your children's hearts and minds. So keep those books on the kids' bookshelves.