Sue Grafton, acclaimed author of the Kinsey Millhone series. Grafton's novels have been published in 28 countries and 26 languages. Grafton has been approached about selling the film and television rights to her books, but she has refused.

For over 10 years, Nicholas Sparks, a #1 New York Times bestseller, has enthralled readers with his stories that penetrate the mysteries of the human heart. Sparks has been labeled as one of the most adored novelists in America.

Patricia Cornwell is a well known author whose work is translated into thirty-six languages across more than fifty countries. Ms. Cornwell is regarded as one of the major international best-selling authors.

This list is that of my favorite authors. Most of these are Fantasy authors, but a couple of science fiction authors are thrown in for good measure and children's authors as well.

These are picture books to read to children. Some are good to read to them to educate. Some are good to sing to help learn the words. Some have wonderful repetitive elements that they can repeat and participate in the book. And some are great to do along with projects.

This is my list of the books an Early Childhood Educator should have in their library to be an effective in their job.