Once children start reading with confidence and interest, they often go through early readers like popcorn. With that in mind, I have one last suggestion. Many of the authors and illustrators who created the standard-setting books of the genre created some equally worthy but less well-remembered early readers that are ripe for introducing to a new generation. Arnold Lobel's Small Pig and Syd Hoff's The Horse in Harry's Room are two good examples. Small Pig rejects his overly clean farm and chases the dream of muddier times in the big city. Harry prefers to ride his imaginary horse than the actual creatures. Their adventures, though charming, may never make it to the big screen. But these stories are enduringly entertaining, are highly accessible for young children, and there's not a particle of gamma radiation or a single flying suit to be found. Top that, Iron Man.