This keynote speech reflects on the experiences of the Horn Book Magazine's editor-in-chief during the 20 years following her graduation from Indiana University. Ten qualities which are important in selecting books to read aloud to children are outlined in the speech. They include: (1) strong plot lines; (2) characters with whom children can identify; (3) characters who must make a moral choice; (4) ambiguity about what is happening in the plot or to a character; (5) books that tie into something other than the reading curriculum; and (6) books easily adapted for writing exercises. A list of the speaker's 25 favorite books for kindergarten through grade 8 is included. (MM)