Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Nashville, TN

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I started building a library of books about pregnancy. I was amazed at how many different ways authors could cram 40 weeks into 300 pages. After my daughter was born I had less time to read, but still stocked up on baby books. They were helpful -- I trusted Dr. Sears more than my own pediatrician. My daughter is 3 now, and though I have little free time for reading I have more questions than ever. Here are some books that helped get me through the baby years and some that are helping me through the preschool years right now.

• The Baby Book by William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN

This book was my mothering bible during Siri's first year or so. With the technical expertise of a physician and warm candor of a father, Sears is the Dr. Spock of our generation.

• The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

There's no need for a baby to cry it out. No need for parents to, either. Pantly gently guides frustrated and sleep-deprived parents through the steps to ensure a better night of sleep for the whole family.

• Buy, Buy Baby by Susan Gregory Thomas

A startling look at the way consumer products are marketed to the young and vulnerable. This book opened my eyes to media and advertising manipulation aimed at my child and led me to protect her from it.

• The 7 Stages of Motherhood by Ann Pleshette Murphy

I've found  myself revisiting this book every time I reach a new stage. Feel free to skip straight to chapter 4, which shoots down "perfect mommy myths" and reminds me that there's no way I can do it all.

• The Discipline Book by William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN

If spanking isn't the answer, what is? The authors explore non-violent and effective ways to deal with tantrums, rudeness, and generally inappropriate behavior.

• Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott

Unlike the other books on this list, Operating Instructions offers no advice. It's just a fantastic book by one of my favorite authors. This diary chronicles Lamott's life from her son Sam's birth to his first birthday. It's an amazing memoir, sure to solicit tears and laughs from anyone who reads it -- parent or not.

We can't read every word aimed at parents, but much wisdom can be found in these 6 titles. What is your favorite parenting book?