If you love books, looking for new titles can feel just like being a kid in a candy store. There are so many treasures and so little time! Whether you are searching for a picture book, an early reader or a young adult series, it can be hard to know where to start your search for a good children’s book.
5 Tips to Help Children Pick a Good Book
- Decide between fiction or non-fiction. Identify if there is a topic that piques a child’s interest and explore the idea further in a good book. It can also be helpful to pick the category that a child doesn’t typically select, opening doors to a new subject or genre.
- Explore book lists. There are endless resources available, whether you use the well-known Caldecott or Newbery Awards or use lists that go by topic or grade level available at schools or neighborhood libraries.
- Use the five finger rule to make sure that the book is an appropriate ability level. Check out a page in the book. If there are more than five words that a child doesn’t know, it may be above their reading level.
- Ask a friend, teacher or librarian. One of the best ways to find a good book is to talk with people about books they love. You may get a list of classic children’s books and literature, but you might be surprised about what makes someone’s list of favorites. Hidden gems are sure to be found.
- Read the first sentence. Do you want to know more? Good authors start out with a sentence that grabs the reader’s attention, encouraging them to explore the story. If that first sentence inspires your child, it could be worth a read.
The world of children’s books is a magical place of imagination, adventure and heart. Finding just the right book opens that world for a child. If you need more ideas, please explore www.