Tips For Choosing Good Books.

Children’s reading interests and needs change as they grow.

Here are some basic things to look for as you help kids choose good books.

INFANTS AND TODDLERS (BIRTH TO AGE 2)

• Books with big, bright, colorful pictures of familiar objects.
• Durable books made of cardboard,plastic, or washable cloth. These books are usually a good size and shape for small children to handle.
• Books that appeal to their senses, suchas fabric books, books with textures, and books with scents. Stories told in short, simple sentences with pictures that explain the text.
• Poems and rhymesthat are fun forparents to read aloud.

PRESCHOOLERS (AGES 3 TO 5)

• Illustrations and photos that are clear, colorful, and engaging.
• Simple, fun plots. The action should move quickly, so each book can be read in one sitting.
• Lively rhymes and repetition that childrencan repeat and remember.
• Stories about everyday life and events.The stories should encourage childrento ask questions and explore their world.
• Stories that review basic concepts, such as letters, numbers, shapes, and colors.
• Main characters who are your child’s age or slightly older.Playful animals, both real andimaginary, willalso hold a child’s attention.

YOUNG READERS (AGES 6 TO 11)

• Clear text that is easy to read.
• Colorful, attractive illustrations and photosthat bring the text to life and give cluesto the meaning of unfamiliar words.
• Books that appeal to your child’s interests.
• “How-to,” craft, and recipe books with clear, simply worded instructions and helpful illustrations.
• Other books by your child’s favorite authors and illustrators.
• Books with your child’s favorite characters.
• Stories your child enjoyed hearing when he or she was younger. These are great books for children to begin reading on their own.
• Books that encourage discussion.
• Chapter books that can be read over several days instead of in one sitting.

ADOLESCENTS (AGES 12 AND UP)

• Books about subjects that interestyour child.
• Novels that might help your child cope with daily challenges of growing up by featuring characters dealingwith similar experiences.
• Books that introduce new experiences and opportunities.
• Fact books, such as world recordbooks, trivia books, and almanacs.
• Biographies, classics, folk tales, historical fiction, and mythology.

Quick Tip!
Knowing how to choose good books is a skill your children will keep for the rest of their lives. Take time to show them how. Encourage them to select books on their own as soon as they show preferences.