Selecting Books for the Very Young

Spur Curiosity with Books

The word is getting out on how important it is to read to young children from birth.  Parents and grandparents can be seen adding books to diaper and toy bags. 

Since the world of children’s books is unlimited, how can we develop an early childhood library that includes a wide range of children’s books?  
Selecting Books
When selecting books for very young children, it is important to keep the child’s developmental level and interests in mind. For infants, choose books with simple, large pictures or designs in bright colors.  Include some cloth, cardboard or washable books with pictures of people or familiar objects.  Add small hand held photo albums with pictures of family and friends in the plastic sleeves. Proceed to books that tell simple stories with few words and colorful illustrations for toddlers.
Rapid Word Growth
  During this period of rapid language development, there is a great interest in words, rhymes, and repetition.  Children will enjoy participating by naming, touching, repeating phrases, and retelling stories. It’s a good time to read nursery rhymes, fairy tales and classics such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, alphabet, and number books.  Be sure to choose books that can be read in one setting due to the short attention span. 

Open Young Minds with Reading

Young children are curious about the world around them.  They enjoy stories about everyday experiences, pets, toys, home, and people in their environment.  They like to be part of the story so you may substitute the child’s name for one of the main characters.
Playtime Books
  This is also an age for enjoyment of imaginative play.  Look for books in which animals or machines such as trains have a voice.
  Preschoolers build concepts through experience.  This is a delightful time to learn about colors and shapes, the senses of seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting.

Books Help Introduce New Experiences

Look for books in the areas of science, math and art.
  As children grow, they are learning about the larger world.  Look for titles about people from other countries or cultures. Books can also help with fear of new experiences such as making friends or going to school. Berenstain Bears books are good inexpensive examples.
  Children seek warmth and security in their relationships with adults.  So snuggle up together or have children sit in your lap as you read.  Be sure to allow your children to select books based on their own individual interests.  It is OK to read books suggested for older children.  Your children’s listening level is well above their actual reading level.
  Your children’s librarian and independent bookstore are excellent resources for what is new in the world of children’s literature. Also check out Jim Trelease’s Read Aloud Handbook or go to his website http://www.trelease-on-reading.com
Photos, Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest