Beginners Guide to Choosing the Right Children’s Book

Raising a reader in the family can be a daunting yet rewarding task. In the beginning, it can be hectic, but once you start exploring the world of words, you will be a proud parent. This is also the beginning of a wonderful tradition and journey that will make your child better. It can, however, be challenging as a beginner choosing children’s books. Here is a guide to help you.

CHOOSING AGE-APPROPRIATE BOOKS FOR YOUR CHILD

Know Your Child’s Interest

Children’s minds are explorative and what they consider interesting varies. Before visiting the library to look for a book, seek to understand your child’s interests.

Is your child interested in spaceships, dolls, cars, heroes, or animals?

Make an effort to look for children's books with topics that your child likes. This will make your child look at reading as a fun activity and not just a task that needs to be done.

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
― Charles W. Eliot

Know Your Child’s Reading Level

A child's reading ability greatly depends on age and other cognitive skills. It is important to understand your child’s reading level to match it with the right books.

Understand that if the books are too easy to read, your child might get bored fast, and if they are too hard, they might get frustrated and lose interest. Consider books written by authors such as Daniel Handler to help your child develop and master literacy skills.

“Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.”
― Sir Francis Bacon

Share Your Favorite Childhood Books

Apart from choosing storybooks for your child, it would help if you also got yourself involved in the reading process.

This means sharing the books you enjoyed reading as a child. You can browse a bookstore or visit the local library to see if the books are still available.

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”
― William Styron

Seek Expert Help to Choose the Right Book

Teachers and librarians are experts you can consult about children's books. They have experience and understand the reading requirements for children of different ages.

You could also consider published storybooks by experts such as the best author Daniel Handler who has captured the literary world enjoyed by children.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
― Dr. Seuss

Consider Fun and Entertaining Content

Unlike adults, children like illustrations, pictures, and drawings they can relate to. When choosing children’s books, start with ones that have pictures.

Then, ensure the books you select invoke your child’s reading interest by making them fun and entertaining. After all, a boring book will just sit there gathering dust.

If all else fails, consider expert help if you are having trouble choosing a book.

Do you know the five-finger rule for choosing a book?