BOOKS FOR BABIES (0-18 MONTHS)
Choosing books for babies can be a delightful experience, and it is essential to find books that are age-appropriate and engaging for their developmental stage. Board books are an excellent choice for babies as they can withstand the wear and tear of little hands and mouths. Books that have bright, bold, and contrasting colors, and simple pictures and shapes are ideal for newborns. As babies grow and develop, they enjoy books with more details and textures, such as touch-and-feel books or books with flaps to lift. Popular board books for babies include “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz, and “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt. These books are timeless classics that have been enjoyed by generations of babies, and they provide an excellent introduction to the world of books and reading for little ones. Ultimately, the best books for babies are those that capture their attention and spark their curiosity, helping them to develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
BOOKS FOR TODDLERS (1-3 YRS)
Choosing the right books for toddlers is essential in developing their love for reading. Toddlers enjoy books with simple stories and colorful illustrations that capture their attention and spark their imagination. Books with repetition and rhyming words are also popular with toddlers, as they enjoy the predictability and rhythm of the language. Some popular choices for toddlers include “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, “Corduroy” by Don Freeman, and “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle. These books offer engaging stories, memorable characters, and beautiful illustrations that encourage toddlers to engage with the story and ask questions.
BOOKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS (3-5 YRS)
Preschoolers enjoy books with more complex stories and colorful illustrations that capture their imaginations. Picture books that include humor, action, and adventure are particularly popular with preschoolers, as they are drawn to stories that are exciting and fun. Some popular choices for preschoolers include “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, “Curious George” by H.A. Rey, and “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina. These books offer engaging stories with lovable characters, memorable plots, and beautiful illustrations that encourage children to explore the world around them. Additionally, books that promote social-emotional development, such as books about sharing, feelings, and friendship, can be valuable in helping preschoolers develop social skills and empathy.
GOOD CHILDREN’S BOOKS ARE DOORWAYS TO CONNECT
To build relationships. To be seen. To find words for feelings and experiences. To learn. To laugh. To love.
BOOKS FOR THE EARLY SCHOOL AGE (5-7 YRS)
Picture books with engaging stories and illustrations that capture their attention are particularly popular with this age group. Some popular choices for this age group include “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt, “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin, “Iggy Peck, Architect” by Andrea Beaty, and “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Jon Scieszka. These books offer engaging stories with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and valuable life lessons that encourage children to explore their interests and develop their reading skills.
BOOKS FOR DEVELOPING READERS (7-9 YRS)
Children between the ages of 7-9 are at a stage where they are developing their reading skills and are interested in exploring more complex stories and themes. Chapter books with engaging stories and relatable characters are particularly popular with this age group. Some popular choices for this age group include “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White, “The BFG” by Roald Dahl, “The Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne, and “Matilda” by Roald Dahl. These books offer engaging stories with memorable characters, vivid descriptions, and valuable life lessons that encourage children to explore their interests and develop their reading skills
BOOKS FOR OLDER CHILDREN (9+ YRS)
t this age, children enjoy books with relatable characters, engaging plots, and thought-provoking themes. Fiction books that explore fantasy or adventure themes are particularly popular with this age group, such as the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Percy Jackson” series by Rick Riordan, and “The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins. These books offer engaging stories with memorable characters, vivid descriptions, and important life lessons that encourage children to explore their interests and develop their reading skills. Non-fiction books that explore topics such as science, history, and nature can also be valuable in expanding children’s knowledge and curiosity, such as “The Human Body: A Visual Encyclopedia” by DK, or “The Story of the World” by Susan Wise Bauer.
