In honor of Children's book week, it seems only appropriate to call attention to the best children's books from the past forty years. Children literature is amazingly ripe with wonderful story and artwork. It's not easy to write a children's book. It takes imagination, wonderment and talent to make the book flow with ease. It's also important to remember that children's authors have learned over time that talking down to their audience is a big no-no. Children intuitively know when they are bing treated like mindless beings. Remember a book can stay in a heart for a lifetime or ti can be fleeting like yesterday's news. Below are the baker's dozen of books that have touched and stayed ion children's book shelves for what seems like eternity. Quite frankly, that is as it should be.
13. Giraffe Can't Dance Giles Andreae Not quite the book of all times yet. Since it was just published a few years ago. However, it will stand the test of time because of it's timeless message of perseverance and success.
12. Jumanji Chris Van Allsburg Wonderful pictures that come alive and make the story so memorable. If readers like Polar Express, they will love Jumanji.
11. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Bill Martin Jr. The classic ABC tale will have toddlers learning their alphabet with rhythmic ease. Not only that, they want to hear it over and over land over again. A true sign that it's a classic.
10. I'll Love You Forever by Robert Munsch Sweetest story of a mother and son 's bond that has ever been written. Children will love this tale more as they grow older. Which is why it's has lasting value. As adults, this story still resinates.
9. Where The Wild things Are? Maurice Sendak Children love this story because as everyone knows, monsters are just wild things who love to follow a king. When one is king, there is nothing to to fear ... not even monsters.
8. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs Jon Scieszka The classic tale of the Big Bad World an dthe Three little pigs is wonderfully comical. Scieszka teaches children that there is always another side of the story. Who could ever believe that the Big Bad Wolf really had innocent intentions when visiting the three pigs? Well, read the book once and it will soon become a classic standby or bedtime.
7. Ain't Gonna Paint No More! Karen Beaumont This little mischief maker with lots of time and paint on her hands. It's a delightful book with sing song rhythm that is fun. Make it more interesting by with imaginary paint brushes. Children will paint along with the charming heroine, which makes them giggle every single time. Great Book!
6. Good Night Moon! Margaret Wise Brown This book is still a wonderful way to end the day. Children all snuggled in their beds and reading along with mom or dad quietly saying goodnight to everything and everyone in their room. It doesn't get old or any better than this. Ms. Brown will always be the "queen" of children literature.
5.Clown of God Tomie dePaola This is a Christmas tale but for some stubborn librarians, they will read it all year round. Why? The message is simple and powerful. Both children and reminder benefit from hearing the message anytime during the year.
4. Snowy Day Ezra Keats This book is celebrated as one of the first books to feature an African American boy as the main character. What it really should be celebrated is that it crossed the boundaries of understanding for everyone. The story is about the simple joy of a snowy day with so much possibilities at hand. Everyone has experienced that joy at least once in their childhood.
3. Cat in the Hat Dr. Suess The book that started it all for Dr. Suess and it still is a favorite. The Cat in the Hat can make a rainy day exciting for two homebound kids. Is there any better story to read on a rainy day?
2. Knuffle Bunny Mo Willhems Another book that is rather new but will be a classic. Especially since it is a "trilogy". The art work with cartoon characters with New York City photos as backdrop is brilliant and fun! Get ready for a chase through the New York neighborhood to find Knuffle Bunny.
1. Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric Carle One of the best children book that incorporates learning, art and fun. It blends it all so beautifully that it's no wonder that children go back to it year after year after year. Simply the best.
Showing posts with label Dr. Suess. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr. Suess. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
National Library Week 2014: Top Ten Reasons to Read to A Child
The first questions that parents ask a librarian when they are expecting a baby is when is the best time to begin reading to them? Easy question: When they are born. It's never too early or too late to read to a child. Children love to be read to, and it doesn't necessarily have to be at bedtime. To celebrate National Library Week here is a top ten list of reasons to read to your child (oh what the heck, you can read to the neighbor's child too)
10. Adults get to reconnect with their favorite childhood book. What's better than picking up Where the Wild Things Are after twenty years. The memories will come flooding back and will bring a smile to your face. As a an added bonus, you share a book and smile with a child.
9. Picture books have great artwork. This is a wonderful opportunity to share an appreciation of art with youngsters.
8. Children books are quick to read. However, they can be addicting if they are wonderful stories, a child will want to have it read to them over and over again. Which does wonder to stretching memory skills ability.
7. Children's author's have a knack of putting things in a their "right" light. After all perception is everything. Sometimes after a good children's book like Snowy Day, it gives the reader a new view on how a snowy day can be wonderful.
6. Audience participation is sometimes required and makes reading all the more fun. Try reading Don't Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus and keep children from responding with glee, "No don't let the Pigeon ride the bus!" It can't be done.
5. Dr. Seuss was the master of rhyme. Silly ones to boot at times. Children authors reminds readers to be silly sometimes. After all, we all should have a little Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast. At least once a month.
4. Children's Books answer the all important questions of the day: How Do Dinosaurs say Good Night? Obviously inquiring minds need to know. Which gives adults the perfect resource to answer the questions for the little ones in their lives.
3. Even the worse children's books have something special to offer. Children are very open about how they feel about books, art and even toys. If a book doesn't hold their fascination they will show and they will let you know it.
2. Special characters like Curious George or Madeline are the best "pretend" friends any child can have. They can be invited to come into the child's life at anytime or in any place.
And the number one reason to read to children:
1. It is a wonderful way to develop that special bond with a child that make for wonderful memories and lead to a lifetime of sharing books together.
10. Adults get to reconnect with their favorite childhood book. What's better than picking up Where the Wild Things Are after twenty years. The memories will come flooding back and will bring a smile to your face. As a an added bonus, you share a book and smile with a child.
9. Picture books have great artwork. This is a wonderful opportunity to share an appreciation of art with youngsters.
8. Children books are quick to read. However, they can be addicting if they are wonderful stories, a child will want to have it read to them over and over again. Which does wonder to stretching memory skills ability.
7. Children's author's have a knack of putting things in a their "right" light. After all perception is everything. Sometimes after a good children's book like Snowy Day, it gives the reader a new view on how a snowy day can be wonderful.
6. Audience participation is sometimes required and makes reading all the more fun. Try reading Don't Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus and keep children from responding with glee, "No don't let the Pigeon ride the bus!" It can't be done.
5. Dr. Seuss was the master of rhyme. Silly ones to boot at times. Children authors reminds readers to be silly sometimes. After all, we all should have a little Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast. At least once a month.
4. Children's Books answer the all important questions of the day: How Do Dinosaurs say Good Night? Obviously inquiring minds need to know. Which gives adults the perfect resource to answer the questions for the little ones in their lives.
3. Even the worse children's books have something special to offer. Children are very open about how they feel about books, art and even toys. If a book doesn't hold their fascination they will show and they will let you know it.
2. Special characters like Curious George or Madeline are the best "pretend" friends any child can have. They can be invited to come into the child's life at anytime or in any place.
And the number one reason to read to children:
1. It is a wonderful way to develop that special bond with a child that make for wonderful memories and lead to a lifetime of sharing books together.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Reaching the Reluctant Reader!
Reading is an activity that can either be pleasurable or painful. Librarians have always known that good reading skills help students to succeed in all their subjects. it is what I call a foundational skill in which all other subjects build upon. Everything for English to Math to Vocational Education. To remind parents of this fundamental truth is like preaching to the choir. They understand all to well the importance of reading and success. So when dealing with reluctant readers in their family, they turn to librarians and teachers for advice on the best methods to motivate their children to read. Every child is different and there isn't one magic solution that will help every child. One piece of magic that always works can be summed up in one word: FUN. Here are some suggestions that might make a difference for your child.
Children love quality time with their parents. Whether it is going out to the park, watching a movie together or just hanging around the house together. New parents always ask when is it appropriate to begin reading to their baby. It is never too soon to read to your baby. With so many great books and authors to choose from, even in board books, that finding a book should not be difficult. Not all children respond to being read to the same way. There are some children who just can't sit still or lose interest in the book. One solution to this is to not finish the book. Sounds silly doesn't it? Think of it this way, you want the reading time to be enjoyable for both you and your child. Before you begin reading with your child, let them know that you will only read two or three pages of the book. After that place a bookmark on the page you've left off and announce you will find out what happens next in the story tomorrow. If your child is okay with that, good. If they are not, and they want to hear more, than continue on with the story until they tell you they are done listening.
Another good tactic to use is letting a child be active during the time you are reading to them. Especially if you have a child who needs to move constantly. During a Dr. Seuss story time with over active boys, I've brought out puzzles that are based on the title that I am sharing. Fox in Socks is one of the titles I use for story and puzzle time. The puzzle has very large pieces (48 count) which is quite easy to put together for small hands. After reading a page or two, I would stop and direct the children's attention to the puzzle. At first they don't know what the puzzle will be since the box is hidden. Together, we picked out pieces and connected them. (HINT: I know the puzzle inside out, so I guide the children in what pieces to pick. It's cheating a little but it moves things along faster) After a couple of pieces are connected, I begin reading again and repeat the process until the book and the puzzle are completed. Children are surprised to find out that the puzzle is a picture of Fox in Socks.
When the child is ready to read and finds the process difficult, parents sometimes begin to force their child to read. Never use force. The children will relate the unpleasant experience with reading and from that point it will be that much harder to get them to read later in life. One program that I have found to benefit struggling readers are the Paws for Reading programs. Many libraries and schools have used this program which allows children to read aloud to a friendly canine. The cost to run a program like this is minimal to the library. The return on this small investment is huge. Not only do reluctant readers gain confidence in their reading skills, but they begin checking out library books, telling their neighbors about the program and participating in other library programs. What does the library gain? A library supporter for life, hopefully.
Large type books are wonderful for patrons with vision problems. They are also wonderful for children who hate reading. When a book is in large type, the book "seems" to flow faster. Fewer words on the page than in normal type makes page turning go much faster. What is the benefit of that? The reluctant reader finds it easer to finish a book. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. This is the ultimate goal that librarians and parents strive when working with children on their reading skills. They need to find out that they can read, and they have the ability to become better readers with time and practice.
My last piece of advice, is simply this: read aloud to children at any age. You'd be amazed at how reading aloud helps children in school. It improves their memory, their reading skills along with comprehension and most importantly it opens their mind to their own imagination. In third grade, I had a wonderful teacher who read aloud to our class every other day. The first time she did this, she read from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Listening to the story helped our minds to concentrate one activity during reading, the imagination. This opened up a whole new concept in reading to me! Reading was a chore, something to "finish" and say that I had done the job. It never occurred to my young mind that if I could learn to read and imagine at the same time, the story would come alive. That's when the "light" came on for me and reading became pleasurable. I suspect that this can happen to children today as well.
This topic has always hit close to home for me. Libraries are my passion for a very good reason. The power of reading has changed my world and in a small way, I've wanted to help others find that power as well. Having said that, this will not be the first or the last entry on reluctant readers. Stay tuned, there is much more to come.
Children love quality time with their parents. Whether it is going out to the park, watching a movie together or just hanging around the house together. New parents always ask when is it appropriate to begin reading to their baby. It is never too soon to read to your baby. With so many great books and authors to choose from, even in board books, that finding a book should not be difficult. Not all children respond to being read to the same way. There are some children who just can't sit still or lose interest in the book. One solution to this is to not finish the book. Sounds silly doesn't it? Think of it this way, you want the reading time to be enjoyable for both you and your child. Before you begin reading with your child, let them know that you will only read two or three pages of the book. After that place a bookmark on the page you've left off and announce you will find out what happens next in the story tomorrow. If your child is okay with that, good. If they are not, and they want to hear more, than continue on with the story until they tell you they are done listening.
Another good tactic to use is letting a child be active during the time you are reading to them. Especially if you have a child who needs to move constantly. During a Dr. Seuss story time with over active boys, I've brought out puzzles that are based on the title that I am sharing. Fox in Socks is one of the titles I use for story and puzzle time. The puzzle has very large pieces (48 count) which is quite easy to put together for small hands. After reading a page or two, I would stop and direct the children's attention to the puzzle. At first they don't know what the puzzle will be since the box is hidden. Together, we picked out pieces and connected them. (HINT: I know the puzzle inside out, so I guide the children in what pieces to pick. It's cheating a little but it moves things along faster) After a couple of pieces are connected, I begin reading again and repeat the process until the book and the puzzle are completed. Children are surprised to find out that the puzzle is a picture of Fox in Socks.
When the child is ready to read and finds the process difficult, parents sometimes begin to force their child to read. Never use force. The children will relate the unpleasant experience with reading and from that point it will be that much harder to get them to read later in life. One program that I have found to benefit struggling readers are the Paws for Reading programs. Many libraries and schools have used this program which allows children to read aloud to a friendly canine. The cost to run a program like this is minimal to the library. The return on this small investment is huge. Not only do reluctant readers gain confidence in their reading skills, but they begin checking out library books, telling their neighbors about the program and participating in other library programs. What does the library gain? A library supporter for life, hopefully.
Large type books are wonderful for patrons with vision problems. They are also wonderful for children who hate reading. When a book is in large type, the book "seems" to flow faster. Fewer words on the page than in normal type makes page turning go much faster. What is the benefit of that? The reluctant reader finds it easer to finish a book. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. This is the ultimate goal that librarians and parents strive when working with children on their reading skills. They need to find out that they can read, and they have the ability to become better readers with time and practice.
My last piece of advice, is simply this: read aloud to children at any age. You'd be amazed at how reading aloud helps children in school. It improves their memory, their reading skills along with comprehension and most importantly it opens their mind to their own imagination. In third grade, I had a wonderful teacher who read aloud to our class every other day. The first time she did this, she read from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Listening to the story helped our minds to concentrate one activity during reading, the imagination. This opened up a whole new concept in reading to me! Reading was a chore, something to "finish" and say that I had done the job. It never occurred to my young mind that if I could learn to read and imagine at the same time, the story would come alive. That's when the "light" came on for me and reading became pleasurable. I suspect that this can happen to children today as well.
This topic has always hit close to home for me. Libraries are my passion for a very good reason. The power of reading has changed my world and in a small way, I've wanted to help others find that power as well. Having said that, this will not be the first or the last entry on reluctant readers. Stay tuned, there is much more to come.
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