When giving gifts to children, consider giving books. An early appreciation of reading can give a child a life-long love of the printed word. The popularity of books such as the Harry Potter series has re-energized children's love of reading.
Here are criteria to consider when selecting books for kids to keep the love of reading alive.
- age-appropriateness
- skill and ability level of the child
- interest
- creativity
- educational value
- affordability
If a child is crazy about trucks, for example, a book about flowers or gardens may not be the best choice.
Each year the Association for Library Service to Children ( ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books. These are books of commendable quality that show outstanding creativity. They are books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14), all chosen to encourage children's interests in excellent ways.
Here are some of the association’s recommended 2009 Notable Children's Books according to age level.
Books for Younger Readers – Prekindergarten
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker (Candlewick). This is a tale of a bear and an annoying mouse that try to become friends.
Books for Middle Readers – Elementary
When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature's Balance in Yellowstone by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. Photographs by Dan Hartman and Cassie Hartman (Walker). Lively photographs capture images of wildlife, with text that makes it clear to young readers the beneficial impact to the ecosystem when wolves were reintroduced.
Books for Older Readers – Middle school
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connnor (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen). Sixth-grader Addie copes with living in a trailer in Schenectady, New York, with her neglectful mother. This book won the 2009 Schneider Family Book Award.
Books for All Ages
Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints by Jim Arnosky (Sterling). Life-sized footprints depicting more than 60 North American wild animals make this an enticing field guide for young explorers.
Canadian Kids Books
In Canada, the best authority on choosing toys and books for kids is the Canadian Toy Testing Council ( CTTC). They recommend toys and books by having children actually test them out. The books range from picture books to novels to non-fiction or science books.
Here are some of their recommendations for 2009/2010.
Books for Ages 2 to 5 years
Chicken, Pig, Cow by Ruth Ohi (Annick Press). This colorful picture storybook focuses on friendship and courage among barnyard animals.
Books for Ages 3 to 6 years
The Little Toy Shop by Frances Wolf (Tundra Books). Mr. Kringle in his toy shop helps customers find just the right toy. What happens when a small stuffed bunny arrives in a gift box? And what about Teddy the stuffed bear? The mystery emerges.
Books for Ages 8 to 11 years
Goodbye Marianne by Irene N. Watts (McClelland & Stewart Ltd). This graphic novel tells a moving tale of 11-year-old Marianne, a Jewish girl living in Germany in 1938, who finds herself barred from school because of her religion.
These 7 award-winning children’s books present a variety of age-appropriate selections for year round reading enjoyment.
Educational toys can also enhance a child's play experience. Additionally, outdoor activities can help to encourage balanced child development.
Bev Yaworski - Bev Yaworski is a published writer and photographer for magazines such as Green & Organic Lifestyles, various parenting publications such ...
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