by Pam Everhardt Bloom Rowan Public Library
As December approaches, the
Children’s Room at Rowan Public Library has more and more requests from our
patrons for suggestions for the perfect book for a child. We are always happy
to suggest a favorite. Be forewarned, this isn’t a simple question to answer
and may involve a conversation based on our regular interaction with children
as we search daily for the “just right” book for each child. In addition to the
child’s reading level, questions I often ask grades K-5 children include the
following. Do you like facts or stories? Do you prefer a quick read or do you
like a big fat book? Are your favorite characters animals or people? These are
just a few of many; however, this next question is particularly insightful. Do
you prefer books with pictures? Many children want illustrations, regardless of
age or reading level. Don’t be surprised if we steer you to our “Easy Fiction”
section.
Recently, two conscientious moms were both looking
for chapter books (our Juvenile Fiction section) on their child’s particular
reading level. Mom 1’s second grade son kept asking for a book from the
“Froggy” series by Jonathan London. She
reluctantly agreed to “just one” and as he ran toward our “Easy Fiction” area of
picture books, she commented, “He loves those books and has read almost every
one in the series. I just wish I could get him as interested in chapter books.”
Mom 2 came in with a carefully researched list that matched her 5th
grader’s reading level and interest in dogs. Like Mom 1, she was surprised to
find those particular books in the picture book section. Don’t be fooled by the
category “Easy Fiction” – the “Froggy” reading level is right on target for
second graders. Mom 2 also found the “just right” book for her older child and while
shorter than expected, included sophisticated vocabulary and humor for an older
child with an added bonus of great illustrations.
Another factor to consider,
particularly for a young reader, is a good story. Many beginner’s books are so
focused on sight words and limited vocabulary, children may find the storyline
not particularly interesting. Illustrations can make a simple story fun. In
addition, not all children reading at advanced levels want long books. The
right picture book can tell a carefully honed story as well as a finely crafted
short story. Visit Rowan Public Library and enjoy some of our staff picks and
some of our young patron’s favorites. You’re in for a treat and you may find
that “just right” book for all ages.
K-1st suggestions - The Piggy and Elephant series by Mo
Willem or Janet Stevens books like The
Great Fuzz Frenzy. Other fun titles include Pinkerton Behave! by Steven Kellogg, Bark
George by Jules Feiffer, Chickens to
the Rescue by John Himmelman and Do
Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle.
2nd-3rd
suggestions – Those with a wacky sense of humor will adore the Walter the Farting Dog series by William
Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray, Creepy
Carrots by Aaron Reynolds, Kate and
the Beanstalk by Mary Pope Osborne, and The
New Small Person by Lauren Child. One
Candle, Butterfly House and How Many Days to America by Eve Bunting
as well as many of Allen Say’s books such as Grandfather’s Journey and Michael Bandy’s Granddaddy’s Turn, A Journey to the Ballot Box have good history
and science connections that are perfect for young inquiring minds. Other books
for this age that tell an important story in a fun style are The Deaf Musicians by Pete Seeger and
Paul Dubois Jacobs, Pancho Rabbit and the
Coyote by Duncan Tonatiuh, How
Chipmunk Got His Stripes by Joseph and James Bruchac and Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile by
Wond-Ldy Paye and Margaret H. Lippert.
4th-5th suggestions - Historical
fiction such as Ketzel, the Cat Who
Composed by Leslea Newman, One Hen
by Katie Smith Milway, Uncle Andy’s
by James Warhola and The Boy Who
Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba often ring true with this age group. Books on a lighter note are The Mischievians by William Joyce, The Adventures of Granny Clearwater &
Little Critter by Kimberly Willis Holt, The
Princess Who Had No Kingdom by Ursula Jones, The Quiltmaker’s Journey by Jeff Brumbeau and Perfect Pancakes If You Please by William Wise.
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