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Sunday, December 06, 2015

Children's Room Suggestions



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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