What brings parents and children from all over the city to Chandler Public Libraries? Storytime! High Five is a great addition to Storytimes at Chandler Public Library, and introduces five key concepts in early literacy: Talk, Sing, Read, Write, and Play. But there's more to say about Early Literacy. Read on to learn more about how to find books your child will enjoy.
You have read all the research and you’re now completely sold - you are totally committed to reading to your child 15 minutes a day! But what should you read? As we have acknowledged in prior posts, reading what you love is always a great start. However, if your child’s reading tastes are not directly in line with your own, don’t keep forcing your childhood favorites on an unwilling listener. Instead, get busy finding books your child will truly enjoy. We have a few suggestions to start you on your quest.
Databases
Use your membership with Chandler Public Library for free access to the amazing resource NoveList Plus! All you need is your library card number and your 4-digit PIN. Once you are in the database simply enter the title of one of your child’s favorite books or a favorite series and instantly you will see a list of 9 read-a-likes on the right hand side of the page. If you click on view all it will even create a handy list you can print out and bring with you to the library. You also have the ability to select key terms to generate a list of suggested titles, as well. Goodreads is another database full of suggestions and reviews to help guide you toward the perfect read aloud.
Movies and Television
Consider novelizations of movies or television shows your child especially enjoys. Early Readers based on Disney and Pixar films (like Cars or Frozen) or picture books featuring favorite characters from PBS shows (like Pinkalicious) are very popular. While often these selections are not considered award-winning literature, they certainly serve to encourage reading, which is what it is all about at this stage.
Phone a Friend
You have probably already asked your own friends for book selections, but be sure to check in with your child’s friends as well. Asking for a child’s suggestion will increase your chances of finding an enjoyable read for your son or daughter and might even increase the self-esteem of the child making the suggestion. Now, there’s a win-win.
Finding books that will appeal to your child will eliminate the moans of, “Do we have to keep reading? This book is so boring!” So, dig a little deeper, bring home books your child will want to read over and over again and keep reading!