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| Choosing
Books for Children |
By
Lindy Jones, our Children's Manager. |
| Congratulations!
You are the caretaker of a brand new human being - what amazing adventures
are in store. And one of the most wondrous, truly magical experiences
ahead of you is being able to read to your child, knowing you have the
awesome responsibility and privilege of setting your little one on a lifelong
path to a rich, rewarding inner life.
Sound frightening?
Difficult? Impossible? Well it isn't - all journeys start with a step
and continue one step at a time, and in the case of reading, it starts
very simply. |
 You
can begin reading to your child from the very first day; indeed some people
will have started before the child was born. It doesn't matter what you
read, the sound of your voice at this stage is most important. Bub hasn't
got the hang of using eyes yet, and up to about three months colours are
not as important as contrasts in the books you share. Try the Ladybird
First Focus cot books for instance, then start on simple pop-up
books that can help bub practise focussing and moving their eyes.
An excellent example is Chuck Murphy's work; particularly One
to Ten and Colour Surprises.
Don't forget cloth books and bath
books, which bub can grip (and inevitably gum on) some of which come
with textured surfaces or squeaky or rattling inserts. These are fun and
intriguing - not a bad association when it comes to books. |
Developing
sensory awareness is important. Tactile and sturdy board
books invite the child's participation and can be considered as
play things. Flaps, pop outs, cutaways, contrasting textures, sparkly
and mirrored insets all invite interaction. As bub gets used to holding
a focus, paying attention for small (but increasing) periods of time and
co-ordinating movements, then the books you share can become a little
more developed. This is when simple repetitive language driven by its
rhythm becomes attractive. Books like I
Went Walking or Brown Bear Brown Bear What do You See give lots of
pleasure to the listener. As do nursery
rhymes - there are plenty of excellent collections around - have a
look at Iona Opie's or Michael
Foreman's selections. |
 As
your child enters their first year the stories can start to be a little
more structured as well eg Hairy
Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy or Who
Sank the Boat? There are the perennial favourites like The Very
Hungry Caterpillar or Where's
Spot, with their simple, brightly coloured illustrations and invitations
to participate. Be assured, those squeals and excited noises are participation
- you are teaching your child the expectations of language. You are helping
your child develop its communication skills. You are teaching your child
not only that reading is important, but they are too, as it is a time
to yourselves, full of pleasure, sharing, fun and the association of sounds
with meaning and images on the page. |
 So
off you go, on a wonderful journey. If you need more signposts, try Reading
Magic by Mem Fox for its motivational style. Or the locally produced
booklet Don't Leave Childhood
Without… by the Specialist Children's Booksellers, which lists recommended
titles suitable for babies up to teens. And don't forget to ask your local
librarian or bookseller - you'll usually find someone who is only too
willing to share their knowledge and help you - and your child - nourish
this essential life skill. |
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