Reading to your child every day is one of the most important activities you can do with, and for, them! It's been proven that children that have parents that read to them read better, earlier and become more fluent in their reading ability. They also have a greater desire to read and the love of reading is permeated throughout their young lives. What parent doesn't want their child to be a successful reader? Reading is such a vital part of a successful and happy life.
Through reading, children learn how to disseminate, cultivate and evolve into their beliefs of life. They can learn about culture, courage and compassion. Books can open their minds and the world. There is no end to the tremendous amount of learning and advantages that takes place within the folds of a book.
The other side of the book is helping them learn how to read. I have assembled some outstanding beginning books that help children become better readers. You'll also find some great websites to help you with your child. Watch for next week's review as I will be reviewing great chapter books for readers that have advanced to more words and less pictures.
When looking for appropriate books for your young reader, remember these important points: Level 1 readers should have only a few words that frequently repeat. The font is large and the pictures give clues to the words; Level 2 readers have more words with short sentences with simple plots and dialogue; and Level 3 readers have smaller font with longer text, harder words and more complex stories.
However, beware that different publishers alter these levels a bit, so you just need to open the book to follow the aforementioned guidelines.
Level 1 Readers - Green Light Readers: Dot and Bob, by David McPhail, is a cute story with great tips for parents at the back of the book. Uh-Oh Max, (Jon Scieszka's Trucktown Series), by Jon Scieszka, and illustrated by David Gordon, David Shannon and Loren Long, is perfect for kids who love trucks. The Noodles series, by Hans Wilhelm, has a new book out: Noodles the Puppy. Can You See What I See? Toys, by Walter Wick, is great fun and kids enjoy re-reading this book again and again. Bob Books: Listen and Read 1, by Bobby Lynn Marslen, and illustrated by John R. Marslen, has a learning CD included. These 2 collaborators, along with Sue Hendra, have a new boxed set out for the emergent reader: My First Bob Books: Pre-Reading Skills and My First Bob Books: Alphabet. If you want to teach phonics, Go Diego Go! Phonics, published by Scholastic, is a program packaged in a small box with 12 books that help teach vowel sounds effectively.
Level 2 Readers - Green Light Readers: Soccer Song, by Patricia Geilly Giff, and illustrated by Blanche Sims, has several tips to help young readers. Fly Guy series, by Tedd Arnold, (his latest book is “Hooray for Fly Guy!”), is fun to read and humorous as well. And any of Mo Willems' books are perfect for this level reader. His most recent books are I Will Surprise My Friend!, I Love My New Toy! and Are You Ready to Play Outside. Disney's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einstiens series that are leveled at 1 really belong in this category due to the amount and size of words in each book. Each book has flash cards that help with reinforcement as well as a rebus style to help the story along. Pony Crazy (I Can Read! Series), by Catherine Mapka, and illustrated by Anne Kennedy, is a cute story about the desire to own a horse. This series also has a helpful introduction for parents. Ballet Sisters, by Jan Ormerod, is a new series that will surely be liked by young dancers. Annie and Snowball series, by Cynthia Rylant, and illustrated by Sucie Stevenson, is leveled at 2 but is a nice stepping stone to level 3.
Level 3 Readers - These are more developed stories due to the ability for longer and more difficult sentences. This is the level when children really begin reading for content and information. The Planet Earth Series has two new books out: Animals of Africa and Wild Amazon, both books by Lisa L. Ryan-Herndon. The photos are bright and beautiful, compelling the reader to enjoy both books. All Aboard Science Reader Series has a new book, Fireflies, by Megan E. Bryant, and illustrated by Carol Schwartz and is leveled at 2 but it's a nice segue to level 3. Viking Easy-to-Read introduces kids to mysteries with Young Cam Jansen, by David A. Adler, and Illustrated by Susanna Natti. The newest book is The Molly Shoe Mystery. This book is also leveled at 2, but because of the amount of words and sentences, it belongs in this level. Tuff Fluff, by Scott Nash, is another great introduction to mysteries although none are leveled, but this is about where they belong. The Case of Duckie's Missing Brain is his newest book. The Twin Giants, by Dick King-Smith, and illustrated by Mini Grey, is also not leveled but the author writes wonderful books that belong in this level. Iris and Walter, by Elissa Haden Guest, and illustrated by Christine Davenier, is another series that isn't leveled but belongs here. The newest book is The Birthday Party. Zelda and Ivy, by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, is also a non-leveled series and fun and funny throughout the series. Her latest, The Boy Next Door, doesn't disappoint.
Also, you can find some great websites that are instructional and helpful with your child and reading. Here are just a few:
