Tips on Finding the Perfect Book for Your Child

Studies indicate that children who are read to become readers themselves, and children who read for enjoyment are more likely to do well in school.

An important step of developing a love for the printed language in your kids is to choose the right books. Do not settle for what passes for literature at the dollar store! Use this guide to hone in on interesting, age-appropriate books.

Infants

Babies enjoy the cuddles that come with story time as much as the books themselves. When choosing literature for the nine month and under crowd, look for:

• Bright, attention-grabbing colors. Babies' eyes aren't able to focus clearly yet. Subtle shadings may be lost.
• Simple pictures representing things in their environment. Start pointing out and labeling words that they have already came in contact with, such as dog, cat, chair, and ball.
• Durable pages. Babies often do not know their own strength. Opt for cloth, rip-resistant or plastic pages.
• Something you like.If the book is a winner, odds are you will be reading it over and over again. For your own sake, fill the library with books that are not too irritating.

Toddlers

Toddlers are budding do-it-yourselvers. Most still like to be read to, but you may find them sitting in the corner "reading" an old favorite to themselves. Look for the following when stocking their book shelves:

• Interactivity. Look for pages that invite the reader to join in with the story, with peek-a-boo flaps, textures, matching activities and hidden pictures.
• Familiarity. Many toddlers are drawn to books based on their favorite television characters.
• Instruction. Time to tackle potty training? Find a book about it!
• Humor. Toddlers are starting to develop their funny bones. Look for a book that encourages you to make new sounds or funny faces while you read.

Preschoolers

Preschoolers are starting to develop their own interests and preferences. If you have not yet, be sure to involve them in choosing their books. Look for:

• Accompanying CDs. Many preschoolers are intrigued by technology and love listening to the stereo or computer read them poetry or stories.
• A plot. Help develop their attention spans by reading books that are a little longer and more complicated.
• Interesting. Choose books related to the child's interest, whether that is dinosaurs, horses, construction equipment or cooking.
• Complex illustrations. Many preschoolers love looking at and talking about the details in pictures. Look for books that hide riddles, jokes or surprises in the pages.

School Age

School age is when most children start to read for themselves, and for fun. Give your child plenty of choices, time and encouragement to read. For kids over six, look for books that are:

• Not too watered down. Poetry books are often good "adult" choices for precocious children. Have younger kids read to you so you can help with vocabulary and ask questions to help them interpret concepts.
• In collections. Many young readers enjoy the continuity of a good series of books. Take a look at the Magic Treehouse and Little House collections.
• Fact filled. Don't forget about nonfiction! Many children love trivia and will enjoy telling you about the facts they read.
• Empathetic. If your child is going through a transition, such as a death in the family, a new school, or a new sibling, the right book can help him or her deal with the resulting emotions.
• Promotes understanding. Look for books that introduce children to people that are different from them. Books are available about the concepts of racism, religious tolerance, disabilities and homelessness, as well as many other social issues.

It is never too early to start filling your children's bookshelves with classic and contemporary juvenile literature. Choose the books well, and you will be on your way to helping them discover the magic of reading.