Choosing Books for Young Children

Books:

Type of Book: ABC and counting books
Features: Fun and colorful illustrations of the alphabet and numbers
Example Title: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert

Type of Book: Wordless picture books
Features: A story told through pictures and few or no words
Example Title: Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day

Type of Book: Concept books
Features: Pictures or photos of familiar objects or ideas such as colors, shapes, opposites, or sizes
Example Title: Color Dance by Ann Jonas

Type of Book: Pattern books
Features: Repeating text and predictable plots that let children join in
Example Title: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle

Type of Book: Information books
Features: Realistic pictures or photographs that introduce facts about a specific topic
Example Title: Bugs by Nancy Winslow Parker and Joan Richards Wright

Type of Book: Traditional rhymes and stories
Features: Nursery rhymes, fairy tales, fables, and folktales from various cultures
Example Title: The Little Red Hen by Byron Barton

Type of Book: Picture books
Features: Words and pictures that tell a story about realistic or imaginary characters and events
Example Title: Abuela by Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Elisa Kleven

Type of Book: Poetry
Features: One or several illustrated poems for young children
Example Title: Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Type of Book: Easy-to-read books
Features: Limited vocabulary, rhyme, and repetition for beginning readers
Example Title: The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

Source: Read with Me, a RIF Parent-Teacher Partnership