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Before buying a book for your child, see how your selection rates by asking yourself:

1. Are these book recommendations age-appropriate?

The best books will grow with your child. For example, you might buy your 5-year-old a picture book to read to him. At 6, he's reciting the words, and by 8 he's curled up in a corner reading it alone. For an independent reader, select titles that will challenge him without causing too much frustration.

2. What will my child learn from these book recommendations?

Books for babies and preschoolers tend to focus on basic concepts, like ABCs, feelings, or friendship, as well as use repetition, phonics, and other literacy tools to prepare him for reading. For an older child, consider how a book will develop his/her comprehension and vocabulary, as well as the themes and possibilities he/she will acquire through reading.

3. Is the subject matter of these book recommendations appealing?

As a general rule, the younger your child is, the more stories need to speak to his/her life experiences. As they get older, fantasy becomes more important. Let their interests guide you and be creative in your selections.

4. Will my child find the text and illustrations of these book recommendations appealing?

You know your child best and know what illustration and themes will interest him/her the most. Nice illustrations will lead the child to go through the book alone as he/she grows older.

5. Developmental Edge

For read-out-louds, choose appealing tales that build basic literacy skills. When buying books for independent readers, strike a balance between fun, learning, and challenging.

6. Extending the Fun

• When reading, dramatize your tone
• Ask your child what he/she thinks will happen next
• Encourage your child to think of books as entertainment by renting a movie version of a treasured tale or going to see a live performance starring a favorite character.
• Develop your older child's writing skills and your younger ones’ drawing skills by asking them to write a short sequel to a beloved chapter book and illustrate the cover!

Dr Ziad Abi Akar

Pediatrician

^{How to Choose Just-Right Books for Your Child | Scholastic | Parents}

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