Children's Books and Their Importance

by Rita R Philips

The vulnerability of a child is a wonderful feat all on its own. One of the most important things that your child needs to learn is the habit of reading. With the digital age growing out of proportions, a lot of parents have neglected to educate their children with the use of the right reading materials. Most adults would allow their children to endlessly play video games or learn all their school lessons through the internet.

Unknown to a lot of people, there are a lot of things that your child can pick up from reading. Being immersed in various reading materials will help enhance the understanding and knowledge of your child, even at the early stage of pregnancy and childbirth. Parents are encouraged by experts to indulge their children to reading books that will help widen their understanding of different things in the world. Most children books also incorporate moral lessons that aid in the mentality of the child as he/she grows.

Being able to make a child feel comfortable in the habit of reading books will make it easier for them to achieve a lot of things while they are in school and as they go on with their life. Schools also hold book fairs that will increase their participation in several non-curricular activities. This will also give them an advantage over other children who may have not read as many books as they have. While you shop for children books, you might also want to bring your child along with you in the store.

Observe his actions and see which types of books he may be interested in. This will give you a brief knowledge on what books to buy him next. When your child feels at ease with the activity of reading, you will also be able to see a noticeable dedication in his learning for other things. Books tell stories of different kinds of people, and children will be able to compare and assess the diversities in the real world.

Opening up to a world that they barely know about will make it easier for you as a parent to educate your child. If your child is still a toddler, you can focus on board books that will make the idea of reading more interactive as he participates in different identification games. Most board books help in enhancing the child's identification in various shapes, colors and sizes. Colorful pictures also spark the interest of a lot of children. A lot of child experts believe that board books are always the best start to immersing kids to read children books. Constantly visiting the library with your child is also a healthy practice in nurturing their education. Sooner or later, you will be surprised to realize that your child can get into the habit of reading without having to be reminded by you.

Copyright (c) 2009 Rita R Philips

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Great Christmas Tales Your Kids Will Love

by Jeremy White

If you teach your children to love books at an early age you're doing them a lifelong favor. And there's no better place to start than at Christmas. Not only do books make great holiday gifts, but there are hundreds of wonderful children's books that deal with Christmas themes. So, what are you waiting for? Get going.

Where to start? With our list of the best Christmas books for kids, of course. Making a best-of list is always tricky. The process is subjective to begin with. And you're always going to offend someone by leaving off their personal favorite. Believe us, we know we're going to leave off lots of great books. Okay, enough apologizing. Onto our list, which is presented in no particular order and designed to appeal to various age groups of children:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss - You can't have a list of great children's books and not include a Dr. Seuss work. You just can't. Enough said.

No Peeking!, Charles Reasoner - What's inside all those gleaming presents under the tree? Every kid is dying to know ... but they have to wait until Christmas morning. Don't make your little one wait until Christmas morning to read this wonderful book!


A is for Angel: A Christmas Alphabet and Activity Book, Debbie Trafton O'Neal - Just like it sounds, this book uses the alphabet to teach children about the spirit and meaning of celebrating Christmas.

Why the Chimes Rang: A Christmas Classic, Raymond Macdonald Alden - A classic indeed. The original is nearly 100 years old, but this version has been updated with modern artistry to make the book fresh for a whole new generation of young readers.

The Night Before Christmas, Clement C. Moore - Can you complete this line: "'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring..." Yeah, we thought so. Based upon the classic poem we all know and love, this book is a winner.

The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg - Despite the fanfare, many found the movie to be disappointing. The same won't be said for the book. This tale is becoming a modern classic. Let your little one take the ride.

The Littlest Christmas Tree, Janie Jasin - Think back to when you were a child and looked up to older kids and adults. Didn't you yearn to grow up fast, to be big? Now, wouldn't you do just about anything to be a child again, if only for one more day? In this book, a small seedling wants desperately to grow up into a large Christmas tree. But it learns to be patient. It's a great lesson for your child - and a great trip into yesteryear for you!


The Christmas Hero, Golden Books - We all know and love the classic, animated Rudolph that runs on network television each holiday season. This book, which doubles as a coloring book, recreates that tale and stays true to the cartoon kids have watched for generations. Read it to your little one as she colors the pages.


The Legend of the Candy Cane, Lori Walburg - Do you know anything about the fascinating history of the candy cane? We didn't either, until we read this book. We won't spoil anything for you, so let us just say this: anytime you look at or eat a candy can again you'll be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Twelve Days of Christmas, Alison Inches - This Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy book plays upon a perennial favorite. Your kids will love it!

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Christmas Books For Children - Some Favorite Picks

by Karen Gallagher

A wonderful way to share the Christmas spirit with a child is to read special Christmas books together. You may even start a tradition of giving your children new Christmas books every year in advance of the holiday, so that you can enjoy these books in the days or weeks before the celebration.

There are many terrific Christmas books for children, and new titles are published every year. It can be overwhelming to try and find the really good ones, so here is a list of ten recommended Christmas books to get you started:

(1) Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree: Told in perfectly rhyming verse, this is a charming story about a wealthy man whose Christmas tree was a tad too tall for his soaring ceiling. And so begins the journey of the treetop as it spreads Christmas joy down the line.

(2) The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy: A lonely puppy named Petey is in search of a boy to take care of him. Just when he was about to give up, Petey finds the perfect home and an abundance of love just in time for Christmas.

(3) A Wish to be a Christmas Tree: After years of being passed over, a large pine tree comes to the sad realization that he will never be a Christmas tree. His forest friends show him that he plays an even more important role all year long by providing shelter and protection. In the end, they thank the pine by turning him into a beautiful Christmas tree with berries, icicles and other decorations of nature.

(4) Olive, the Other Reindeer: In a silly, lighthearted story, a dog named Olive misunderstands the lyrics to the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." When he hears the line "All of the other reindeer...," Olive comes to the false realization that he is a reindeer, not a dog. So off he goes to help Santa deliver presents, and despite his inability to fly, Olive's canine talents come in handy.

(5) Snowmen at Christmas: Snowmen come to life at night after the children are asleep and engage in their own Christmas activities, like visiting with Santa and Christmas caroling. The illustrations are so magical that readers yearn to jump in and join the snowmen in their frolicking.

(6) Bear Stays Up For Christmas: Bear's friends wake him from hibernation so that he can participate in the Christmas festivities. Long after everyone else has fallen asleep, Bear continues baking, wrapping, and decorating. And along the way, he learns that giving is the best present of all.

(7) Santa's Reindeer: For inquiring minds, this wonderfully illustrated book explains everything a child would want to know about reindeer. Every question is answered, such as how they land so quietly in the roof and what they do the rest of the year. This beautiful book is a keeper for the coffee table at Christmastime.

(8) Auntie Claus: Sophie is very curious about her Auntie Claus who serves Christmas cookies throughout the year and takes mysterious annual trips right before Christmas. So she decides once and for all to figure out what is going on, and finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime.

(9) Olivia Helps With Christmas: The beloved Olivia is so busy watching everyone else prepare for Christmas. She is especially tied up waiting for Santa so that she can open her presents. In a richly illustrated Christmas book, Olivia is true to her endearing and comical form.

(10) The Mouse Before Christmas: In this luminously illustrated Christmas book, an excited little mouse gathers cookies for Santa and sits up to wait for his arrival. When the jolly man arrives, mouse peaks into his sack of toys, accidentally falls in, and takes a wild ride on Santa's sleigh.

Start growing a collection of beautiful, humorous, and touching Christmas books that you can enjoy with your children for years to come. The time you spend together enjoying these special stories will be an invaluable part of this special holiday season.

Karen Gallagher has a BA from Bucknell University and an MBA from Rider University. She is the founder and owner of The Lollipop Book Club, a company specializing in the gift of high quality books for children.

http://www.lollipopbookclub.com

Books For Boys - Appealing Stories For Active Little Guys

by Karen Gallagher

Experts suggest that children should read at least 10 minutes a day, though striving for a solid 20 minutes is even better. Reading is the single most important cornerstone for learning, so establishing good habits early on will set your child up for success in school and in life.

But it can be challenging sometimes to get little boys to sit still long enough for a single book. They seem to have a limitless supply of energy that works against them during story time. For this reason, it is important to seek out books for boys that are appealing, entertaining, and interesting. When you do find the right books, you will be pleasantly surprised at how engaged they become and how quickly reading time passes.

Here are some book categories to consider when looking for good books for boys:

• Books about Superheroes: Many little boys love superheroes and the awesome powers they possess. They watch movies, collect action figures, and demonstrate their own superhero abilities when playing. Some books for boys about superheroes include: Dex: The Heart of a Hero, Superhero ABC and Traction Man is Here.


• Books about Sports: All of the excitement and action that takes place in the field, court, or rink can be captured in great books about sports. And the lessons learned through these stories are invaluable. A few suggested books for boys about sports include: The Magic Hockey Stick, Roasted Peanuts, and Game Day.


• Books about Pirates: Young boys are drawn to the mystery and intrigue of pirates. The lifestyle of a pirate is fascinating and dangerous, appealing to the active minds of little boys. A few good books for boys about pirates include: How I Became a Pirate, Do Pirates Take Baths?, and The Night Pirates.


• Books about Adventure: A little boy's imagination can take him to far away places without ever leaving his bedroom. Good books for boys about imaginary adventures will have him begging to read more. Some suggested titles include: Jimmy Zangwow's Out-of-this-World Moon-Pie Adventure, Zathura, and The Secret Shortcut.

By surrounding boys with books they enjoy, reading will become a fun activity that they choose to do voluntarily. This love for reading should be cultivated at an early age by choosing books for boys that are entertaining and appealing. In doing so, you will cultivate a love for reading, the fundamental building block for learning and growth.

Karen Gallagher has a BA from Bucknell University and an MBA from Rider University. She is the founder and owner of The Lollipop Book Club, a company specializing in the gift of high quality books for children.

http://www.lollipopbookclub.com

Ten Tips For Raising a Book Lover

by Karen Gallagher


Some kids can read quietly for hours while others cannot seem to sit still long enough to get through a short story. And a whole lot of children are somewhere in the middle. Regardless of where our kids fall on the "book-lover" spectrum, most parents agree that there is plenty of opportunity for improvement.

So how do you go about shifting the pendulum away from the TV and toward a good book? Follow these ten tips and you will see even the most resistant children reading more:

(1) Set an example: Take a look at your own habits. When your kids watch you unwinding after a long day, what do they see? Many times adults do not reach for a book until they slip into bed, long after the kids are asleep. Next time, grab a book rather than the remote control at a time when your reading habits are visible to your children.

(2) Read out loud: Even if your child is an independent reader, it is still important to spend time together reading a good book. For early readers or kids who are struggling a bit, let them just relax and listen to you read sometimes. They will learn to enjoy the entertainment value of a good book without the frustration of struggling through it all alone.

(3) Keep books in the car: At home there are a lot of distractions that can be more appealing to a child than reading a book. But when sitting at a doctor's office or on the sideline of a sibling's sports event, a book takes on a whole new light. So keep a stash on hand for the next time your child needs to pass some time.

(4) Visit the library: If you have not stepped foot in a library for some time, you will be pleasantly surprised at what it offers. A well-run branch has ever-changing displays and attractions for kids. In addition to borrowing some video games (yes, they have those too!), your child can select a generous number of books to enjoy for a couple of weeks.

(5) Find new places to read: It is good to have a quiet place at home to read. But sometimes it is even better to break the routine and take your child somewhere new to do some reading. Find a bench at a park, sit on your front porch, spread out a blanket in the backyard...you get the idea. Changing the environment breaks up the monotony and keeps it fun.

(6) Let your child pick the books: There is plenty of required reading in school, and that can feel like a punishment for kids who do not have an affinity for books. So take some time to help your child find books he or she find interesting for leisure reading.

(7) Find books that are below your child's reading level: Yes, you read that correctly. Children need to feel confident about reading, and they will never feel good about it if every book is a challenge. Rather, encourage your child to pick up a book that he/she will master quickly and easily from time to time.

(8) Set reading goals based on chapters, not time: Reading for a half hour vs. reading two chapters. Which is better? It is important that your child have a tangible goal in mind- one that can be measured by accomplishment. Reading for a half hour is not a concrete enough since some of that time might be spent drifting off or daydreaming. On the other hand, reading two chapters is a well-defined goal leading to a sense of achievement.

(9) Read the same books as your children: Once your child is able to read chapter books independently, you can still read them too. Take the time to talk about the books and what you liked about them. You will demonstrate to your child that you have an active interest in reading, and specifically in the books your child has chosen.

(10) Give books as gifts: A book is by far the best present you can give to a child. Long after the toys are forgotten, books will provide entertainment and educational value. Do something to make your gift of books special, such as writing words of encouragement on the inside cover. You may consider giving your child a gift card to a bookstore and letting your child pick the titles. Make it an experience or tradition that your child will always remember. Just remember that the way you approach reading as a parent will influence and shape the way your child perceives it. Follow these tips and your child will learn to love and enjoy reading for a lifetime.

Karen is the owner of The Lollipop Book Club, a company specializing in the gift of books for children. A book arrives each month with a handcrafted lollipop and a personal note. It is the perfect children's gift for birthdays and holidays. http://www.lollipopbookclub.com

Choosing Children's Books

By Robert Grazian

Children need to have a variety of reading experiences if they are going to learn to make good decisions. How to choose children's books for your students is going to be challenging task, but if you follow a few recommended steps, you should end up with a variety of good, informational and interesting books for them to explore as they become discerning readers and decision makers.

Start your search by looking at the covers of books, the first thing your students will see. Your younger students will appreciate a cover that has primary colors, is simple, yet eye catching. The title of the book should be short enough to catch the interest of your reader, yet long enough to tell him or her what the book is about. Photos and clear, crisp illustrations on the cover will appeal to your students and entice them to pick the book up and open it.

The next step in the process of how to choose children's books for your students is to review the topic or content of the book. Your young readers will want to read books that are interesting, full of fun and adventure. These students are surrounded by information and they will want to read books that are filled with accurate as well as reliable information. To verify this, check the references provided by the author, review his or her credentials, and look for evidence of background research on the topic being presented.

The final three items to pay particular attention to when learning how to choose children's books for your students are:

• Illustrations: Graphic or visual elements in a text are sure to keep the reader coming back for more as long as they are appropriate for the book. They should be large enough so the child can determine what they are but not so big that they distract from the content of the book. There should be captions and or titles that are simple, yet explain the graphic adequately.

• Organization: Children's books should be organized in a way that will provide a clear, smooth transition between text and illustrations. If the book warrants it, there should be a table of contents and a glossary that the young reader can easily navigate to find items of interest.

• Font size and Type: This is the final step in your quest to discover how to choose children's books for your students. Font size and type is important for a number of reasons, readability being the most important. For younger children, the letters should be large and the font style simple. Small, more ornate fonts will be hard to read, distracting them from their goal: comprehension of the material. Check the spacing and placement of the words on the page to be sure the students can easily follow the story from one page to the next.

Choosing which books your young readers will want to read should not be difficult, despite the sheer numbers of available books out there, as long as you follow the steps outlined here.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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