We know that reading for 20 minutes a day is critical in shaping a child’s literacy skills. But it’s

just as important to make sure your child is reading good-quality books! With so many to choose from, picking out the right book can be overwhelming –

whether you’re at the library, flea market, or book store, here’s a handy

guide to choosing quality books for your child.

Play an ACTIVE Role in What Your Child Reads

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Author. Become familiar with well-known authors and illustrators that are often highlighted in book stores or libraries. There are a number of beloved American children’s authors that have stood the test of time: Eric Carle, James Marshall, Tomie dePaola, Patricia Palacco, Jan Brett, Jerry Pinkney, and Kevin Henkes are just a few.

Characters. Introduce children to characters that they can relate to and who show diversity.

Type of Book. Choose from a variety of genres, or types of books: poetry, fiction, non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, folk tales, fairy tales, legends, and rhyming books. Consult lists of recommended books and books that have won awards such as: Caldecott, Newberry, Coretta Scott King Award, etc.

Illustrations. Beginning readers rely on illustrations to help tell the story. Picture books should have vivid and interesting illustrations. Look for books that have won Caldecott Medals, which are given to illustrators for their outstanding artwork.

Vocabulary. Increasing a child’s vocabulary increases their comprehension and future academic success. Vocabulary used in quality children’s literature is juicy and engaging. Children learn and understand more new words when they are introduced in the context of a story.

Engaging. Look for books that spark your child’s imagination and generate conversation. These books should have interesting plots that are well developed and reflect positive values. Good stories encourage problem solving and children will want to hear them again and again.