If you are browsing for a new book for a special child in your life, whether at the library or the bookstore, odds are you want to find the perfect present. Nothing can be more disappointing than giving a book that doesn’t elicit as much enthusiasm as you wanted. Facing the scores of books at the store can be intimidating: how will you know which books would be best? Here are a few ideas to help you pick out a perfect book to share:
Give books that you yourself have read and loved. One way to know if a book is enjoyable to read is, of course, to read it yourself! Pick old out favorites or take a few minutes to flip through the book while you are browsing. Plus, if you enjoyed the book, you will be more likely to read it with your child.
Check out the illustrations. When picking out picture books specifically, take a minute to flip through and look over the illustrations. Look for books with illustrations that you enjoy; pictures containing small, surprising details; or a unique artistic style. Small children who can’t yet read will enjoy examining the pictures, and so can you!
Look for award winners. There are several awards which are given to the most enjoyable and worthwhile children’s books every year, such as the Newbery Award, the Caldecott Award, and the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults Award. Many bookstores and libraries even have displays dedicated solely to award winners, which makes it easy to browse them all at once and pick out something that sounds appealing.
Let your child choose. If you’re at a complete loss for what to pick out, head to the experts! Bring your child to the library or bookstore and explore new promising titles together.
Regardless of how you end up discovering it, here’s to finding a new favorite book and a happy memory of sharing it.