In this short series of articles for Sixty and Me, we looked at the issue of children moving away from books and also explored 20 ways to get them started – or to help them continue – their reading journey. Whether you have grandchildren or not, these tips still apply.
We have learned that the love of reading is diminishing. Shall we take on the challenge of breathing life back into our next generation’s views about reading?
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.
—Dr. Suess
We can because we care!
How to Choose a Book
Here are a number of good tips for selecting a good book for your grandchild:
- Ask your grandchild what book he/she wants to read.
- Choose a book that a child can relate to.
- Find out what the child’s friends are reading.
- Find out the books that are trending.
- Strong illustrations are important for the younger child.
- Choose a book that is fun to read aloud for the younger child.
- A book that teaches the child important things
Age Appropriate Books
And the #1 Rule when looking for a book for your child is to find one that is age appropriate.
Here is a list of some of Susan’s Clark’s (children’s school librarian) suggested books for all age groups.
Picture Books to Read to Your Grandchild
It’s Mine by Leo Lionni
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Hello Goodbye Window by Norton Juster
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Alice the Fairy by David Shannon
Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
Book Series
Once your grandchild starts reading on their own, you can introduce them to a book series.
Beginning Readers
Elephant and Piggie by Mo Wilems
Fly Guy by Teddy Arnold
Clifford by Norman Bridwell
Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Pete the Cat by James Dean
Curious George by H.A. Rey
If You Give A … by Laura Numeroff
Miss Nelson by Harry Allard
No David by David Shannon
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Beginning Chapter Books (1st-2nd grade)
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Nate The Great by Marjorie Sharmat
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
Cam Jansen by David Adler
Mighty Robot by Ricky Ricotta
Katie Woo by Fran Manushkin
Chapter Books (3rd-4th grade)
Rainbow Magic by Daisy Meadows
A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy
Judy Moody by Meagan McDonald
Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
The Littles by John Peterson
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
Dragon Masters by Tracey West
Hank the Cowdog by John Erickson
Encyclopedia Brown by Donold Sobol
Secrets of Droon by Barbara Schultz
Advanced Chapter Books (5th grade on)
Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Penderwicks by Jeannie Birdsall
Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Warriors by Erin Hunter
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Use Various Resources
If you are not familiar with titles of current children’s books use the resources available to help you.
- Ask a librarian.
- Ask a bookstore employee.
- Check out children’s book websites.
- Ask the child.
And here’s a website for finding other great books for children: http://childrensbooks.about.com/
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What book did you recently purchase for a grandchild? Have you read any books together? Do you ask questions when reading a book with children? What do you like most about this type of relationship?
