Skylar wrote and asked, “What books should I read to an 18 month old and a 3 year old or does it even matter what I read to them? Someone please help me.”
Thanks for the great question, Skylar. There are TONS of recommendations out there for what types of books to read for certain ages; I’ll try to compile a few good resources here. I hope others will chime in with their tried and true favorites.
One sure earmark of a good read aloud — it needs to be a book YOU like too, because you may find yourself reading it over and over and over and over and over and over again (and that’s a good thing!). I’m ashamed to say that one or two books have ‘disappeared’ for weeks as my husband and I take a break… but those books have a way of coming back! Perhaps the most important reason to like what you’re reading aloud is because your enthusiasm will be contagious.
My girls still love our Mother Goose book illustrated by Rosemary Wells, although it’s a sit-and-listen book, too big to be hauled around by little ones. Our Mrs. Wishy-Washy board book inspired both my girls to mime washing movements while listening, and a cloth version of Go, Dog, Go was great because we could throw it in the wash with the bibs. Sandra Boynton’s Blue Hat, Green Hat was FUN just for its silliness (they LOVE the Oops! part), and we still get out our Goodnight Moon and Time for Bed for those last sleepy, precious moments of the day.
The Family Literacy Foundation compiled some reasons why we should all be reading aloud to our kids and suggestions for techniques to use while we read aloud. They also have a handy tool for generating lists of books by type (for example wordless, repeating, alphabet, concept books). Jim Trelease just released his 6th edition of The Read Aloud Handbook that includes lots of book ideas. The American Library Association (ALA) provides a list of the 2007 Notable Children’s Books , and I’d be totally remiss if I didn’t put in a plug for your local library. My local system is wonderful, and the media specialists there absolutely love to talk about books for kids. They are kind enough to publish booklists of recommendations by age: books for babies and toddlers , preschoolers and more. I’ll bet your local library has similar resources.
I’d love to hear from you — what have been your favorite read alouds?
About the Author
Along with her background as a professor, researcher, writer, and teacher, Joanne Meier is a mom. Join Joanne as she shares her experiences raising her own young readers, and guides parents and teachers on the best practices in reading.
Publication Date
February 27, 2007