The Good, the Bad, and the Unreadable

There are lots, maybe too many, books published annually. The Denver Post (opens in a new window) recently suggested that last year 16,000 new children’s books were published.

How can adults – teachers and parents – distinguish what’s good and what’s not with such an overwhelming number of books to choose from?

You may want to start with the “canon of children’s literature” suggested by Anita Silvey. (opens in a new window). And take a look at recommendations from the American Library Association. (opens in a new window)

One of the things I miss most in a lot of new books for younger children is a good story, one in which the message doesn’t overpower the pleasure. Maybe that’s why I responded so warmly to Library Lion (opens in a new window)(Candlewick). Preschool and primary grade children will certainly catch the gentle humor as they respond to the equally gentle conflict in this handsomely illustrated story with an old-fashioned feel.

And I always recommend talking to your local librarian – often a library lion – who knows lots of children’s books that may be just right for the young readers in your life.