Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide

This is a great guide to selecting appropriate books for children. In addition, it is inspiring. Now I can't wait to read to and with my kids.

"The best children's writers say things to a five-year-old," writes Betsy Hearne, "that a fifty-year-old can also respect."And enjoy.In this encouraging and extremely helpful book, Hearne defines good literature, advises on how to select books for children, and gives examples in every case. She discusses reading aloud, junk books and how to find books that will be enjoyed not once, but repeatedly."There is one route around age categories -- reading aloud," she writes. "It's emotionally satisfying and leads the way to books a child will love reading alone."Even after that child begins to read alone, reading aloud is a wonderful excuse to share some time and a hug or two. When children are small, though, a "aah" in an infinite variety of inflections defines their entire world, there's no better treat than the snuggle up with a baby and a book.