Literacy in the Library

TOOLS FOR INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME LIFELONG READERS AND LEARNERS

Books for Ages Three to Five

June/July 2008

At this age, children are becoming more interested in letters, print and books. Some children can recognize many letters of the alphabet, especially those in their names, and are able to relate letters to their sounds. This is an important skill for learning to read.

Preschool children will pretend to read books. They do this by using picture cues to tell the story or maybe they have memorized parts of a story. They get better at it when they have heard the story repeatedly. How many times has your preschooler asked you to read the same story over and over again?

Here are some suggestions about the kinds of books to share with your preschool child. But remember, the most important part of reading is to have fun!

Look for books that are about ideas or concepts: numbers, colors, shapes, letters. When I read I Stink! to a group of preschoolers they were grossed out by the garbage themed ABC list. But what fun to think up new garbage themed words!
Choose simple stories. You can’t go wrong with the classics like The Three Bears or The Little Red Hen but there are also many others that appeal to children. Have you read Buz lately? My four-year-old niece was enthralled by the story and illustrations.
Read books that have a beat. You can’t help but read Jazz Baby with a beat and some body movement! Encourage your child to read or chant along in the rhythm.
Find books that are about familiar subjects: family, animals, seasons. One Little Seed is a great example of this type of book.
Look for interesting characters that solve problems and get along with each other. It doesn’t hurt that Stop Kissing Me! makes sounds. It exemplifies characters who figure things out for themselves.
Choose books that have clear, colorful pictures that match the story. Jan Thomas has written a couple of fun, humorous stories that I like for this age: What Will Fat Cat Sit On? and A Birthday for Cow.
Find stories that relate to everyday life. Slide, Already! speaks of overcoming fear and finding joy.

Find more age appropriate books and ideas at our early literacy site, Babble, Scribble, READ! Then sign your little ones up for the Library's Summer of Reading program. Make it a yearly family tradition and encourage a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

By Mollie Hayes, Education Program Assistant, Central Library, The Denver Public Library

Literacy in the Library

Books for Ages Three to Five

June/July 2008

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