Board books are constructed of sturdy cardboard with bright pictures and brief stories which make nursery school readiness concepts fun and exciting. Shape books are board books which are die-cut in eye-catching shapes. Novelty books to touch and feel offer a variety of additional things for the toddler to do while reading through the story. Chunky books are small, with rounded corners, just the size for small hands to safely hold. All of these books are durable, some almost indestructible, for a toddler’s handling and care.

Children who are five, six, or seven years old are beginning to read on their own. Reading skills vary widely. Some children need simple books containing only basic stories and vocabulary; others are ready for longer, more involved books. Beginning reader books with large type, limited vocabulary and illustrations are available for the starting reader. For the more advanced readers, choose books with slightly longer text and fewer illustrations. These books have well spaced large print, relatively simple vocabulary, and pages are frequently broken up with illustration. Songbooks and activity books are also popular. Being read to is usually enjoyed just as much by this age group as the preschoolers.

Some books can be enjoyed by children of all ages,  as well as adults. These timeless classics and books of broad appeal include picture books, poetry, collections and novels. Some of the best known are:

READING TIPS