Despite some of titles and subtitles, these guides to children’s books are not just for parents. They can be equally helpful to teachers, librarians, and other adults interested in children’s books. The guides listed here include general guides, several guides to reading aloud, and a guide to finding children’s books to help children cope with specific issues. All of them provide valuable information, and you should be able to find all of them at your local public libraries and bookstores.
1. The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children
This hefty softbound book includes recommended wordless books, picture books, story books, early reading books, middle reading books, and young adult (YA) books. It covers both books that are in-print and those that are still readily available. The book includes more than 1,000 books published in the United States, most in the twentieth century. The author, Eden Ross Lipson, is the children's book editor of The New York Times. (Three Rivers Press, 3rd ed., 2000. ISBN: 0812930185)2. The Read-Aloud Handbook
Jim Trelease’s book is full of research and anecdotes about the value of reading aloud to children. The book is divided into two parts. The first provides specific information on the effects of reading aloud and the latest research, the "Stages of Read-Aloud," and the "Do's and Don'ts of Read-Aloud." The second half of the book contains an updated "Treasury of Read-Alouds," recommended books for children, from babies to young adults (Penguin Books, 5th edition, 2001. ISBN: 0141001615)3. Valerie & Walter’s Best Books for Children
As the subtitle states, Valerie V. Lewis and Walter M. Mayes’ book is “A Lively, Opinionated Guide.” While the guide only includes books that are in-print rather than books that are still readily available, it is an excellent resource for books on specific themes and subjects. The thematic index to more than 2,000 in-print books is what makes this book stand out. It lists nearly 1,000 themes, from “Abandonment” to “Zoos.” (HarperCollins, 2nd ed., 2004. ISBN: 0060524677)
4. Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever
Australian author and literacy consultant Mem Fox explains what to read, when to read, and how to read aloud to your young child to develop reading readiness and a love of reading. Fox is the author of more than two dozen children's picture books, including "Possum Magic," and "Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!" This is a terrific guide to reading aloud to very young children. (Harcourt, 2001. ISBN: 0156010763)5. How to Get Your Child to Love Reading: For Ravenous and Reluctant Readers Alike
Educator Esmé Raji Codell’s enthusiasm for children’s literature and her delight in providing “Activities, Ideas, and Inspiration for Exploring Everything in the World Through Books” make this book a joy to read. After providing background information with “Children’s Book Basics,” Codell focuses on connecting kids of all ages with books, from babies to teenagers. This book has three indexes: Author, Title, and Subject. (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2003. ISBN: 1565123085)6. "Books to Grow With”
Subtitled “A Guide to Using the Best Children's Fiction for Everyday Issues and Tough Challenges," Cheryl Coon’s book includes more than 500 recommended books, covering more than 100 topics. It focuses on elementary school age children and includes picture books and other children's fiction books that are under 100 pages long. There are five indexes: Authors and Illustrators, Titles, Subjects, Multicultural Books, and Books Available in Spanish. (Lutra Press, 2004 ISBN: 0974802573)How often do you read aloud to your children? Vote in the poll and add your comments.
