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CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Those interested in children's literature will find some of the best recommendations for reading and reading aloud throughout this website. Age or grade categories usually cover a broad period in a child's life, however, please consider our ratings by grade as a recommendation, not a rigid limitation on the use of the books.

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BOOK REVIEWS BY GRADE

Toddlers
Preschool
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third – Fifth Grades
Middle Grades:
10+ Years
12+ Years
Teens


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BENEFITS OF READING TO CHILDREN

Reading Aloud is one of the most important gifts a child can receive. A special bond is created between an adult and child in sharing a book. It indicates to the child that someone cares enough to spend time sharing a good book. There is also a sense of security that comes from the physical closeness in sharing a story.

Literature can positively affect a child's self-esteem. When reading aloud is a shared activity, children are encouraged to ask questions and talk about the story. This is a perfect opportunity to teach values, encourage integrity, and give children high ideals to reach for.

Giving children direct contact with books is very important for increasing attention spans, listening abilities, vocabulary, visualization, a greater cultural knowledge, and eventually success in reading.

When reading aloud to children, they automatically learn about the written language as well. Educators say that the ability to write well, to state a case carefully, and reason with others is critical, if children are to succeed.

Reading aloud can be extremely beneficial to parents who have difficulty in communicating with their child, difficulty with the English language, or lack quality time.

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BARRIERS TO READING ALOUD

Television may be a great babysitter, but it is a huge obstacle to family togetherness. Television deprives a child of asking questions. It encourages deceptive thinking and stifles their imagination. It overpowers and desensitizes a child's sense of sympathy for suffering. It is a passive activity and discourages creative play.

Most American children do minimal reading. They do not know very much about history, unless they have seen it on television. This is ignorance, not illiteracy.

Our society offers so many distractions and negative role models that most children either cannot read, will not read, or hate to read. What does this say about their choices in the voting booths, how they choose to spend their money and leisure time, how they raise their children, or the value systems they adopt and whom they emulate?

Make sure the readings are interesting and exciting enough to hold their interest while building up their imagination. Use plenty of expression when you read aloud and have fun with the language. Whisper, laugh, oink, meow, or speak gruffly or softly. Read slow or fast to fit the story and allow time for children to point to everything in a picture and discuss it.

For children who are not used to listening to stories, keep the initial readings short enough to fit their attention spans, and gradually increase the reading time as well as the length of the book. Do not turn every reading session into a question and answer session. Be sensitive to the times when your child simply wants to enjoy the story.

Read aloud every day. Turn off the television, get comfortable, have good light, and enjoy a good book.

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LISTENING LEVELS

Children hear stories on at least three different levels: intellectual, emotional, and social. Their listening skills are at least two full years ahead of their reading levels.

Around the eighth grade, the listening levels and reading levels converge. Therefore, children can listen to, understand, and enjoy books that are too difficult for them to read independently. These stories are needed because they are far more exciting, enriching and challenging than anything children could read on their own. These are the stories that eventually raise reading levels.

Sadly, many parents stop reading aloud when their children begin to read for themselves. Parents should realize that children who listen to books that are beyond their reading skills will be introduced to an increased variety of words and the complex structure of language patterns.

Most children's books are rated based on age because it better reflects a child' interests, emotion and social development. Usually the age or grade rating covers a broad period and should be considered only as a guide, not a rigid rule on the use of the book.

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CLASSICS

There are two categories of classics: early classics like the fairy tales of Andersen, Grimm, and Perault; and modern classics like Charlotte's Web and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Both were written by people who never lost their love of childhood.

Classics should make a major contribution to a child's education, merriment, and appreciation of literature. Many good stories provide clear standards of right and wrong, show the ethics of human behavior, and evoke natural and wholesome laughter.

Classics contain those unique qualities that surpass time and appeal to listeners and readers of every generation.

A classic is the rare book that has a special element, which enables it to endure the test of time and appeal to children from every generation. It stands out because it has the ability to touch the heart and cross the boundaries of culture, nationality, religion, race, gender, and status.

Classics should make a major contribution to a child's education, merriment, and appreciation of literature. Classics should provide clear standards of right and wrong, show the ethics of human behavior, and evoke wholesome laughter.

A sense of honor and value surround great literature. Laughter, pain, hunger, satisfaction, love, and joy are found in classics. When our children become familiar with this kind of writing, they have a foundation for making comparisons. Not everything they read will be excellent, but they will know a story's possibilities.

Read stories in their original versions, not the watered-down ones without any drama of life. They may retell the classic stories, but the basic elements that make the stories classics are omitted.

With the influx of new books for children flooding the market each year, old favorites are in danger of being crowded out. Generations of children are missing the opportunity of listening to classical children's literature. This is unfortunate because classics are the cornerstone to building a life-long relationship with literature.

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD BOOK

Of the two types of literature, fiction and non-fiction, it is fiction that brings children the enchantment of storytelling and ultimately a future love of reading.

The best children's books contain imaginative stories, memorable characters, beautiful illustrations, and lyrical language. Well-written stories should contain heroes and role models to imitate. Children need to fall in love with stories that entertain and arouse their curiosity.

Quality literature teaches children good morals, ethics, and values. Our culture's survival depends on the children of today. If they are to make a difference in the world, children need to learn about love, justice, courage, and compassion.

Well-written stories have good themes, valid characters, and should always be believable. Well-written stories should be people centered, not problem centered. Too many stories have society's problems dumped into them.

Good books contain heroes and role models to imitate. Children need to hear about people who contribute something of value to other's lives, people who make hard decisions and have the courage to overcome adversity.

Children need to fall in love with stories that entertain and arouse their curiosity. They need stories for pleasure, laughter and fun; imaginative and nonsensical stories that may not have any useful information or lesson, only cheerful and delightful fun.


THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS
FROM 2013

Ages 4-8

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HAVE YOU SEEN MY NEW BLUE SOCKS?

written by Eve Bunting, illus. by Sergio Ruzzier, (Clarion Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-547-75267-9), 32p, Ages 4-8

In this phonics-based delightful tale, a sad little duck searches for his lost blue socks. "I'm trying not to be depressed. / Without my socks I feel undressed." Unable to find them in the toy box, Duck inquires of his friends, fox, ox, and the peacocks. As the socks are revealed, kids will enjoy Duck's astonishment in finding something lost, appreciate genuine friends who pitch in to help, and love the adorable little hero.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

A MOOSE THAT SAYS MOO

written by Jennifer Hamburg, illus. by Sue Truesdell, (Farrar, Straus, Giroux Books for Young Readers, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-374-35058), 32p, Ages 3-7

Pure nonsense and contagious fun awaits a little girl, when she imagines her own unique zoo. "The zebra would put on a dress and a cape, / wear really tall shoes and then dance with an ape." What begins with a mooing moose, sharks reading books, bears driving cars, and skunks jumping rope, soon turn into pillow fights, spilled juice, and protest signs. Deciding that change is necessary, the little girl corrects all the craziness, and then ponders the possibility of a juggling hen! Great rhyming and lively illustrations make this read-aloud fun nonsense for all.


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OTIS AND THE PUPPY

written/illus. by Loren Long, ($17.99, Philomel Books, ISBN 978-0-399-25469-7), 40p, Ages 3-7

After a long day of working on the farm, Otis and his animal buddies enjoy playing hide-and-seek. Otis especially loves being "it" and finding everyone. A new puppy arrives on the farm with lots of wet kisses for everyone, joins in playtime, and sleeps with Otis due to his fear of the dark. One evening the puppy follows a butterfly into the forest and becomes hopelessly lost. Will Otis overcome his own fear of the dark and rescue the puppy? This third adventure of love, bravery, kindness, and friendship should reside in every child's home library.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

GUS THE DINOSAUR BUS

written by Julia Liu, illus. by Bei Lynn, (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $12.99, ISBN 978-0-547-90573-0), 32p, Ages 3-6

This green, loveable, and huge dinosaur is the ultimate in school transportation. "Gus comes right to the door. The children, who live in apartments, do not need to walk downstairs. They hop out their windows and slide down to their seats." No one sleeps late or pretends to be sick. School attendance improves, and the city builds Gus his own special road. Problems arise when traffic snarls, phone lines crash, traffic lights smash, and overpasses crack. Repair bills flood in, and the school principal relegates Gus to the school gym. There he cries buckets of tears, enough to fill a swimming pool. All ends well when the children discover a new career for Gus on the playground. With a huge heart and smile, Gus will endear himself to all, especially dinosaur lovers.


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FARMER JOHN'S TRACTOR

written by Sally Sutton, illus. by Robyn Belton, (Candlewick Press, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-6430-5), 32p, Ages 4-7

"Farmer John's tractor lies locked in the shed, / rusty yet trusty and orangey red." The rains begin and Farmer John watches the river rise and overflow its banks. When a family of four in a yellow Volkswagen becomes stranded in the river, a jeep tries to help but rolls over in the river. A red tow truck becomes stuck in the mud, and a fire engine is unable to get through. Farmer John decides to open the barn door, where Tractor is waiting and ready to work. "It grunts, then it splutters and starts with a roar, / and Farmer John's tractor chugs right out the door!" Clever rhythm and rhyme and lovely watercolor illustrations await little ones as they enjoy this rusty trusty, orangey red hero.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

THE TORTOISE & THE HARE

illus. by Jerry Pinkney, (Little, Brown & Co., $18.00, ISBN 978-0-316-18356-7), 40p, Ages 3-6

Continuing his Aesop fable series, Jerry Pinkney tackles the classic tale of a race between a speedy hare and a slow-moving tortoise. As Tortoise inches along slow and steady, Hare stops to burrow under a fence and consume delicious cabbages, enabling Tortoise to cross the finish line first. In the Artist's Note Jerry Pinkney explains: "As the pace of our lives continues to speed up, many yearn for a less hurried approach to life. The tortoise proves that it can be wise to have a goal, but one should relish the process of getting there." This charming almost wordless picture book will captivate young and old with the stunning illustrations.


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THE GREEN BATH

written by Margaret Mahy, illus. by Steven Kellogg, (Arthur A. Levine Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-545-20667-9), 40p, Ages 4-8

A neighbor's dad brings home a speedboat from the flea market, but Sammy's dad returns with a green, claw- footed bathtub. Sammy realizes that this is no ordinary tub, when he hears a laughing gurgle and watches a claw foot move. Donning his swimsuit, snorkel and water wings, Sammy settles in for a fun time in the soapy tub, not realizing that a wild adventure is about to begin. The tub breaks free of the bathroom, runs down the stairs, out the door, across the lawn, and heads for the ocean. Out at sea, they meet mermaids, a passing sea serpent, and battle buccaneers. "The buccaneers had swords, but Sammy bewildered them with bubbles and baffled them with soapsuds." Returning home, the tub settles back in the bathroom along with Sammy and his treasure chest. Don't be surprised when kids emulate the late Margaret Mahy's swashbuckling adventure at bath time.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

NUGGET & FANG: Friends Forever—or Snack Time?

written by Tammi Sauer, illus. by Michael Slack (Harcourt Children's Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-547-85286-0), 40p, Ages 4-8

Two unlikely friends, a minnow and a shark, are heedless of their species' differences, until the minnow begins school. There, Nugget is shocked to learn that, "Sharks are scary. Sharks eat Minnows!" After initial disbelief, Nugget realizes the truth, and he and Fang part ways. When Nugget's life is threatened, discover how Fang finds a way to rescue his friend and save the school. Kids will love this odd couple-of-the-deep tale.


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LUCKY DUCKLINGS

written by Eva Moore, illus. by Nancy Carpenter, (Orchard Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-439-44861-1), 32p, Ages 5-7

Based on a true story that occurred on Long Island, New York in 2000, Mama Duck and her five ducklings, Pippin, Bippin, Tippen, Dippen, and Little Joe, waddle from their pond through the park, stop for a snack, and continue across a storm drain. The ducklings follow along, but disappear through the drain slats. After several attempts, three firemen and a truck driver rescue the ducklings and stop traffic as they cross a busy street and return home. This charming story is reminiscent of Make Way for Ducklings, written 70 years ago.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

THE DINOSAUR TOOTH FAIRY

written by Martha Brockenbrough, illus. by Israel Sanchez, (Arthur A. Levine Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-545-24466-4), 32p, Ages 4-7

Theoretically, dinosaurs are extinct; however, one remains in a museum. As its resident tooth fairy, she polishes her collection of huge fangs and reminisces about the good old days. When a little girl loses a tooth in the museum, the dino tooth fairy follows her home in hopes of collecting it. Battling doorknobs, slobbery dogs, and noisy parrots, she finds herself competing with a human counterpart for the tooth. Common ground and a new friendship provide both tooth fairies with a simple solution to their dilemma. Who knew that dinosaurs and loose teeth would make for a fun read aloud?


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HOW TO TRAIN A TRAIN

written by Jason Carter Eaton, illus. by John Rocco, (Candlewick Press, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-6307-0), 48p, Ages 4-8

Imagine children choosing, naming, training, and caring for trains, as they would for pets. Enormous trains, from freight and monorail to steam and passenger, are available for choosing. However, they are difficult to catch. The recommended procedures include sending up smoke signals, offering coal, paying compliments, and encouraging the "chugga-chuggas." Then comes the naming. Popular names are offered (Pushkin, Pickle Puss, Sir Chuggsalot). Caring requires bathing, reading-aloud, and playing soft locomotive music. Manners are important, too. "Train your train not to leap up on people and to always wipe its wheels before going indoors." Although teaching tricks are a bit harder, especially rolling over and jumping through flaming rings. Part of the fun of this clever guidebook is the expressive personalities of the trains. Young and old will enjoy chugging down this track.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

HENRY AND THE CANNONS: An Extraordinary True Story of the American Revolution

written/illus. by Don Brown, (Roaring Book Press, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-59643-266-6), 32p, Ages 5-9

"It was the winter of 1775. The American Revolution had begun, and things weren't going well for the Patriots of Boston, Massachusetts." When bookseller, Henry Knox, offers to move 120,000 pounds of cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston to fight the British, this unlikely bookseller becomes a hero, soldier, and patriot. With determination and perseverance, Knox, a handful of patriots, oxen, and horses travel for 50 days over 40 miles by land and water, pulling and pushing sleds on their treacherous journey to reach Boston and defeat the enemy. Amazingly not a single piece of machinery was lost. This translation of one of the most remarkable feats in American history is a marvelous lesson in determination, patriotism, and valor for kids.


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COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG

written by Lori Mortensen, illus. by Michael Allen Austin, (Clarion Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-547-23993-4), 32p, Ages 4-8

Cowpoke Clyde is a great role model of cleanliness. "Cowpoke Clyde propped up his feet. / His house was clean, his chores complete. / He'd even washed the kitchen floor / and shooed the horseflies out the door." Realizing that his dog needs a bath, Clyde grabs his rope, bucket, water, and soap, but Dawg races out the door. Determined to catch him, Clyde manages to drench the chickens, lasso the hog, and soap the cats, resulting in flying chicken feathers, hissing cats, a kicking mule, and spilled soup. Disgusted and dirty, Clyde uses the tub himself. Who do you suppose decides to share his bath? The cumulative rhyme, catchy phrases, and hilarious antics will rope in even reluctant listeners at story time.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

JOURNEY

written/illus. by Aaron Becker, (Candlewick Press, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-7616-6053-6), 40p, Ages 4-8

A world of imagination, adventure, bravery, and enchantment await all who open this charming, wordless picture book. A lonely little girl discovers a red marker in her bedroom. Drawing a door, she escapes into a lush green forest, filled with lights, lanterns, and a small stream. Drawing a boat, she climbs in and floats away to a magnificent kingdom of castles, turrets, and towers, all linked by waterways. Encountering a fleet of strange air warships, she watches as soldiers capture an exotic purple bird. Sketching a hot air balloon, she frees the bird from its golden cage, but finds herself captured. Elaborate illustrations of unknown lands, flying ships, and daring rescues make for a fun and memorable "Journey." Leave the busyness of life, pull up a chair, relax, and enjoy the power of wordless storytelling at its best.


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THE SNOW QUEEN

written by Hans Christian Andersen, Retold by Allison Grace MacDonald, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline, (HarperCollins Publishers, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-06-220950-4), 40p, Ages 5-8

"Once upon a time, a wicked troll created a powerful mirror. Everything good that was reflected in the mirror looked ugly and horrible. Everything evil looked appealing." When the mirror splinters into millions of pieces, two parts enter the heart and eye of a small boy named Kai. Lured from his home by the wicked Snow Queen, Kai goes willingly, but his childhood friend, Gerda, searches for him. She encounters talking animals and sympathetic humans, who are touched by her innocence and purity and show her the way to the Snow Queen's palace. Upon reaching the Snow Queen's kingdom, Gerda finds a cold and lonely Kai. Written around 1845, this Danish fairy tale is one of the few of Han Christian Andersen's stories with a happy ending. Bravery, trust, and friendship are dynamic themes, and even more memorable when accompanied by Bagram Ibatoulline's magnificent illustrations.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

THE MAN WITH THE VIOLIN

written by Kathy Stinson, illus. by Dušan Petricic, (Annick Press, $19.95, ISBN 978-1-55451-565-3), 32p, Ages 5-8

In January of 2007, Joshua Bell, a talented violinist, took part in an experiment at the L'Enfant Plaza Station in Washington D.C. by playing his precious Stradivarius. Over 1,000 people passed by, but very few listened. One small boy, rushing through the station with his mother, notices a man in a blue baseball cap playing beautiful music. "All the notes swirl and sweep around the blur of people rushing here and rushing there. The music is telling an exciting story. It makes the hairs on the back of Dylan's neck tickle." Too busy to listen, mom pulls him through the station, but the music's power remains with Dylan. That night mom realizes the missed opportunity as a radio announcer explains the experiment and plays Joshua Bell's memorable music. A short biography of Joshua Bell, the story behind the book, and a postscript by Bell add to the enjoyment of a lesson in pausing to appreciate life.


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EXCLAMATION MARK

written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illus. by Tom Lichtenheld, (Scholastic Press, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-545-43679-3), 56p, Ages 6-8

Searching for a purpose in life, the exclamation mark tries to blend in with other punctuation marks, but is "confused, flummoxed, and deflated." Nothing works until he meets a persistent question mark. Overwhelmed with all the questions, he stops the chatter with a loud "STOP!" This word leads to others, complete sentences, endless possibilities, and his function in life. With his confidence restored, he leaves the group "to make his mark" in the world. This tongue-in-cheek clever tale will delight kids who dislike traditional grammar lessons.


READ ME A STORY, STELLA

A VERY FUDDLES CHRISTMAS

written/illus. by Frans Vischer, (Aladdin, $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4169-9156-4), 32p, Ages 4-7

Indulged, pampered, and spoiled, Fuddles awakes from a nap to discover Christmas dinner, packages, and a decorated tree, just perfect for climbing. When Fuddles and the tree topple over, he panics and runs outside. Cold and alone, he tries to re-enter the house, but all doors are closed. "Like a pioneer frontiersman, Fuddles bravely faced the elements … through the bitter cold and biting wind … ignoring his icy whiskers, frozen paws, and rumbling tummy." Discover how one pampered kitty, two pesky squirrels, and a chimney work together to return Fuddles home for a bath, a delicious Christmas dinner, and a place of honor under the tree. Kids will love the laugh out loud antics of one loved and mischievous kitty at Christmastime.


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AN OTIS CHRISTMAS

written/illus. by Loren Long, (Philomel Books, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-399-16395-1), 40p, Ages 4-7

It is Christmastime for Otis and his friends on the farm. This Christmas will be exciting as one of the horses is about to give birth, and Otis receives his first present—a shiny new horn. In the middle of the night, Otis awakes to urgent sounds coming from the mare's stall. The horse and foal are in trouble and a veterinarian is urgently needed. When the farm truck breaks down, Otis ventures out over the snow, up treacherous hills, and down slippery slopes to the doctor's home, using his new horn to wake the doctor. "In the twinkle of an eye, Doc dashed out the front door, jumped on Otis, and held on for dear life." Kids will love another Otis story of rescue and celebration at Christmas.



ABOUT US

The Children's Hour was created to promote and encourage reading to children. We believe that reading aloud not only creates a special bond between parents and children, but it is important to the development of their imagination and curiosity. Our books are also great choices for children to read.


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FOLK LITERATURE FAVORITES

GEMS FROM THE PAST

HEROES & ROLE MODELS

FEATURED AUTHOR

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HOME ENVIRONMENT

Read to your child on a regular basis. In addition to stories, read labels on cans and boxes, street signs, receipts, coupons, etc. Be available to answer questions and praise your child's efforts.

Make available a wide variety of printed material—books, magazines, newspapers, comics, etc. Have paper and pencil available for scribbling and drawing, and display their artwork where everyone can admire it.

Establish the habit of reading aloud everyday, and try to schedule it around the fewest interruptions. For a busy parent, usually bedtime is chosen. At this time, children often look for security and appreciate the physical closeness. They are also tired enough to stay in one place.

Some hyperactive children listen best while they are soaking and swishing in the bathtub. Water is magically calming and enables them to enjoy a story better.

A big, comfortable chair or recliner may be the ideal place for children who have physically outgrown their lap sitting and bed sharing days.

Make sure the readings are interesting and exciting enough to hold their interest while building up their imagination. Use plenty of expression when you read aloud and have fun with the language. Whisper, laugh, oink, meow, or speak gruffly or softly.

Read slow or fast to fit the story and allow time for children to point to everything in a picture and discuss it.

For children who are not used to listening to stories, keep the initial readings short enough to fit their attention spans, and gradually increase the reading time as well as the length of the book.

Do not turn every reading session into a question and answer session. Be sensitive to the times when your child simply wants to enjoy the story.

Read aloud every day. Turn off the television, get comfortable, have good light, and enjoy a good book.

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RAISING SMART KIDS

To create a nation of readers, parents need to read to children early in their child's life and continue well past the point when their children learn to read. No education reforms or laws will matter unless parents do their job and teach children at an early age to love reading. Parents need to create an atmosphere in the home that nurtures reading. Children get the impression that reading is valuable when they see their parents take time to enjoy reading quality books, magazines, and newspapers.

Parents set a powerful example of the importance of reading when they check out library books for themselves, as well as for their children. It is a sad reflection on American life when less than ten percent of the American people regularly use the public library system.

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BUILDING A CHILD'S HOME LIBRARY

Begin a child's home library. For young children, divide books into two categories: expensive (place up and out of reach, but in sight) and inexpensive (place on lower shelves within easy reach).

Every child should own a book with his or her name inscribed inside—one that cannot be returned to the library or shared with a sibling. Place a bookrack where it can be used often by a child, no matter how large or small it is.

If parents wish to raise a reader, they should invest in a bed lamp, when their child is old enough to stay up at night and read in bed.

A child's home library should have a least one good nursery rhyme book by a good illustrator. Purchase one that is beautiful, one the child will want to pass on to the next generation.

They need picture books that say "good-night" or talk about their world in a way that makes them feel safe and loved. Include at least one good poetry book, and purchase a new one for each major shift in the child's comprehension.

A good dictionary is a must, one with large enough print to invite reading.

Finally, a good atlas needs to be part of a standard child's library. Ask the children's librarian at your local public library or check with your local children's bookstore for a good recommendation.

Because of their flexibility, older children like paperback books. If a book is read a few times and then forgotten, paperbacks are fine, but if the book becomes special, an investment in the hardcover edition is recommended.

Books make perfect gifts. Make a list of favorite titles for grandparents or relatives and friends to give as gifts. Use holidays, seasons, or any other fun experiences as an excuse to give a child a good book.

Unlike toys, books are difficult to break and are ready-made with no assembly or batteries needed. Portable, they can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time of the day, take up less space than most toys, and never go out of style.

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BOOK SOURCES

The greatest bargain in America today is still found in the libraries. Patronize bookstores that either specialize in children's books or have a large children's section. Many parents also take advantage of school book fairs that offer paperback selections. Books also can be purchased secondhand at garage sales, thrift shops, and used bookstores.

Students are usually introduced to a variety of book clubs offered through their school. Most of these offer paperbacks, and the prices are good. Children like paperbacks and often choose them over hardcover editions because they are soft and more flexible. If a book will only be read once or twice and then forgotten, a paper edition will do.

Begin a children's home library. For young children, divide books into two categories: expensive (place up and out of reach, but in sight) and inexpensive (place on lower shelves within easy reach).

Books make perfect gifts. Make a list of favorite titles for grandparents or relatives and friends to give as gifts. Use holidays, seasons, or any other fun experiences asan excuse to give a child a good book.

Unlike toys, books are difficult to break and are ready-made with no assembly or batteries needed. Portable, they can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time of the day, take up less space than most toys, and never go out of style.

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AWARDS

Unlike toys, books are difficult to break and are ready-made with no assembly or batteries needed. Portable, they can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time of the day, take up less space than most toys, and never go out of style.

John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott are men in whose names awards are given annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

The Caldecott Medal has been awarded annually since 1938 to the most distinguished illustrator of a children's book during the preceding year. The Newbery Award has been awarded since 1921 to the author of the most distinguished contribution to children's literature during the preceding year.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal is presented everythree years to an author or illustrator who has, "made a substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature."

The Coretta Scott King award is, "given to a black author and to a black illustrator for an outstanding inspirational and educational contribution."

As prestigious as they are, do not let awards or medals dictate a choice in children's books. Awards are given for the quality of the writing or the illustrations and do not guarantee that a book will be successful. The parent's interest, good taste, and discretion should be the influencing factor in choosing a book.

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