Welcome to the Children's Hour

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

We present some of the best in children's literature for reading aloud and reading. These books are listed by grade, theme, and title. 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.

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

BOOKS BY TITLE

A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z

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.

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.

BUILDING A CHILD'S HOME LIBRARY

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 late 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.

Magical Tales

Once upon a time, there were tales to be told
of heroes who claimed they fought dragons for gold.
Now tales are written and make wonderful reads
of knights and wizards and their marvelous deeds.

In lands where enchantment and magic still reign
come stories and tales that always entertain.
Of puppets and crickets and magical beans,
of glass slippers and pumpkins and wicked queens.

These stories will pull young minds from the darkness,
give hope and wisdom, bring knowledge and brightness.
They warn of wickedness by villains so cold,
and tell of heroes always valiant and bold.

So, if by some chance, you find one that's clever,
read it, treasure it, and keep it forever.
Because if you don't pay heed to this warning,
these magical tales may be gone one morning.

The Children's Hour

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.

The Children's Hour
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READING TO CHILDREN

Reading is at the heart of education, but the love of reading begins a home by reading to children. For more information, click on the following topics:

Benefits of Reading Aloud
Listening Levels
Classics
What Makes a Good Book
Children's Book Categories

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 just the ideal place for children who have physically outgrown their lap sitting and bed sharing days.

BOOK SOURCES

The greatest bargain in America today is still found in the libraries. In addition, 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 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.

AWARDS

Each year, several awards are given for the best books published.

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 every three 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 that should be the influencing factor.