What Should Children Read?

Overwhelmed by the number and variety of choices on a recent visit to , I sought the help of Carla Sharp, who heads the youth services department, and of Anne Cnockaert, BDL's teen services librarian.

Sharp stressed the importance of bonding with a child by sharing books aloud.

“Reading aloud, with children participating actively, helps a child learn new words, discover the world around them and see the connection between words that are spoken and words that are written,” she said.

Sharp recommends the following books for children from birth to age 10:

• Infant: Busy Toes by C.W. Bowie and Time for Bed by Mem Fox.
• 1-2 years: Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox, Kiss Goodnight by Amy Hest and Spot by Eric Hill.
• 2-3 years: Chugga Chugga Choo Choo by Kevin Lewis, Brown Bear Brown Bear, What do you See? by Bill Martin and The Napping House by Audrey Wood.
• 3-5 years: Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale by Mo Willems, Miss Brooks Loves Books! by Barbara Bottner and The Flea’s Sneeze by Lynn Downey.
• 6-8 years: Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.
• 9-10 years: How to Steal a Dog by Barbara Connor and No Talking by Andrew Clements.

Cnockaert reminded me that books are just as essential to a young adult's development. At this age, children appreciate the independence reading can foster. To help older children develop and voice their ideas, consider discussing a book's details. Ask questions about the characters, the plot and how the writer uses language.

Cnockaert recommends the following titles for young adults:

• Matched by Ally Condie.
• I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore.
• Jane by April Lindner.
• Fat Vampire: A Never Coming of Age Story by Adam Rex.
• Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.