Factors that need to be considered when choosing books for young readers in the foundation phase

Factors that need to be considered when choosing books for young readers in the foundation phase It’s crucial to pick the proper books for your child, and getting it right the first few times can encourage a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. So how can you distinguish a decent children’s book among the bewildering array of genres and titles?

The books from childhood that stick with you the most are typically the ones with the most intriguing plots, interesting characters, and vivid images.

1. Choose good books that are easy to relate to

Choose books that allow your child to explore different worlds and lives but are still familiar enough that they can see themselves in the characters. Even if it’s a story set in an imaginary world of monsters and fairies, if the characters have hopes and desires that are easy to relate to, your child will be more interested in reading it until the end.

2. Opt for books that teach kids important things

Whether it’s learning a timeless moral in The Tortoise and the Hare or learning about numbers, fruit, and days of the week in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the best books often teach things without us even realizing it. Choose books that deliver an important message or subtly teach essential skills such as the alphabet, counting, colors, or seasons.

3. Choose books that may not be your personal pick

Children’s author Libby Gleeson suggests that when choosing a good book for children, parents should “resist the desire only to feed their children the books they loved when they were young”. Your child may not share the same passion for your childhood classics, and, as Gleeson notes, “The world has changed and children have changed.”

4. Find books that are not too difficult to read for kids

Use the Five Finger Rule if your child will be reading on their own. If the book has a few difficult words, read it aloud together with your child. There’s nothing wrong with exposing children to more complex language in context. But if you know the language and concepts will be too difficult for them to enjoy the story, avoid putting them off reading altogether by choosing a simpler book.

5. Look for kids’ books with strong illustrations

Vivid and clear imagery that supports the story is powerful for early readers aged 4⁠–⁠8. Choose books that have good illustrations that correspond with the storyline. Wordless books are also a great way to develop your child’s language skills, as they require readers to interpret the illustrations as the story progresses.

6. Choose books that are fun to read aloud

How many times has your child requested yet another reading of Dr Seuss? Books that rhyme or have a good lyrical flow are fun to read aloud and listen to. Read with enthusiasm and use different voices for different characters to bring the reading experience to life.

7. Look into kids’ books that are trending

Talk to your child’s teacher, librarian, or other parents to find out about popular children’s books. Alternatively, search online for award-winning children’s book lists or hop onto book review sites to read what other parents are suggesting. Jump on TikTok and check out what’s trending.

8. Good books can simply be the books your child desires

At the end of the day, what makes a good children’s book is any age‑appropriate book your child wants to read! Let your child choose which books they would like to read because choosing to read over not choosing to read is a significant step towards a lifelong love of reading.

Footnotes

When selecting books for beginning readers, it’s important to strike a balance between the book’s instructional value and the child’s age, reading ability, and interests. In addition, it’s important to consider cultural relevance, visual appeal, language choice, and reader engagement. It’s crucial to remember that every child is different, and their preferences and reading levels might range greatly. The ultimate objective is to cultivate in them a love of reading and learning that will benefit them all their lives.