Children's Books And Development

In today's modern world, the use of television, a computer and the internet for entertainment purposes is quite common. Cartoons on TV and interactive children's games on the internet are some of the common tools that parents employ in order to keep their kids entertained. And while they do help keep the kids occupied, the joys and benefits of reading children's books to kids have taken a backseat to these modern conveniences.

Why Is Reading Important?

We always tell our kids to read because it is beneficial. But what are the benefits? Reading is an important skill in life. It is a vital communication tool for everybody regardless of age. Through reading, we are able to gather new information about various subjects. In short, our ability to learn depends upon our ability to read. Studies have shown that the more kids are read to, the faster they learn to read.  Make it a habit to read to your kid before bedtime or a variable schedule during the day.  In fact, it should be in your kid's activity table so that you won't forget.

Kids can discover the joy of reading through children's books. For kids to stick to reading, the book should be fun and entertaining. For kids to learn to love reading, it should be a pleasurable activity, something that is a source of information but engaging as well.  Don't force a kid to read.  Reading along with him will encourage him to read.

The World of Children's Books

Children's book publishers know their market is a highly specialized one. Writing children's books isn't child's play and parents can be very picky about the books their kids read - and rightfully so. This is why children's book publishers screen their writers fully. Some mom's have  even gone to writing children's books themselves just for their kids.

Searching for children's books isn't as tricky as it sounds. Knowing which appropriate books to buy for your child is just a children's book search away. Find children's books online. The internet is full of information on children's books, and popular children's books authors and publishers. They have recommendations and children's books list for kids of all ages.  You can download these children's books list and search for the titles.

Children aged 0-5 years of age will like picture books. Pre-school aged kids will enjoy looking at colorful pictures and drawings. Some of the best well known children's books that fall into this category are Disney books which can be found in most bookstores and libraries. Children's books for early readers are designed and written for kids aged 5 to 7. Illustrations and sentences work hand in hand to hold the child's interest as well as develop early learning skills.

As your child gets older, more appropriate children's books like chapter books can be bought for kids aged 7 to 11. There are books with short chapters and books with longer chapters. To know which kind to buy, gauge your child's reading ability and attention span. If these tend to be short, then short chapter children's books would be more appropriate.  Kids are always amazed with computers.  You can have your kid read children's books online.  There are also copies that can be downloaded and opened through a document reader.

Book Recommendations

Reading can open new doors to kids. It fuels the imagination, enhances reading skills as well as writing skills. Reading is good, clean and simple fun. Classic children's books like Aesop's Fables, The Tale of Mother Goose, Grimm's Fairy Tales, Jungle Book, Little Women and Gulliver's Travels to name a few are still loved today.

The Top 10 Best Sellers for kids are also a good read. Children's books like Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham, and Cat in the Hat provide a good start for young readers. Older kids might also enjoy children's books written in series like JK Rowling's Harry Potter. And who can forget Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys?

Many of these books have been adapted into movies. But certain elements are cut off due to time constraints in movie making which makes reading these children's books so much more entertaining and rewarding compared to watching their movie versions.

Reading children's books can also help kids socialize. Borrowing books from the library helps kids interact with other kids especially if they have a children's book club. It teaches them about deadlines and responsibility. In short, children's books can open a new adventure for your child.