What Kids Really Want to Read

Know your Child. Thousands of new children's books-long and short, poetry and prose, fantastical and realistic-are published every year. With this great variety, how can a parent select just the right book to capture a child's interest? Even if you are not familiar with children's books, you know more about your child than anyone else does. You have the best possible chance to find a good fit.
A boy who dislikes reading may become engrossed in a book about his favorite athlete. A girl who rarely finishes books may discover a series that makes her feel as if she's found new friends. Knowing your children's interests helps you to tell when a book is "just right"
Don't worry if you can't find the perfect book right away. Make a lit of your child's interests and then go to a library, if possible, select books you're also interested in, because enthusiasm is contagious, says Dr. Deborah Wooten of the University of Tennessee.
If you and your child aren't enjoying a book you've selected, don't be afraid to try something else.
Preshoolers
Preschoolers are beginning to understand that other people live differently than they do. As your child asks questions and exhibits curiosity, turn to books to help him or her make sense of the world.
For example, a child who lives in the city can enjoy a book about life on a farm or on board a ship. Books are a way to go new places and preschoolers are ready to set out.
Preschoolers also like
* stories about kids their own age
* nonfiction books
* stories about animals
* repetition of sounds, words or phrases in a story
* stories with funny-sounding words
* books with pictures that tell the story, even without the words.

EXCERPTS published by International Reading Association