Today, I am a children’s book author. But I am also a mom. And like most parents, I am overwhelmed by the number of children’s books available at my local bookstore or library. Canadian publishers now print over 600 new titles each year. With so much choice, how can you choose? What do you do when your son insists on reading the Captain Underpants series? Or your daughter will only read books featuring Hilary Duff? And what does Madonna know about writing children’s books, anyway? Why reading matters
“Reading is the most important skill children can learn,” asserts The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s guide How to Choose Books for Your Children (www.bookcentre.ca). “It allows them to develop imagination, intelligence and empowers them with a knowledge that enriches their entire lives.” “We’re feeding their minds,” adds Brenda Halliday, CCBC Librarian. “It broadens them in ways that we can’t even calculate.” While visiting schools as a guest author, I ask students if they have chosen a profession for later in life. The responses invariably include teacher, veterinarian, actor, dancer, police detective, and basketball or hockey star. It’s fun to watch their faces when I claim they actually will be writers like me. I explain that every profession requires the ability to communicate through writing and the best way to become an excellent writer is to become an excellent reader. YMCA Canada links literacy to 40 vital developmental assets in their booklet Raising Kids Who Read (available for download at www.ymca.ca). The booklet uses children’s stories to explore the developmental needs of children, including support, empowerment, strong values, positive identity and social competencies. “Reading is the most important skill they (children) must master if they are to succeed in school and later in life,” affirms the YMCA. “Raising a leader requires raising a reader.” Raising a reader
The CCBC puts forth a simple recipe for creating a lifelong reader: 1. Read – make books and reading a part of your children’s lives right from the start. And set aside a regular time to read to your children from infancy to adolescence. 2. Lead the way – make regular visits to your local library and bookstore to help your children find the best books available. 3. Set an example – when children see adults enjoying a good book, they get a very important message – you never outgrow books! Kids need an ever present supply of books stresses the YMCA. “At home, a collection of books in corners with comfy seating and TV-free quiet time makes concentration and enjoyment possible.” Plus, giving books on birthdays and holidays sends the message: We value books and you’re worthy of them. Predictability is also imperative insists the YMCA. “Children look forward to story time with you. You’re not only raising a kid who reads, you are raising a reader who will make read-aloud time a priority when they grow up and have children of their own.” (Visit www.ymca.ca to view the YMCA’s reading tip sheets.) At my house, we have ‘Family Reading Club.’ Being avid readers, all four members of our family will invariably have a book or two on the go. Therefore, one of us will simply call a ‘Family Reading Club’ meeting and we will congregate to read together. While sipping hot tea or lemonade, we’ll share a funny, or suspenseful, or interesting part of our book. In fact, some of our best family conversations got their start in a book. | The good, the bad, and the gross
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre states there are certain things you can look for when selecting a children’s book: - Stories that have an intriguing plot and interesting setting
- Themes that would appeal specifically to your child
- Language that is rich and evocative
- Reading level and vocabulary that are age appropriate
- Characters that are fully drawn and believable
- Language that flows
- Illustrations that breathe life into the text.
Parents and grandparents need to look at picture books carefully says Brenda Halliday. “The fact that it’s a heavily illustrated book does not necessarily mean the content is for a preschooler.” Halliday suggests parents read the book for themselves or seek the help of a knowledgeable bookseller or librarian. The CCBC’s Our Choice annual selection guide not only lists the best children’s books as selected by Canadian authors, teachers, librarians, and booksellers, it categorizes and evaluates them according to subject, genre, reading level, and interest level. We should also pay attention to our children’s likes and dislikes says Halliday. Children will often tell you if a book is too scary. “Just like some children love a thrilling ride, others will say, ‘No, I don’t want to go anywhere near that ride.’” Your choice
A concern for many parents is when a child likes a book that they as adults consider silly, or gross, or gruesome, or rude. Do we really need books about farting dogs? Or dumb bunnies? Is any reading, good reading? “Just reading at all is great,” states Halliday, “even if you’re reading a car manual, it’s great because it’s a skill we need to exercise and develop. But I do think it’s important that we connect children with really great books.” Halliday doesn’t have a problem with books that use ‘potty humour’ to engage and entertain a child. “They have enormous appeal,” says Halliday. “Funny books are a great way for a family to bond – but what you consider funny may be different from what someone else considers funny.” Families need to decide what their own comfort level is and make their own choices. But Halliday warns families should not impose their views on other families. “Each parent can certainly decide what they want to share with their children, but I have a problem when they decide that someone else shouldn’t be able to share it with their child,” explains Halliday. As they mature, children go through different phases in their reading habits. My children went through the Franklin phase, the Berenstein Bears phase, the Goosebumps phase, the Full House phase, the Canadian Girl phase, the Unfortunate Events phase, the Harry Potter phase, and more. I try not to limit my children as they sample and taste-test different genres and authors and themes. When the quality of writing is not my preferred choice, school librarians and the school curriculum help ensure my children get a full helping of quality, award-winning literature. As a children’s author, I am a storyteller. I inspire and entertain young minds with stories that make them laugh, make them think, and make them feel empowered. My latest children’s book, Peter’s Poofect Pet, is a hilarious story about parents, pets, and poo. My first book, Hi! I Am the New Baby, teaches an older sibling all the things a new baby can and cannot do. In my view, both books have a place in a balanced diet of reading material – kind of like broccoli and butter tarts. H&L Tina Powell is a national bestselling, award-winning, children’s author and entertaining guest speaker. Her books are available online at www.bigfatpen.com
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