The second week of November is Young Readers’ Week. Created by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in 1989, the week brings awareness to the importance of reading, especially for young children and elementary school students. The Des Moines Public Library's Program Coordinator, Katie McKenzie, has worked in the past as a educator and childhood literacy expert. She has a few tips and tricks to help encourage reading in your home:
1. Make time for reading
Try to set aside a regular read-aloud time with your child each day. We know schedules can be busy, so carving out even just 15 minutes in your schedule each day can help make a big difference. Try creating a cozy reading area in your home to make reading more relaxing.
2. Choose reading material at the right level for your child’s abilities
If your child is reading a book that’s too difficult, it can make reading frustrating and feel like a chore. Make sure they are reading at or below their skill level. Have older children read easy picture books to their younger siblings. When you’re reading to your child, it’s ok to choose material that is above their level. This helps improve their vocabulary!
3. Look for a variety of reading material
Fiction books aren’t the only books to grab from the library. Let your child enjoy whatever kind of reading material they gravitate too, including joke books, cookbooks, graphic novels, children’s magazines, and more.
4. Exhibit your own love for reading
We all know young children want to emulate their parents. Be sure to “get caught” with your own books, magazines, and whatever else you have in the house so your children can see you reading too.
5. Provide access to books
Surround your living space with lots of reading materials. Create a home library with your child’s favorite books. Subscribe to children’s magazines, like SI for Kids, National Geographic for Kids, and Highlights. Visit the library and borrow a wide variety of materials (books, graphic novels, magazines, and more) and discover what interests your child most!
Our children’s librarians have also suggested some great books that you should check out! Remember – if a book is at a different branch, you can always place a hold and have it delivered directly to your home branch.
'Hats are Not for Cats'," by Jacqueline K. Rayner
Are hats for cats? A big, bossy dog and a determined cat disagree. This funny rhyming romp--with a large cast of cats and hats--leads readers to the perfect conclusion: hats are for everyone!
A big, severe, plaid-hat-wearing dog insists that the small black cat in the red fez shouldn't be wearing a hat--any kind of hat--because hats are for dogs. His patronizing tirade doesn't convince this cat, however. Defiantly, she wears an assortment of hats, described in the gleeful rhyming text, and brings in other cats to join the protest. The silliness of both text and pictures offers a cheerful take on bossiness and managing conflict, with a win-win resolution.
'I Am Love: A Book of Compassion,' by Susan Verde
A celebration of love in all its forms, I Am Love asks readers to look inward when they feel afraid. Love allows us to act with compassion and kindness, to live with gratitude, and to take care of ourselves by practicing self-love.
'Duck,' by Meg McKinlay
In this funny nod to Chicken Little, a quiet afternoon on the farm might be the scene of a barnyard disaster waiting to happen.
When Duck runs around the farm shouting "DUCK!" to the other animals, they grow exasperated as they haughtily explain to Duck which animal is which. Unfortunately, something is falling from the sky. But perhaps "DUCK!" isn't the best warning. Perhaps what Duck should have said is... "RUN!"
'Happy Hair,' by Mechal Renee Roe
African American girls and their beautiful hair are celebrated in this bright, joyful read-together picture book that will have girls everywhere repeating the book's chorus: "I love being me!"
Full 'fro, cute bow! I love being me! Smart girl, cool curls! I love being me!
African American girls will love seeing strong, happy reflections of themselves in this vibrant, rhythmic picture book celebrating the diversity of beautiful black hair. From a cute crop to pom-pom puffs, adorable illustrations of girls with gorgeous braids, blowouts, and bantus grace each page, side by side with a call-and-response affirmation that will make girls cheer. It's a great read-aloud to promote self-esteem for girls of all ages, building and growing the foundation of self-love (and hair love!) and letting every girl know "You are made beautiful!"
'Dog and Rabbit,' by Barney Saltzberg
A funny, sweet story of unrequited friendship from the creator of Beautiful Oops! and Crazy Hair Day.
Dog likes Rabbit. Rabbit likes Bunny. But Bunny ignores Rabbit. How will the friendship triangle resolve? Written in four parts, this picture book navigates the pitfalls of budding friendship and explores the rewards of patience under the sure hand of seasoned author/illustrator Barney Saltzberg.
'Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song'
Superstar illustrators celebrate the iconic Sesame Street theme song with stunning original art in this one-of-a-kind picture book!
To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Sesame Street, beloved picture-book artists have each created an artwork interpreting a different line from "Sunny Day," the iconic Sesame Street theme song. The range of their pieces demonstrates that Sesame Street can truly be found anywhere. The award-winning and bestselling roster of illustrators includes Christian Robinson, Tom Lichtenheld, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Leo Espinosa, and Dan Santat, among others. The result is a stunning tribute to Sesame Street and to the generations of children who have loved the show. Anyone who opens this beautiful book will be inspired to imagine their own perfect sunny day.
For half a century, Sesame Street has helped kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder through its messages about inclusiveness, kindness, and, of course, literacy and numeracy.
'Owl Diaries' Series, by Rebecca Elliott
Follow the adventures of Eva the owl as she meets new friends, hosts a sleepover, makes a trip to a pumpkin farm, and more!
'Arnold and Louise' Series, by Erica S. Perl and Chris Chatterton
Best friends come in all shapes and sizes! Dive into the adventures of Arnold, a large black bear, and Louise, a small chipmunk, as they discover their future, have fun ice skating, and more.
'The Princess in Black' Series, by Shannon Hale
Who says princesses don’t wear black? Not Princess Magnolia, whose monster-fighting alter ego saves the kingdom from monsters again and again in this funny, action-packed series.
'Baby Monkey, Private Eye,' by Brian Selznick
Caldecott medalist Brian Selznick and author David Serlin bring Baby Monkey's adventures to life in an exciting new format that blends elements of picture book, beginning reader, and graphic novel. With pithy text and over 120 black and white drawings accented with red, it is ideal for sharing aloud and for emerging readers.
Hooray for Baby Monkey!
'Meet Yasmin' Series, by Saadia Farugi
Meet Yasmin! Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.
'A Friend for Dragon' and 'Dragon's Fat Cat,' by Dav Pilkey
Dragon's adventures are lots of fun. Join him as he learns about love and loss, befriends a lonely cat, and much more.
Last Modified April 23, 2024
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