- Ask for suggestions. Talk to your friends, family, or local librarian to see what books they know kids loved at your daughter’s age. Sometimes having an adult who isn’t mom or dad pick out a book might make it even more interesting to her.
- Choose books you and your child will enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t read it. The best book is one you both love to read!
- Pick books that will appeal to your child based on their age.
- Babies are drawn to books with high contrast images and rhyming.
- Bedtime books and books about counting or ABC’s would be more appropriate for toddlers.
- Goofy books with silly songs or funny words can be very engaging for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Use a trusted online book finder. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Reading Rockets
- Imagination Library Book Lists – 2017, 2018
- Reach Out and Read
- Look for suggested age ranges on the book. Some publishers will tell you right on the cover what age or reading level a book is written for. Don’t feel limited to any particularly age level. The important thing is to choose one that will be fun for both of you.
- Books are a great way to encourage your child to try new things. If your son wants you to check out the same fictional picture book for the fifth time about a polar bear who lost his underwear, look for a nonfiction book about polar bears. Nonfiction books are great ways to connect with children’s interests, and wonderful conversation starters.
- For more tips of how to select books by age, read more here.