Some schools already have visits by booksellers with a selection of high quality, recommended books for sale to parents, and shops could usefully develop these valuable links. Competitions for interesting oral comments by young children about their favourite books, recorded by teachers and displayed with children's books, would attract parents into bookshops. Book displays are usually very attractive and well organised, and could be enhanced by the provision of information to enable parents to feel more confident in their choice of titles. For example these captions could go on briefly to classify and describe books:

Board Books to share with babies and toddlers

Books with pictures to talk about with children.  Encourage them to help to turn the pages and learn how books 'work'. 

(E.g. Peepo by Janet and Allen Ahlberg.)

Novelty Books to share with 3 - 5 year olds

Build a love of books as you both enjoy the fun of flaps and pull tabs.  Make your own!

(E.g. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell.)

Books to read with 3-5 year olds

Running a finger along the text as you read will link text and pictures.

(E.g. Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins.)

Books to read with 4 - 6 year olds

Poetry and memorable texts, often in rhyme.  Even the youngest children will often want to join in and 'read'  for themselves when they are familiar with the poem or story.

(E.g The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler.)

Books to read aloud to 3 - 6 year olds

Fun and fantasy to develop children's listening skills and inspire a love of story

(E.g. Avocado Baby by John Burningham.)

With a number of new books sent into the office every day, Nursery Industry had a leaf through to see what else might appeal to retailers!

The Selfish Crocodile Book of Nursery Rhymes

By Faustin Charles

Illustrated by Michael Terry

Faustin Charles and Michael Terry have combined the much loved Selfish Crocodile with over forty traditional nursery rhymes. The result is a wonderful collection of new, yet strangely familiar animal rhymes.

 Parents will enjoy dipping into this superb collection of rhymes with an animal twist. Faustin Charles narrates the accompanying audio CD which showcases his fantastic storytelling skills. 

Published by:  Bloomsbury Publishing

When the World is Ready for Bed

By Gillian Shields, Illustrated by Anna Currey

A family of rabbits goes through their end-of-day routine, from having their tea to brushing their teeth, sharing a story and being tucked up in bed. This traditional style bed time story has the feel of a classic picture book.

 Anna Currey explores the details of warren life in a way that will enchant readers young and old, while Gillian Shields' lyrical lullaby text is sure to soothe young readers to sleep. A padded jacket and foil star give extra value to this bedtime story with masses of charm.

Published by:  Bloomsbury Publishing

Words are not for Hurting/Tails are not for Pulling

By Elizabeth Verdick, Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen

These titles are also ideal for playschool groups or for parents to read at home. The rhythmic, repetitive text, friendly and ethnically diverse illustrations and humorous touches make it a fun way in which to show young children how to develop good relationships by exploring and managing feelings in a positive way. 

 What we particularly like about these books are the tips for parents and caregivers at the back, explaining how to use the story interactively and promote this good behaviour in every aspect of daily life. Other books within the series include: Feet are not for kicking, Hands are not for Hitting, Teeth are Not for Biting and Germs Are Not for Sharing.

Published by: A&C Black Ltd

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---