THE EARLIEST BOOKS Books reflect the times In the earliest times, children and adults listened to the same stories 1450s Gutenburg’s movable type influenced the use of books

1400’s In the 1400s hornbooks were made. Small, wooden paddles with one sheet of paper attached to it. This paper was expensive and to protect it, a thin piece of cow’s horn was used to cover the paper.

Varieties of Hornbooks The paper usually consisted of the alphabet or a religious verse or the Lord’s Prayer. Sometimes they were made of leather, silver, copper, ivory, and even gingerbread. Hornbooks served as a tool for children for over two hundred years.

17 th and 18 th Centuries Most printed material was meant for instruction rather than enjoyment. There were not very many books, but they stayed in print for more than 200 years. Books of this time were dominated by stern spiritual beliefs of Puritanism. Children were expected to memorize John Cotton’s Catechism, stressing the salvation of their souls.

The Chapbook Small inexpensive pamphlets. Short romances, ballads, and popular tales such as Jack the Giant Killer, and Tom Thumb. Sold by peddlers.

Nursery Rhymes and More… Mother Goose – Mary Cooper published in 1744 under the title of Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book. Fairy tales by Charles Perrault in Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe in Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift in 1726.

John Newbery Began the concept of literature for children. English publisher. Books should instruct and amuse. “A Little Pretty Pocket Book” an illustrated catalogue of children's amusements based on the alphabet. “Little Goody Two Shoes” lasted for over a century.

Literature in the 1800s America after the Revolutionary War Folktales / Grimm’s Brothers Family Stories: Little Women, Heidi Adventure Stories: Treasure Island, Swiss Family Robinson, Tom Sawyer Science Fiction: Jules Verne Fantasy: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

19 th Century Illustration Illustrators began to receive as much recognition as authors. Walter Crane Randolph Caldecott Kate Greenaway

20 th Century Literary and artistic quality in children’s books Growth of children’s publishing Expansion of public and school library service to children

Trends Changes in marketing Changes in usage Enlightened parents Bookstores specializing in children’s books New publishers New and established authors find receptive markets Harry Potter / Stephanie Meyer

Why should we read to children? What are characteristics of good children’s books?

Reading to Children

Why do we read to children?  It is fun!  It benefits children's growth as readers and learners.  It teaches children to appreciate the written word.  It helps children develop important language skills that will help them learn to read on their own.  It helps build children’s listening skills and attention spans.

Why do we read to children? (Continued)  It prepares them for learning to read and keeps them reading as they learn and grow.  It helps build relationships between the child and the reader.  It helps them to learn social skills.  It introduces the child to new concepts.

How does reading to a child affect the 4 areas of Development? Intellectual- learning about written word Social-interaction with others Emotional- creates feelings Physical-holding book and turning pages

What are characteristics of good children’s books? Good books have a beginning, middle, an ending, and a conflict or problem that is being solved. Good books use language that is pleasing to listen to. Good books evoke feelings from the audience. Good books have illustrations that are consistent with the text.

Children’s Books Awards Caldecott Medal and Honor Awards Named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator, Randolph Caldecott, the Caldecott Medal is awarded each year by the Association for Library Service to Children to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Newbery Medal and Honor Awards Named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery, the Newbery Medal is awarded each year by the Association for Library Service to Children to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in the United States in the preceding year.

Tips for picking books for preschoolers Find books that they can relate to. Read stories with simple plots. Folk tales and books with animals that act like humans are popular. Little children like rhyming books. Pick books that are interesting to you too.