Children’s Literature

Quality Children’s Literature About experiences of childhood (birthday parties, losing a tooth, first day of school, etc.)

Quality Children’s Literature About interests to children

Quality Children’s Literature If the story shows children as victims of human or natural disasters, it should emphasize hope for the future, rather than despair for the moment

Quality Children’s Literature In picture books, the illustrations and the text are both responsible for telling the story

Caldecott Medal Awarded annually to the most distinguished American picture book 2010 winner – The Lion & the Mouse (illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney)

Newbery Medal Awarded annually to the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature 2010 winner – When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 0-2 Brightly colored pictures Concern everyday routines/familiar objects Often made of heavy, nontoxic cardboard (“board books”) Interactive books that require child’s participation in or manipulation of books

Ages 0-2

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 2-4 Counting, ABC books Nursery rhymes Word books Picture storybooks

Ages 2-4

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 4-7 Picture storybooks are at the heart of the literature experience during these years Children often choose a favorite and “read” it aloud Children acquire the fundamentals of reading (letter and sound relationships, etc.) Informational books become more popular

Ages 4-7

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 7-9 Chapter books Books often center on adventures of young characters within their neighborhoods May enjoy reading about lives of other children because they can begin to understand others’ perspectives

Ages 7-9