1. What is a good children’s book?

2. A good children’s book has universal appeal
A good children’s book has universal appeal. It helps us understand other people and places.

3. A good children’s book contains interesting language.
The language flows
The language has rhythm
You can play with the language

4. A good children’s book educates
A good children’s book educates. It helps develop language, writing ability, and critical thinking skills.

5. A good children’s book evokes discussion.

6. A good children’s book can provide a sense of history and a connection to the past.

7. A good children’s book introduces children to other cultures and ideas
A good children’s book introduces children to other cultures and ideas. It provides vicarious experiences.

8. A good children’s book introduces children to a variety of genres.
Historical Fiction
Modern Fantasy and Science Fiction
Nonfiction or Information Books
Poetry
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Traditional Literature
Biography

9. A good children’s book develops imagination
A good children’s book develops imagination. It also helps children learn about human behavior.

10. A good children’s book is worth reading over and over again.

11. What makes a book “good”?
The plot grows naturally from the action and the decisions of the characters.
The setting of the book is authentic to the plot.
The characters are real and their personalities are revealed throughout the story
The author’s writing style is appropriate to the story.
The design of the book is unified—the size, shape, page design, and illustrations work together.
You can understand the theme of the book.

12. QUESTIONS What characteristics are common to all of these books?
What is the genre of your books?
Write a working definition of your genre.

13. “When we give children books, we become part of their future, part of their most cherished memories, and part of their entire lives.”
Silvey, A. (2009). Everything I need to know I learned from a children’s book: life lessons from notable people from all walks of life. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

14. Bibliography
Kiefer, B. and Tyson, C. (2010). Charlotte Huck’s Children literature: A brief guide. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education.
Silvey, A. (2009). Everything I need to know I learned from a children’s book: life lessons from notable people from all walks of life. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2009.
Strickland, Dorothy S. and Riley-Ayers, Shannon. (n.d.). Literacy Leaders in Preschool Settings: A Quick Guide for Directors, Principals, Supervisors, and Teacher Leaders. New York: Teachers College Press.
Photographs from Google Images and the ASU Child Development Center