Children's Books Baskets

Children’s Book Baskets

Book Baskets is a practical way to store your children’s library book selections.  It helps to keep the books in one place so they don’t get mixed in or lost amongst the books that you own at home.   It’s also an easy way to transport books from the library to your home.

Maintain Book Baskets in the car if your an on the go family, or in the bedroom or family room.  Any space where your child is free from distractions, including toys, television, or devices is great place to setup baskets.   Rotate the books in the basket every 10 to 14 days to keep the children engaged and interested in reading.  Read more about Getting Your Child Hooked on Books here.

Use this list during your first visit to the library to fill up your Book Basket.   What’s in the basket is just as important as having a book basket.   Maintaining diversity in your basket will help to keep little minds curious and wanting more.

  • 2 Audio books. Books on CD or cassette, yes we still have a cassette player in the car and one at home, are a good way to bring stories alive. They usually come with a book for your child to follow along.
  • 2 Non-Fiction books.  Ask your children what they are learning in school and check out books on the topic. Also get at least one book on something they expressed an interest in such as architecture or the weather.  There is an entire section for Children’s Non Fiction in most libraries.
  • 1 Geography or Cultural book.  Global perspective is a big concept to teach younger children.  Getting them familiar with states, countries, and cultures early on would give them an advantage.  Explore a variety of holidays around the world and other fun stuff that will peak your child’s interest.
  • 1 Award Wining book.  This may require a little bit of digging on your part since these usually fly off the shelf. Get a list of award winners from your librarian or do a little research before you go.  These books are mostly indicated with a gold or silver medallion on the cover or spine.
  • 1 Children’s Book Classic.  Three Little Pigs, Hansel and Gretel, or the Lion and the Mouse are all examples of timeless children books. These books usually have a moral component that is great for read aloud and family discussions.
  • 1 Historical Fiction Book or Self Image Book. We typically go for the African American picture books that tell stories about accomplishments of our ancestors and builds on self-esteem.  Whichever you decide is best for your family be sure to review the book since some books, even the picture books, have strong subject matter.  With any book make sure you read the book or inside cover before giving it to your child.
  • 2 Chapter Books.  If your child is ready for chapter books go ahead and gather a few.  Ask them what they want to read and look for those options.  Mystery, history, and government are just a few themes covered in chapter books for young readers. I like to read reviews on chapter books first since some language may not be appropriate for my young readers.
  • 2 or 3 Picture Books.  These are the fun stories with creative illustrations your child not only likes to read but you also enjoy. Some of our favorite books are Too Many Stripes by David Shannon and Skippy Jon Jones by Judy Schachner.

Additional books you may want to consider are poetry books, graphic novels aka comic books, or self-instruction books like How to Make Paper Airplanes.   Get comfortable browsing the Children’s Non-Fiction section.  You may be surprised about what you will find there.

After several trips to the library filling your Book Basket you will become more comfortable with your book selections.  Your kids will tell you what they love and hate about your selections.  Keep an open mind and allow them to explore their interests.  I recommend reading the inside cover, the back cover, and flipping through some of the pages to make sure your selection is age appropriate.

Talk to your librarian about popular children’s books and place them on hold if they are not available at the library.  Use book list, like the 2014 Notable Children’s Books list to or My Favorite Books of 2014 to make some good selections.

 

 

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