At KSP Book Club, we have been discussing this topic often and have been asked this by fellow parents too. How to choose the right book for our child?
When I purchase books for my child online or head to the store (remember the good ol' pre-lockdown era?!), I look for the below factors usually:
- Quality of content. (No knight in shining armour please!)
- Text size (Yes, size does matter!) I don't want my daughter to be straining her eyes.
- Should be hard-bound or at least a good quality ( I have another toddler at home who just chews about anything!)
- Popular author ( I know I am being harsh on the newbies, but I prefer certain names)
But one important factor we often forget is to double-check if the content is of the right age for our kids. I must confess that I often under-estimate or even over-estimate my child's reading strengths. I get her books that she tends to finish in no time and tosses it over on the side saying "it's too easy" or loses interest in a short while "coz it's tough!". Been there, mommies?
What you must remember:
- In addition to the above points that you use as criteria, the age is pivotal that some of us just take for granted at times.
- Do your research, check if the book is for that age bracket.
- It is alright if your child opts for books higher that his/her age. But don't insist on it. Let it come from them.
- Follow up after every single book your child reads if they understood the plot, the twists, the moral etc. Otherwise, the whole reading exercise just turns futile.
- Select books that promote imagination and solve problems in a creative way. They are little elves who are looking to turn into super rescuers in our everyday lives. Give them that thrill through the stories they read.
- You don't have to set a record of #1000booksbeforepreschool or #50booksbeforelockdownends. No. The minute they see you are adding the pressure, a joyous habit will soon turn into a dreaded one.
Keeping these factors in mind, we have some good news for all parents of book lovers! In our Summer Fun Factory this year, we have curated some of the best reading bundles for kids of all ages. And the best part- you choose books that are just right for their age. Here's a sneak peek and what we have in Summer Fun Factory for book lovers. Access our SFF page here!
For the littlest readers:
What you will find in this bundle:
- Here, we tell you a list of the best touch and feel books you need to get for your little ones. Don't worry if it is too early for them.
- Get these books for your infant so that once they get familiar with them by touching and playing and meddling with them, they will eventually start loving them and you can start reading delightful stories to your little one!
- A great first step towards raising a book lover. Spend more time reading to them and less time searching for books. Happy reading!
For your busy toddlers:
What You Will Find In This Bundle:
- A reading list that has fun books that will help your little ones develop vocabulary and language structure, learn about things like colours, shapes, animals, and all kinds of useful information about how the world works.
- When you read out loud, your child will connect your familiar loving voice with books. By reading aloud with your child you are helping them build a positive association with books that will last a lifetime.
For mythology lovers:
What's in this bundle:
- On this exclusive bundle, we tell you some of our favourite and popular mythology books for kids so you don't have to do the search.
- And the best part- they get your kids thinking and offer a different perspective to the usual theories and beliefs.
- We also have an exclusive with famous Indian author Devdutt Pattanaik on the relevance of Indian mythology for kids and why he writes on this genre for kids.
- Go ahead, sign up for this bundle and with most of the books available as e-books or on Kindle, you know your kids have the coming months all sorted and will learn something new.
To help you raise a feminist next-gen:
What you will find in this bundle:
- We, at Kidsstoppress, have curated the best books you need to read to/with your children to teach them all about women power and get them to ask 'why should boys have all the fun?!'
- This is the list every mom has been searching for a while, spending endless hours on Google. Breathe. We've got this.
- This is a list curated by our editors, mommy bloggers and our readers- so you know these names are tried and tested.
- Printable book report for kids with conversation starters and imagination bank to help them put on their thinking caps.
- Scroll down to read now and share this list with a fellow parent.
Age-wise reading list for your kids:
2-4 years: Click here
4-6 years: Click here
6-8 years: Click here
8+ years: Click here
Doman Method to help your child read better- Click here
Also, if you would want to access our exclusive webinar when Mansi Zaveri discusses tips on raising young readers and the common mistakes parents make, and tips to get your kids to fall in love with the art of reading, you will love our exclusive course for kids (and parents)- click here
Mansi Zaveri
Rushita Sheth
KSP Team
Aditi Malik
