1. Give your child the opportunity to choose which books you buy. Children – just like adults – prefer different kinds of books, even from a very young age. Take your kids along to the book shop and let them browse through the section with books suited for their age group.
2. Get into the habit of reading books your children liked (you may actually re-discover the joy of children’s books yourself!) and discuss books together. This way you’ll get to know your child’s reading preferences.
3. Don’t be a literary snob. It’s normal for kids to fixate for a while on popular series books such as Mary-Kate and Ashley, Harry Potter or Goosebumps. Indulge them – and be grateful for the fact that they are spending time with a book instead of the Xbox!
4. Know your child’s reading abilities. Some children’s books give an indication as to which age group they are intended for. However, your child’s reading ability might well be better or less developed. Take into consideration the amount and difficulty level of the text and the length of the story. Nowadays, many “high-interest, low-content” books are produced for children who struggle with reading.
5. Don’t fixate on fiction. Many parents are frustrated because they keep buying their kids story books which they never read. Non-fiction might be the answer. A book about animals, machines, horses – whatever your child’s special interest – could be the key to getting him/her hooked on books.
6. Baby books should be made from sturdy material and should preferably be easy to clean. Look for books with bright, simple illustrations or photographs, and interactive elements such as puzzles, squeakers and touch-and-feel parts.
7. Get clued-up on children’s fiction. Read children’s book reviews in your newspaper or online.
8. Teenagers are fussy readers. Just because a book’s cover declares that it’s “teenage fiction” doesn’t necessarily mean your teenager will devour it. Consider buying a book voucher instead.
9. Ask the children’s book assistant for help. Every good book shop should have an assistant who knows his/her stuff when it comes to children’s books. Ask for advice if you feel clueless.
10. Know your kid’s favourite authors and illustrators. So, you’re hooked on Grisham, Cornwell or Picoult – why shouldn’t your children have their own favourite writers or illustrators? Look out for new publications from well-loved authors.
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