{"id":58,"date":"2009-11-11T02:58:51","date_gmt":"2009-11-11T08:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/?p=58"},"modified":"2026-02-07T12:44:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T17:44:57","slug":"choosing-good-books-for-your-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/choosing-good-books-for-your-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing Good Books for Your Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

T<\/span>oday let’s talk about what we should read to our little ones.<\/p>\n

With thousands of children’s books published each year, choosing can feel overwhelming. Poor quality literature may entertain, but it’s also mind-numbing.<\/p>\n

High quality literature is thought-provoking as well as entertaining.<\/strong> It inspires greatness and character development, and doesn’t shy away from dealing with difficult topics.<\/p>\n

Think of it this way: it’s our job to nourish our children’s minds as well as their bodies. My kids really love candy, but I don’t allow them to eat large amounts every day. It wouldn’t be healthy. I need to pay the same attention to the quality of reading material they digest.<\/p>\n

Here’s how to choose the best books for your little ones.<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPhoto by Desirea Rogers<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Read the books you loved as a child.<\/h3>\n

A mother’s enthusiasm goes a long way. Books can be like friends to children – how fun to introduce our little people to long-lost pals from our own past! Only bring into your home titles you don’t mind reading again – and again (and again!).<\/p>\n

When you visit the library, look for children’s books with illustrations and topics that appeal to you.<\/strong> It isn’t only about what our children enjoy – it’s also about sharing our passions. This way we learn from each other.<\/p>\n

2. Help them find the books they love.<\/h3>\n

Follow your child’s interests. <\/strong>I’ve read every book about garbage trucks in our local library over the past year because of my son Jonathan. When my kids ask a question or mention a new interest, I jot it down. Then when we go to the library we can do some research. This coming week we’ll be hunting down books about bones, architects, and plumbing.<\/p>\n

3. Use a guide to help you choose.<\/h3>\n

\"\"
\nPhoto by PL Youth<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Many wonderful book lists have been written to help you discover the best of the best. My favorites include Honey for a Child’s Heart<\/em><\/a> and The Read-Aloud Handbook<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n

Also check out a few online resources, like the American Library Association’s Caldecott Medal Book List<\/a>, as well as Simple Mom’s post Twaddle-Free Books for Preschoolers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It’s easy to gently steer our children’s interests when they’re young. Why give them a taste for ground beef when we can offer filet mignon every day? By giving them the best from the beginning, they’ll grow up to choose it for themselves.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When we intentionally approach our children’s literacy, it’s simple to create lifelong readers and learners.<\/p>\n

What do your kids like to read?<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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