Library Finds

The Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Branch is now open to the public! We spent time in the new children’s section looking through the new collection. We chose a variety of books to add to our weekly library haul. Below I have shared some of the ways to search for books the next time you are at the library.

Let your child take the lead by choosing books to add to your library haul. When your child is given the opportunity to choose a book, she will be more motivated to read and attentive when being read to. These bookshelves found at the New Main library give even the smallest reader the opportunity to pick out books. The lower shelf was at the perfect level for baby girl to make a decision. The bins above display the books in a stack with the covers facing out that invite the child to flip through easily to make a choice based on the cover, not the spine.

Do not be afraid to be silly when reading! Find a few books that incorporate silly sounds. Using sound effects (animals/vehicles/nonsense sounds) during story time will help increase and maintain your child’s attention to the book. Give your child the opportunity to join in on the fun by imitating the sounds or waiting to see if your child will initiate a sound on her own. This tip is especially beneficial to a new talker. Nonsense sounds are often easier to produce and imitate than true words.

Some of our favorite “noisy” stories:

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen

“Be Quiet, Mike!” By Leslie Patricelli

“The Book with No Pictures” By B.J. Novack

Pick out some books with repetitive text! We love the repetition of the text found in “The Napping House.” We were excited to find Audrey Wood’s newest story, “The Full Moon at the Napping House,” during our last library visit. Reading stories with repetition help children understand language and how stories are put together. The language patterns in the story will give your child the chance to anticipate what will happen next and expose your child to the same words appearing over and over. When reading a repetitive/predictable book, simply read through the story first to help the child become familiar with the text. After finishing the book, immediately re-read the story. When reading the story a second time, pause before the last word of the repeated phrase. For example in “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” say, “Brown bear, brown bear, what do you…,” and then wait for the child to verbalize, “See.”

Some of our favorite repetitive books:

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle

“Chugga Chugga Choo Choo” by Kevin Lewis

“Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell

Find a book with beautiful illustrations. How beautiful are these illustrations in “Big Bear, Little Chair” by Lizi Boyd?! Sometimes you will come across a book you love, but the text may seem to be too simple or too difficult for your child. Don’t worry! Spend time “reading the pictures” together. Point out objects and talk about what you see happening in the pictures. I have had so much fun taking over this account today.

Some of our favorite illustrations:

“Float” by Daniel Miyares

“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

“Waiting for Wings” by Lois Ehlers