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What better way to summarize the fall semester than with a list of children's books! Over the course of fall semester, I analyzed a total of 50 children's books that are appropriate for children 0-8 years old. These books cover a variety of genres, formats, subjects, and styles that create a foundation for a diverse book collection! So, I thought it would be fun to share this list of children's books with all of you! In this post, I categorize my list by genre. I will provide the appropriate age group that is associated with each book along with a link to Amazon to purchase each book. *However, if possible, I encourage you to purchase these books through your favorite small business book store! (link to independent bookstore search engine provided in the "Sources/Additional Resources" section of this post)* Poetry and rhyming books
Several studies have proven the benefits of daily exposure to poetry at a young age. Read more about the benefits of poetry to young readers by clicking here (link to Huffpost article).
Informational books
Informational books are "those which explain known facts about specific topics. These texts must not only be accurate but they must also present the information so that it is easily understood. Illustrations are often included to extend the concepts as described in the books" ("Genre Definitions").
Our Big Home: An Earth Poem
(view information under "Poetry and Rhyming Books" section) Concept Books
"A concept book is a picture book that teaches a broad concept to young readers. Examples? Alphabet books, number books, books about colors, opposites, books about feelings and emotions" ("What is a Concept Book?").
Edward Lear's "A" Was Once an Apple Pie
Information provided under "Poetry and Rhyming Books" section
Wordless Books
"Wordless picture books are told entirely through their illustrations — they are books without words, or sometimes just a few words. Sharing wordless books with a child provides an opportunity for literacy-rich conversations" ("Sharing Wordless Picture Books").
Realistic fiction
"Realistic fiction creates imaginary characters and situations that depict our world and society. It focuses on themes of growing up and confronting personal and social problems. This genre portrays characters coming to understand themselves and others" ("Genre Definitions").
All are Welcome
Information provided under "Poetry and Rhyming Books" section Fantasy Fiction
"Fantasy tells imaginary tales of make believe lands, creatures and people. . .Many of the themes of fantasy can be reflected in the contemporary genre but the setting and the characters extend beyond the confined of realistic fiction" ("Genre Definitions").
Traditional
"Traditional literature is a genre that started in the oral tradition. Myths, fables, epics, ballads, legends, folk rhymes, folktales, fairy tales, trickster tales, tall tales, cumulative tales and pourquoi tales are part of this genre" (cited from McKillop Library).
The Turnip: An Old Russian Folktale
Information provided under "Fantasy Fiction" section
The Tortoise & the Hare
Information provided under "Wordless Books" section
Congratulations! You made it to the end of the post!
I hope this list provided you with a few ideas on how to build a more diverse book collection. There are so many other amazing, high-quality children's books out there. Continue to educate yourself on high-quality children's literature and challenge yourself to build a more diverse collection. I have provided a few resources in the "Sources/Additional Resources" section of this post, so you can continue your search for children's books. Happy reading! Last week's post: 10 Strategies for teaching english as a foreign language (TEFL)
In this post, I introduce 10 strategies for TEFL that I have learned through my 8-week Spanish internship. Click here to read this post.
Leave me a comment!
What are your thoughts on this book list? Do you have any other book suggestions? Leave me a comment below!
If you like this post, have any questions, or have ideas on how I can improve my blog, leave me a comment below! Your input is always appreciated. As always, thank you for your support. Sources/Additional resources
Click on the links below to explore the sources mentioned in this post!
International Children's Digital Library "The 10 Best Sites for Reading Free Children's Books and Stories Online" Storyline Online Browse children's books by award NPR's 100 Favorite Books for Young Readers "Genre Definitions" Concept Book Definition "Sharing Wordless Picture Books" Traditional Literature Definition Take action. start the conversation. Be the change.
7 Comments
Colleen
12/29/2020 09:42:08 am
Wow! What a great list of diverse books for early childhood! Most of them are new to me!
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Paul
12/29/2020 11:06:43 am
Great list!
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Barb
12/30/2020 08:31:44 am
WOW. The amazing world of books! For me 37 years in the field and I own 11 of those 50 books, 4 of them new to my library in the past year as I added books about diversity!
Reply
Meghan
12/30/2020 12:39:18 pm
Oh wow, Barb!
Reply
Helen Mongan-Rallis
1/1/2021 01:30:45 pm
I love your selection of books and can’t wait for you to have your own students read these!
Reply
Meghan
1/3/2021 10:59:25 am
Thank you, Helen! :)
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AuthorMeghan Hesterman (she/her) is an aspiring educator, storyteller, and traveler. Through regular posts and commentary, she candidly reflects on her evolution as an educator and young adult. Categories
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