On nights when we’re with friends or have later activities, we sometimes skip the reading. But, regardless of what’s happening, we try to squeeze in a short time of reading to help them transition to sleep. We usually let them have one night they can choose to read, draw, or create things in their rooms during the “bedtime reading”. You have to figure out what works for your family, but the overall goal is to create a routine of reading so the habit becomes second nature.
How to find great, age appropriate books.
1. Search online for “Award-Winning Books” or “Best books” for [your children’s age].
Then, request those books online at your library. The librarians put the books on a hold shelf for you so it’s quick and easy. When you go to the library, just pick up your books from the hold shelf and check them out. The library also has numerous movies. If we’re traveling on a road trip, I request a bunch of movies and books for our trip.
2. Take advantage of the magazines to purchase books sent home from school.
I use the Scholastic magazine my kids get from school to find great books. My kids circle books that look interesting to them. Then, I request them at the library instead of purchasing them.
3. Find other books by the same author.
If your children love a certain book, search for books by that author.
4. Search homeschool curriculums reading programs.
They usually have examples of books to read based on age. That’s how I found The Courage of Sarah Noble.
5. There is usually a suggestions’ section of other books when you search books you love.
For example, if you search a book on Amazon your children enjoy, at the bottom of the page, it says, “Customers who bought this book, also bought…”. Then, request those books online from the library.
6. Try different books series to see what your children like.
When your children read chapter books, you can check out one book from many different book series to see what they enjoy. If they don’t like a book from a series, return it. If they love one, jackpot – check out more! Then search online for similar book series that your kids might like.
7. Take a trip to the library with your kids!
Bring your children to the library to choose a handful of books that interest them (bring a large bag to carry the books). When your children are beginning to read, the “I can read” section at your library has numerous books to check out based on your kids’ interests.
8. Ask a librarian.
Librarians have a multitude of suggestions for your children of age appropriate books that will engage your child.
9. Tools such as Common Sense Media are helpful.
As our children get older and the books are longer, it becomes difficult to keep up with which books are age appropriate and which ones aren’t. Common Sense Media is a good resource for reviews and warnings on books. However, by age 6, 7, or 8, depending on the child, our goal shouldn’t necessarily be to protect them from any every challenging topic, unless it’s clear that the topic is above their heads and not age appropriate. This is a great time for our children to begin applying wisdom and discernment.
Prepping our kids to tell us when subjects arise they don’t agree with, don’t understand, or make them feel uncomfortable, is a wonderful way to engage discussion and to help our children navigate the world. One day our kids will be in the real world – our job is to prepare them for it. There’s no better time to do that than when they’re in our homes.
I hope these practical tools will help build a love for reading in your children and assist you in finding great and age appropriate books. Adding bedtime reading to your children’s routine, not only offers them a tool to wind down, but also builds confidence, imagination, and a life-time love for reading.
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Book Suggestions
I have included a short list of book suggestions below. I would love to add to this list, so comment below with some of your favorite books!
Picture book recommendations: There are a multitude of wonderful picture books, but here are a handful. (Ages 2 – 6) Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses, (2 – 6) Silly Sally, (2 – 6) The Circus Ship, (4 – 10) You are Special, (4 – 8) The Berenstain Bears, (4 – 10) My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, (3 – 8) The Book with No Pictures, (3 – 8) Stone Soup, (4 – 8), If I Built a House (My age recommendations are estimates based on my opinion).
Learning to Read: If your child is beginning to read short phrases, Dr. Seuss’, My Big Book of Beginner Books About Me is a wonderful book. The words are simple and the rhyming allows the child to guess words which gives them the confidence of reading, while having fun doing it. Picture association books are also great for beginner readers and can usually be found in a particular area of the library. Ask your librarian.
Chapter Books to Read Together: (6 – 10) The Boxcar Children and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are a few suggestions. For older children, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is awesome. I heard Wonder is also great for older children, but I have not read it yet (you can check the book’s age recommendation).
Other Chapter books: My almost 8-year-old children have enjoyed The Magic Tree House, Capital Mysteries, Little House, and I Survived books. Choose your own Adventure books are also available at the library and a lot of fun for 6-year-olds and older.
