You're in a library or a bookstore looking through children's books. You happen to look upon a book that you've never seen before. Should you purchase it? On the cover, there is no mention of an award. It appears to pique your child's interest, but is it any good?
Sarah Mackenzie, a well-known author and podcaster, has a terrific method of swiftly addressing this issue that she refers to as the Three-Question Test.
She suggests flipping open the book and read the first few chapters. Read a few paragraphs, or if it's a picture book, a few pages. Then read a few additional paragraphs or pages in the middle of the book. You only need a few minutes; all you want is a little taste.
The 3 Question Test
Next, she suggests asking yourself three questions quickly:
Image: Can you conjure up a mental image of the scene?
Vocabulary: Do the word choices appear to be adequately rich and varied?
Curiosity: Are you eager to find out what occurs next?
Are the images in a picture book able to pique your interest? Can you see, hear, or even smell the people or locations the author introduces you to if the book is primarily text?
Avoid works that use clichéd or dumbed-down language. They won't captivate your child or expand his or her vocabulary as efficiently as novels with a wide range of terminology.
The third and last question in the three-question test is possibly the most crucial: Are you drawn into the book, wanting to find out what happens next?
Adults and children alike are affected by good novels. That's great news since it means you're in a fantastic position to choose books for your youngster. If you enjoy a book, chances are your child will as well.
Preferences
One caveat: your child's reading interests may differ from yours as they get older. Kids, like adults, have a wide range of interests. Graphic novels and comics for children are far deeper and higher quality than they used to be, and they're a fantastic way for your child to learn to read and love it.
Purchase books that you believe your youngster will enjoy, whatever that may entail. Show interest and admiration for what your child is reading, even if it isn't something you're interested in. If your youngster enjoys reading, it doesn't matter what kind of book they're reading, as long as its content is safe for your child to consume.
The bottom line: Have faith in your ability to make sound decisions, and use the Three-Question Test to aid you. Books that are on school reading lists or have received a prestigious award are not magical. Every time you discover a book that thrills and delights your child, you're taking another tiny step toward raising a child who prefers to read for enjoyment.
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