Top 5 Favorite Book Features for Kids

Books make some of the best gifts, but these features make them AWESOME! Start a love for reading during the new year with books that have special features kids love.

My daughters love books, but their favorites all have something in common: compelling content or special features! Maybe you remember a special book that you never got bored of?

I had one. It was The Jolly Postman. It had all of the fair-tale characters I loved, but also featured little envelopes on each page with a letter inside. I read it over, and over and still like to read it to this day.

Top 5 Favorite Book Features

Remembering the joy that I got from reading that book made me think, if every book was like that children would never hate to read. So here are 5 unique things that you’ll want to look for the next time you buy books.

Books that Hide Secrets

Kids love to find things. Combine that in a book and you have unlimited learning and reading opportunities! Usborne has an amazing collection of books with things hidden inside waiting to be revealed.

All of these books feature pages with hidden images within the page. How can you see them? Shine a flashlight on the page and reveal what’s inside! I love these books because they are mostly educational and teach children about nature; plants, habitats and animals!

The usual hide-and-seek style books with a great educational twist! They are all about the world around us and reveal answers to questions that everyone has.

Classic Stories

Stories that have been around for hundreds of years, they have important messages and teach something about life. These stories can be memorized easily by children and they always captivate their audience.

This cloth-bound collection of Bible stories is perfect to read allowed to young children (4yrs+) or for older children to read independently. Stunning, full-page illustrations bring stories from the Old and New Testament vividly to life, and a comprehensive ‘Who’s who in the Bible’ helps children remember the characters and stories.

One of my daughters favorite books! She’s read the Town Mouse and Country Mouse at least 10 times. This version is filled with over 30 stories, enchantingly illustrated and retold, these stories are the perfect introduction to Aesop and will be enjoyed for years to come.

The thought of reading Shakespeare’s original works to a child might be daunting, but this book makes it easy. Featuring six of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays, this beautiful book is a must-have!

Activity Books

Hands-on fun and literacy are combined in these special activity books. Children use their minds to observe, problem solve and create while reading at the same time.

Not just any crafts! The 100 Paper Planes book features tear-out pages and directions to make 100 different paper plane designs. And there are lots more crafting books that are just like it with activities ranging from Birthday Cards to Optical Illusions! 

These sticker books are just like little puzzles. Each one comes with about 200 stickers and information all different topics; trains, planes, trucks, the alphabet, and more! Some are just for fun and others help children learn, but your children don’t need to just use the stickers in the books. Allow them to create their own books and pictures!

Solve puzzles, skillfully observe, and enjoy reading with these puzzle and activity books. The Usborne Picture Puzzle Book in particular is a perfect start to more advanced brain teasers and puzzles.

Books with Sound

Add a little music or sound effects and an old story comes alive! Children love to use both their sense of sight and sound to read.

This is a perfect introduction to learning how to play piano. It teaches hand eye coordination, intro to music reading, and colors! The notes move up and down for the pitch changes so children start recognizing that basic notation.

An adorable bedtime ritual that your children will treasure in their minds long after the book is worn. The adorable baby animals will give your children sweet dreams as they get tucked in.

When you love a character in a story or you really like a particular author, having more of the same books keeps your children’s interest. With book series and collections the story continues and your child’s love of reading does too.

Take a look inside some of the books here:

“Children’s literature: what are its key characteristics?” is a collaborative post.

Introduction

Children’s literature holds a magical allure that captivates young minds and nurtures their imagination, curiosity, and emotional growth. This unique genre of literature, specifically tailored for young readers, is crafted with utmost care and consideration to engage, inspire, and educate children.

Within the pages of children’s literature, a world of enchanting stories, colourful illustrations, and valuable life lessons awaits, making it an indispensable aspect of a child’s formative years. In this article, we will explore the key characteristics that define children’s literature and its profound impact on shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Why is it important to know what makes good children’s literature?

Understanding what makes good children’s literature is of utmost importance due to its profound impact on young readers’ intellectual, emotional, and social development.

Firstly, good children’s literature nurtures a love for reading from an early age. When children are exposed to well-crafted and engaging stories, they develop a positive attitude toward books and reading, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of literature and learning. This love for reading enriches their lives and enhances their academic performance and critical thinking skills.

Secondly, good children’s literature is pivotal in cognitive and language development. Children reading or listening to stories encounter new vocabulary, sentence structures, and ideas. This exposure to language expands their vocabulary and improves their comprehension abilities. It helps them articulate their thoughts effectively, enhancing communication skills essential for success in academic and social settings.

Furthermore, when well-written, children’s literature delves into characters’ emotional experiences, allowing young readers to empathise with the feelings and struggles of others.

What are the characteristics of children’s literature?

Children’s literature is special in the literary world, enchanting young minds with its captivating stories, vibrant illustrations, and valuable life lessons.

This unique genre caters to children’s developmental needs and interests, shaping their imagination, fostering a love for reading, and instilling important values.

Below we explore the key characteristics that define children’s literature and its profound impact on the growth and development of young readers.

Age-appropriate content and themes

One of the fundamental characteristics of children’s literature is its age-appropriate content and themes. The stories and messages conveyed in these books resonate with young readers’ cognitive and emotional capabilities.

Whether the simplicity of board books for toddlers or the depth of young adult novels for teenagers, children’s literature carefully tailors its narratives to engage and inspire readers within their respective age groups.

In fact, many websites offer kid’s books online, and they are really good. Before buying one for your kid, search for the right online and offline book.

Engaging storytelling

Children’s literature is known for its engaging and imaginative storytelling. Whether through fairy tales, adventure stories, or tales of friendship, these books transport young readers to magical worlds and exciting adventures.

The power of storytelling in children’s literature lies in capturing children’s imagination, making reading a joyful and immersive experience.

Colourful and expressive illustrations

Illustrations are a hallmark of children’s literature. Colourful and expressive artwork complements the text, adding depth to the storytelling and bringing characters and settings to life. For younger readers, picture books with vivid illustrations play a crucial role in conveying the story visually, aiding comprehension and sparking creativity.

Valuable Life Lessons

Children’s literature often imparts valuable life lessons and moral values in subtle and relatable ways. Through the trials and triumphs of the characters, young readers learn about empathy, kindness, honesty, perseverance, and the importance of making good choices. These stories offer children guidance and encourage them to develop a strong moral compass.

Diverse representation

Children’s literature has made significant strides in representing diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities in recent years.

By featuring characters from different backgrounds and experiences, these books promote inclusivity and help young readers develop an appreciation for diversity.

Such representation fosters empathy and understanding, preparing children to be open-minded global citizens.

Language and reading level

Children’s literature is crafted with attention to language and reading level, making it accessible to the intended audience.

For early readers, simple and repetitive language helps build their vocabulary and reading skills. As children progress, the language gradually becomes more complex, challenging them to expand their literary horizons.

Encouragement of imagination and creativity

Children’s literature stimulates imagination and creativity, inviting young readers to explore new worlds and ideas. Fantasy tales with magical creatures, science fiction adventures, and stories of talking animals contribute to nurturing a child’s imagination.

Such engagement with imagination is crucial for cognitive development and the cultivation of creativity.

Emotional resonance

Great children’s literature connects with young readers emotionally, creating characters and stories that resonate deeply with their experiences and feelings.

Whether it’s overcoming fears, dealing with friendship challenges, or discovering one’s identity, emotionally resonant narratives help children process their emotions and gain a sense of comfort and understanding.

Adults can also enjoy good children’s literature

Absolutely!

Adults can derive immense enjoyment and benefit from reading good children’s literature. While these books are primarily targeted at young readers, they often contain timeless themes, universal messages, and well-crafted storytelling that appeals to all ages.

One of the reasons why adults can appreciate children’s literature is its simplicity and purity. The straightforward narratives and clear moral lessons can serve as a refreshing break from the complexities of adult literature.

Children’s literature often addresses fundamental human values and emotions like love, friendship, courage, and perseverance. These themes resonate with adults, offering insights and reminders of the essential aspects of life.

In conclusion, adults can indeed enjoy good children’s literature. These books’ simplicity, purity, universal themes, and imaginative storytelling have a wide appeal that transcends age boundaries.

Reading children’s literature can evoke nostalgia, offer comfort and inspiration, stimulate creativity, and provide shared experiences with young readers. Embracing the enchanting world of children’s books can be a delightful and enriching experience for readers of all ages.

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