Tips for Choosing Age Appropriate Kid Books

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We have all heard it, reading to your child every day is one of the most important things that you can do as a parent to help your child grow academically. With hundreds of different kid books options, how do you choose age appropriate books to read with your child?

How to Find Age Appropriate Books for Your Kid

1. Know Your Child’s Reading Level

When it comes to reading levels, the guides may change by location. One of my favorite tools and guides is the Lexile Framework for Reading. They have a really neat online tool that will allow you to sort books by reading level, age, grade, and interests.

When it comes to picking out books based off tools such as Lexile, remember that every child is different. Some children may read above or below grade level. Within the Lexile Framework there are many factors that go into matching a child to their ideal texts. Tools such as Lexile are a good starting point, but they are not perfect.  

2. Teach Your Child “PICK”

“PICK” is an easy to remember mnemonic to help guide your child into choosing the right book for them.

Purpose: Why do I want to read this book?

Interest: Does this book interest me? Letting your child’s interests guide their literary picks is huge!

Comprehend: Can I understand what I am reading?

Knowledge: Do I know most of the words used within this book?

3. Think Interactive

Books are a tool for developing knowledge. Constructing that knowledge is up to the child. When picking out a book for your child, look for books your child will engage with. In addition to books that will hold your child’s interest also look for books that will make your child ask questions as they explore the pages. Books that can easily be extended into other activities that also engage your child are always a bonus!

4. Do Your Research

Read book reviews. Ask other parents, teachers, or librarians for book suggestions. Or even just spend some time flipping through books in the library to see how your child reacts to them. If you are needing kid book ideas, scroll down to find the recommendations we have made on site!

Kid Book Lists

Please Share These Books for Preschoolers

This list of books for kids will continue to grow over time. Make sure to pin this post so you can easily find our future kid book suggestions!

Choosing Age Appropriate Kid Books

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4 thoughts on “Tips for Choosing Age Appropriate Kid Books”

  1. I like what you said about picking a book that has words your kids can understand. I need to get a new set of books for my sons. They are 5 and 6 and need new material to read.

    Reply
  2. My godson Atlas is turning four soon. I plan to buy him a book set because his parents are bookworms, and I am hoping he takes after them. I like that you said I should do my research and look for book suggestions from other parents, librarians, or online. Thanks for this tip!

    Reply
    • Hi! You can find all of our reading logs with book lists that we have in our shop by searching “reading log” or visiting here. I do not currently have printable lists for all of the book lists we have published on the site, but do have quite a bit 🙂

      Reply

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