When Kate was in University, she worked at a YMCA camp as a residential counselor during the summer break. She worked with children as young as five-years-old all the way up to fourteen-years-old. No matter what age they were, each night everyone got into their bunks and she read a short picture book or a few chapters from a novel to them. This "storytime" was often what calmed the nervous campers and created a routine that helped all of them feel at home and able to get some shut-eye (of course a little game of "who can be the quietest?" worked in special circumstances too).
She realized the importance of choosing the right story for each age group, not just for suitability of content, but in terms of interest level as well. Creating that bond between children and books can be as easy as pulling books off the shelf and talking with children about what type of stories they enjoy. Your local librarian and bookstore employee are also excellent resources to help you find the right book for your child.
This month we're giving away a $1,000 worth of books for your child’s school library to three members PLUS three $100 Raising Readers prize packs to build up your child’s home library. Here are the great books you'll win:
"A Bedtime for Bear" by Bonny Becker & Kady MacDonald Denton (Candlewick Press)
The latest installment in the "Bear and Mouse" series delivers the laughs once again. It's time for bed and Bear requires everything to be just right in order for him to fall asleep. Unfortunately, he has a sleep-over guest, his friend Mouse, who is continually keeping Bear awake. Lots of silliness in the illustrations and text to keep everyone laughing, but also a lot of heart which is why this series is such a great read. Ages 4 to 7.
"Judy Moody, Girl Detective" by Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds (Candlewick Press)
Book nine in the delightful Judy Moody series follows Judy as she becomes enamored with old "Nancy Drew" mysteries which puts her in a detecting mood. Judy, her brother Stink, and her friends set out to find themselves a mystery and end up on the trail of a dog-napper. With twists and turns and lots of nods to "Nancy Drew", beginner readers will once again enjoy the latest entry in this creative series. Ages 6 to 9.
"Ghost Trackers" by Chris Gudgeon (Tundra Books)
Based on the youth reality television series, this book details the techniques and technologies of paranormal researchers, discusses the different types of ghosts, and tells some spine-tingling tales of hauntings in the past as well as more recent cases. Suitable for children aged nine and up and creepy enough for any kid fascinated with things that go bump in the night. Ages 9+.
"The Darkest Powers Trilogy Omnibus" by Kelley Armstrong (Doubleday Canada)
Fifteen-year-old Chloe's life is normal enough until a relocation to a group home opens up a world of paranormal activity, magical powers, and genetic experiments. This Omnibus edition compiles all three books in the Darkest Powers Trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong. Full of mystery, suspense, and romance, it is sure to satisfy any teen interested in urban fantasy. Ages 14+.
"Revolution" by Jennifer Donnelly (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)
"Revolution" tells the story of two young girls who live parallel lives two centuries apart. When seventeen-year-old Andi is sent to Paris to live with her father during a difficult time she discovers a diary written by young girl who lived during the French Revolution and soon becomes obsessed with it's contents. A tense drama perfect for lovers of historical fiction. Ages 14+
Now go share a book with your kids...
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