Childrens Literature Quality Childrens Literature About experiences of

Children’s Literature

Quality Children’s Literature • About experiences of childhood (birthday parties, losing a tooth, first day of school, etc. )

Quality Children’s Literature • About interests to children

Quality Children’s Literature • In picture books, the illustrations and the text are both responsible for telling the story

Caldecott Medal • Awarded annually to the most distinguished American picture book • 2015 winner – The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (illustrated and written by Dan Santat)

Newbery Medal • Awarded annually to the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature • 2015 winner – The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 0 -2 • Brightly colored pictures • Concern everyday routines/familiar objects • Often made of heavy, nontoxic cardboard (“board books”) • Interactive books that require child’s participation in or manipulation of books

Ages 0 -2

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 2 -4 • • Counting, ABC books Nursery rhymes Word books Picture storybooks

Ages 2 -4

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 4 -7 • Picture storybooks are at the heart of the literature experience during these years • Children often choose a favorite and “read” it aloud • Children acquire the fundamentals of reading (letter and sound relationships, etc. )

Ages 4 -7

Literature for the Developing Child Ages 7 -9 • Chapter books • Books often center on adventures of young characters within their neighborhoods • May enjoy reading about lives of other children because they can begin to understand others’ perspectives

Ages 7 -9