Childrens Chapter Books
Making the transition from children's story books to chapter books is a crucial passage for young readers. Story books are meant to be read in a single sitting, while chapter books require the child to remember character and plot details over several sittings. While each chapter may be somewhat self-contained, almost like a short story in itself, the chapters add up to more than the sum of the parts. The point when a child is ready for chapter books varies so widely that it's hard to make generalizations. If you think your child is ready, begin with a book that has plenty of illustrations and very short chapters. If the chapters are largely self-contained, such as in Winnie-the-Pooh, so much the better. Some four- and five-year-olds are quite ready for chapter books, while others might not be interested until they are six to eight years old. Chapter books are excellent for emergent readers. It's often a good idea to begin with a parent reading to the child, then let the child continue on his or her own once the hook is set and the imagination captured. Good readers, of course, will always read in varying voices, but that is even more important in chapter books, where children need to discern dialogue from description. At Bouncing Ball Books, we have a great collection of story books and are about to begin publishing chapter books as well. Reading story books in a series, such as our Sharp-Eye books, is a good way to prepare a child for chapter books. In January 2007, we'll be publishing Running Deer and His Animal Friends, by Stephanie La Monde. This chapter book features a Dakota Indian brave who communicates with animals who are able to teach him lessons about friendship and life. At Bouncing Ball Books, we're always adding new titles so feel free to check back with us to see what's new!
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