Age is only a number when talking books
Perhaps the three most important things to remember for reading success are to read aloud every day, read books that are of interest to the child and read books that are age appropriate.
Age appropriate has a lot less to do with the child's age in years and a whole lot more to do with ease of understanding, which makes the experience enjoyable instead of a struggle.
Just because a book is listed for "age x to x" doesn't make that a hard-and-fast rule. Everyone learns at a different rate, and making reading a fun experience will ensure greater success.
Learning to tackle new and more difficult books is a learning process. Think of it this way — you wouldn't read "Harry Potter" to an infant but you would to a 7-year-old.
There has to be a progression of developed attention span that comes from daily read-aloud sessions, and there must be an age-appropriate point of reference for the child to become engaged in what's being read.
You've got the power to make that happen. Don't delay. The clock is ticking.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Chicks and Salsa"</B> by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Paulette Bogan; Bloomsbury; 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 to 6; read yourself: age 7 to 8.When the chickens at Nuthatcher Farm decide they are tired of eating the same old chicken feed, the Rooster hatches a plan to spice things up with homemade salsa and chips.The salsa was such a hit with the chickens, the ducks decided to get into the act and made their own guacamole. The pigs followed suit and, as "everyone knows, when a passion for southwestern cuisine takes hold of farm animals ¿ it can only lead to one thing —FIESTA!"A wonderfully clever and funny story, this selection, replete with hilarious illustrations, will have kids laughing on every page.
<B>Library:</B> Prospect Community Library, 357 Main St., Prospect<B>Library Director:</B> Jeanne Sarnese<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Jill Hambley<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"The Cow That Went Oink"</B> by Bernard Most; <B>"Wild About Books"</B> by Judy Sierra; <B>"If Roast Beef Could Fly"</B> by Jay Leno
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Zac Power: Mind Games"</B> by H.I. Larry, illustrated by Ash Oswald; Feiwel and Friends, 2008; 92 pages; $3.99 paperback; read aloud: age 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.Twelve-year-old Zac Power was an average kid except for the fact that he worked as a spy for the Government Investigation Bureau (GIB for short). Zac's parents and brother worked for GIB, too. Zac never knew when he'd be called to a case, which is exactly what happened when his new sneakers exploded, propelled Zac like a rocket into an elevator shaft, a waiting van and eventually Zac's own aircraft.Zac's mission as outlined on his SpyPad was to find the team of computer hackers who are close to gaining control of GIB's satellite system, Worldeye, and prevent them from breaching the final firewall. Zac assignment had to be completed in 24 hours.One of four in the new "Zac Power" series, this easy-to-read spy story is loaded with action, adventure, humor and danger — a perfect combination for emerging chapter book readers.<B>"Flip-Up Shapes"</B> and <B>"Flip-Up Counting"</B> written and illustrated by Chuck Murphy; Robin Corey Books/Random House, 2008; 12 pages each; $5.99 each; board books; read aloud: age 1 to 3; read yourself: age 5 to 6.Twounique board books feature an exciting and fun way to learn shapes and numbers. Each book boasts 12 easy flip-up tabs that add the element of surprise and discovery. Further, the books can be used as a guessing game as well as a tool to teach colors and identification of everyday objects.Bold, colorful illustrations are the perfect complement to these two little books that are packed with learning and fun.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
