Age Range Helpful HintsWe have created this Age Range Help page in the hopes it may help customers when shopping for young readers. It is so hard, if not impossible, to pinpoint exact ages when dealing with children's books. Each child develops on his or her own timeline which may put them ahead or behind other children. All of this is very normal and very expected; however, this does not make it easy to select appropriate children's books. For those customers shopping for their own children or children they know well . . . use what you know about the child and focus in on specifics likes, interests, and activities. For those customers shopping for children they don't know well, below is a breakdown of our age ranges as listed on each product detail page for each book listed for sale.
Please keep in mind that each age range category overlaps. Reading to newborns is all about conditioning them to being read to. Books should be short and sturdy. Short, rhyming stories and poems also seem to work well with the very young. Also keep in mind that in the first couple months of life, babies don't see very well. Colors such as black, white, and red make the best choices because together they provide striking contrasts which make it easier for baby to see. Two children at the same age can be at very different reading stages. For example, one 3 year old may prefer younger books in the Toddler category and on 3 year old may prefer book in the Preschool category. Each child usually hits their age range within plus or minus 6 months. By this we mean that a child may prefer older books from the Preschool category by the time he or she has turned 2 1/2. On the contrary, a 3 year old child may not prefer Preschool books until he or she has turned 3 1/2. The good news is that if a book is truly "too old" for a child, it doesn't have to be put away for very long before the child will show interest. One final thing to keep in mind is that children who are routinely read to have listening comprehension skills generally 2 - 3 year olders than their age. We sincerely hope this information helps in making specific book selections. Giving the gift of a book to a child is truly one of the best gifts we can give. The mere fact a child owns his or her own books is one of the greatest encouragements to developing a love of reading. If we can be of further assistance, please don't hestitate to contact us. All Rights Reserved. Home Page|Online Store|20 Minutes a Day|Attention Span in Children|Benefits of Reading Aloud|Bonding|Language|Limiting Television|Listening Skills|Personal Stories|Pre-K| Raising a Reader|When to Start|About Us|Contact Us|Thomas Tank Engine|Favorite Links| |Site Map| |