What makes a good children’s book?

So what makes a good children’s book?  Generally speaking it is the same as for any book out there!  Is it interesting? Compelling? Is it written for the reader?  For children, this also includes illustrations?   So which is more important the text or the illustrations? 

In my opinion, while interesting and compelling illustrations are paramount for a picture book, they cannot make up for a poorly written text.  What is considered poorly written?   There are many ways to determine quality.  Does the text have a flow or rhythm?  Does it use appropriate vocabulary?  Now the appropriateness of the vocabulary will depend a lot on the intention of the book.   Are you or an older child going to be reading this book aloud to a younger child?  Is it a book designed for an independent reader or perhaps a beginner reader?

Through my last trip to the local Barnes and Noble… I found some delightful “featured” picture books with beautiful and intricate illustrations.  In some cases the stories some sort of rhythm, but not a clear cadence… perhaps this is not a problem.  A larger concern was the word usage.  Without getting academic—does the story use big words?  Although a word like disappeared—may not seem like a big deal, if you are just starting out as a reader you may find a bit overwhelming when trying to read this word.

In earlier blogs, I have made reference to the Dolch reading list.   This is the list of sight reading words.   Personally, I feel sight reading is the key skill to good reading.   Many teachers may disagree.   Have you listened to a young adult read?  Many are painful to listen to as they phonetically sound out each word… Have you ever taken a speed-reading course?  Simplifying the process—it is basically teaching you to sight read in clusters.   Phonetics has its place in sounding out new words.   However, if an early reader can master the basic words and can sight read them… they will be well equipped to master increasingly more advanced reading.

Watch out for slick Marketing

You may have noticed that a lot of the “hot” books are spin-offs of TV shows, cartoons or movies.  They have big budgets behind them and can lure you into purchasing—especially when you have a little one with you.  More of a market brand than an endorsement of sound children’s literature.   So, open the book and ask yourself if your child could read this, or with a little help could do so.

Assuming you’ve got past the glitzy displays and into the dustier depths of the shop, what do you look for?

Is there a storyline?

Does it have a beginning and middle and an end?   Does it flow?  Does it have a message?  For small children this may just be a simple message or love, acceptance or comfort.  You can find this type of stories featured at Lunchpail Books.   Check out the “Peep Peep” adventures.  They feature a simple story, with a simple uplifting message of love and acceptance.  No need to go deeper than that for a 5 year old!

Is it written well?

Read a couple of pages of the book—does it make sense?  If it is a rhyming book, does it have a regular or fun rhythm to it?  For Lunchpail Books—there is a certain musical form found in the books… children enjoy the beat.

Does it avoid political posturing?

A good children’s book (one that could be destined to be classic) knows no particular time, or political leanings.  (Some non-fiction books may be an exception).  Think of “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.  The delightful creatures are not locked into any particular region, area or political agenda.   Leave this kind of stuff for the grown-ups

Illustrations?

Younger readers= simpler art.  Bright colors!  Fun!  More on this in a future blog. In the meantime, you can find some very simple child-like drawings featured in the “Peep Peep” adventures.  Simplicity with a sense of humor appropriate for child and adult.