FOR EDUCATORS, PARENTS AND CARERS - BOOKLISTS
Having quick access to lists of great books for children of different ages and interest is important for educators and parents and carers. There are many sources of quality book lists available and we have drawn some together here.
Books Recommended for Reading Aloud to Young Children
Why read to young children?
Children who are read to in the pre -school years have many advantages (refer to https://www.education.vic.gov.au Reading to Young Children: A Head Start in Life a summary of research findings about the connections between parents reading to their young children and their child’s later reading and other cognitive skills, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Victoria)
One of the key findings in this research is:
-The frequency of reading to children at a young age has a direct causal effect on their schooling outcomes regardless of their family background and home environment.
Other findings in this research document include:
- Children who are read to more frequently at an early age enter school with larger vocabularies and more advanced comprehension skills.
- Reading storybooks to children is one of the most important activities for developing the knowledge required for eventual success in reading.
Poetry
Diverse picture book collections
An extensive list of Australian titles put together by the State Library of NSW
Premiers and Chief Ministers in some Australian State and Territories host a Reading Challenge each year to promote reading. Some states/territories publish book lists for different age groups.
NSW
Big Little Book Club is an Australian group with the goal to ‘raise awareness nationally of the crucial importance of literacy and its role in our everyday lives.’ Information about their book packs and recommended books can be found on the link below.
A number of Australian authors have written books to support educators, parents and carers help children ‘catch the reading bug’.
Jennings, Paul- The Reading Bug... and How You Can Help- Penguin 2008
Moloney, James- Boys And Books- ABC Books 2002
