Books to Begin On

Definition

• Books produced for young children’s enjoyment

• Books that allow for plenty of time to talk and enjoyment

• Books that are ideal for children from birth to age-5

• Books that develop children’s early literacy skills

especially their language skills

Developing Initial

Literacy

• How do Books to Begin On support the development of

early literacy skills?

Subcategories

• Babies’ First Books

• Toy Books

• Finger Rhymes and Nursery Songs

• Nursery Rhymes /Mother Goose

• Alphabet

• Counting Books

• Concept Books

• Wordless Books

• Books About the Common Experiences of Young Children

• Books for Beginning Readers (Predictable, Easy-Reading, Big

Books)

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluating Books for the Very Young Child

The best books for babies and toddlers should:

• Relate to familiar life experiences

• Provide clear, uncluttered illustrations with little or no

distracting background

• Be well constructed with sturdy durable pages

• Use clear, natural language

• Have predictable stories

• Provide some humor, especially so the child will feel superior

• Offer opportunities for participation and interaction

• Hold the child’s attention

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluating Mother Goose in terms of:

• Coverage

• Illustrations

• Text

• Setting

• Characters

• Arrangement

• Format

Evaluation Criteria

What to look for when evaluating ABC and Counting

Books:

• ABC Books – objects, purpose, illustrations

• Counting Books – objects, accuracy, grouping/ sets,

number concepts, level of thinking

A few quality titles

Title Author Description

Ten Black Dots Donald Crews A counting book that

shows what you can do

with ten black dots.

Pat The Bunny Dorothy Kunhardt A toy book that

encourages children to

interact with the pages.

Chicka Chicka Boom

Boom

Bill Martin Jr. & John

Archambault

An ABC book presented

in a lively manner

through a chant-like

rhythm.