LITERACY
10 books to engage preschoolers
November 6, 2008
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Kristin Rushowy
EDUCATION REPORTER
The Toronto Public Library's second annual list of "first and best" books for preschoolers – officially being released today – is intended as a helpful guide for families.
"It's especially for parents who, for the first time, have little kids and may not know the whole field," author Marthe Jocelyn said. Last year, her book Eats took the honour; this year, it's her four board-books on the seasons, as well as Time Is When, which she illustrated.
Ken Setterington, the library's child and youth advocate, said books by Canadian authors or illustrators are chosen for the pre-reading skills they promote, such as letter awareness and vocabulary building.
"Aside from that, we are basically looking for a really good children's book, something that is going to engage a child and encourage questions and interaction," he said.
The library creates bookmarks so parents have the list handy, and also orders extra copies of the books so the top picks are widely available.
After last year's list, the books were in high demand.
This is all part of the library's push to promote early literacy, which includes storytime sessions for young children at many branches, as well as yellow stickers on the covers of a wider selection of good books.
The library is also creating KidsStops centres in several branches with hands-on literacy activities.
Just last week, one opened in the Dufferin/St. Clair branch.
Toronto Star