Library Loot

We visited the library today, an activity that I plan to make a weekly event. Last time we came Miriam went hog wild picking out 6 books that she just MUST have, but this time I gave her a limit and I was very happy with her choices.

This first book "The Three Bears" by Margaret Hillert written in 1963 is the perfect book for her. She is only 4 but already knows more words than Tobie did at his age. So I was only a little shocked when she sat at the little library table and started reading out loud. The book is charming, simple and repetitive just enough with words to teach the reader rather than irritate the listener.

"Princess Hyacinth, The Surprising Tale of a Girl who Floated" by Florence Parry Heide was her second choice. This was a very cute book, very entertaining with great illustrations by Lane Smith. The only down fall is that it is not a teaching book. The writing was too advanced for her level and it was just too long for a beginner to keep their focus. Don't get me wrong I think this is a really good book, I just don't expect her to be reading it to herself anytime soon.

Then I started thinking how it's hard finding books like the first one now a days. It's either more advanced for the sake of entertaining or too simple and the pages are cardboard.

Which leads me to this question, does anyone have any suggestions on some good kid books that are great for the beginner reader? I would love to encourage her reading skills with more books like "The Three Bears".