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Children's Literature

Find information about the CSULB University Library's Children's Collection as well as information about children's literature in general.

Literacy Skills for Preschoolers

Concepts about Print
A child understands the nature and uses of printed words and books.  Sees parents, teachers, and others reading. Recognizes books and print as a means of communication.child with books

Phonological Awareness

A child understands the concept that words are made up of combinations of small sounds. Books that are comprised of silly words and rhyming sounds promote this.

Selecting books for Preschoolers

Types of books/stories to interest preschoolers:

  • Boardbook/Pop-Up or Movable books
  • Interactive Stories
  • Informational books (nonfiction)
  • Silly words and sounds, music or songs, or Poetry (Mother Goose)
  • About Familiar Characters, (e.g. TV stars, book series)

Other considerations:

  • Positive
  • Brief Text
  • Interesting Subject matter
  • Accurate information
  • Multiethnic/cultural/feminist anti-bias We Need Diverse Books!
  • Award winner
  • Quality illustrations

Concepts about Print

A child understands the nature and uses of printed words and books.  Sees parents, teachers, and others reading. Recognizes books and print as a means of communication.

Use board books to give preschoolers the opportunity to experience how a book works.  Books where the text connects obviously and directly with the pictures are perfect to teach this skill.

Can You Turn the Page?

Stuck

Time to Say Please!

Phonological Awareness

A child understands the concept that words are made up of combinations of small sounds. Books that are comprised of silly words and rhyming sounds promote this.

Dr. Seuss early readers are a great example of this, with repeating sounds over and over.

Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party

Altoona Baboona

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo

Here's a Little Poem

Arrorro Mi Nino

There's a Wocket in My Pocket

Letter Knowledge

A child learns the names, shapes, and sounds of letters.

Be sure books have clear depictions of the letters, both lower case and capital.

K Is for Kissing a Cool Kangaroo

8: An Animal Alphabet

Sleepy Little Alphabet

Alphabet Fiesta

Alligators All Around

Vocabulary

A child learns the meanings of words, increasing their number of familiar words, including words for objects, shapes, numbers, and colors. A child can further describe their world.

Richard Scarry's the Supermarket Mystery

Skunks!

Me and My Place in Space

Snakes Are Hunters

Giraffes Can't Dance

If...

Round Is a Tortilla

One Is a Snail, Ten Is a Crab

Hippopposites

My Shapes/ Mis Formas

Counting Lions

How Much Is a Million?

Reading Comprehension

A child understands what is being read.  Interact while reading together to ensure comprehension: "What just happened here? How do you think that character feels? Have you ever felt like that? What do you think will happen next?"

It Came in the Mail

The Carrot Seed

Owen

Literacy Interest

A child has interest and excitement about books. Books reflect their lives and interests. Sees parents and others reading, books are readily available and reading is a regular activity.

Use books that are of high interest, such as books with preschool characters or interactive books.  Also, books ABOUT books are great for teaching this skill.

But Excuse Me That Is My Book

We Are in a Book!

I Like Books

Book! Book! Book!

Dinosaur!

Oral Language Skills

A child gains skills and understanding of words spoken and heard. Read aloud for listening skills, and use participation books and books that include active conversation.

Use wordless books to promote a child's storytelling skills.

Good Night, Gorilla

The Snowy Day

Ball

Draw!