What books can you recommend for my child’s age?

Jason Renz Barrios, Researcher

To encourage the good habit of reading, you must provide your child with books that they will enjoy consuming. Finding the right books for your child's age will help them develop comprehension skills with ease, build their vocabulary and spark their interest in reading.

According to Ryce Calunsag, program development director of THE LEARNING LIBRARY, you must look for books that aren't too complicated for them, but at the same time aren't too easy for their level. Choosing the right book matters as it will help your child build interest in reading. “If you want your child to get into the habit of reading, there has to be a large element of fun and they have to find enjoyment in the act of reading,” says Teacher Ryce.

When looking for books suitable for their age, you can always check for the reading level suggestion on the cover or back of a book. In any case that this is not present, you can try to do the Five Finger Rule. When they read a page of a book, they must hold up one finger for every word they do not understand. The number of fingers holding up once they are done reading the page indicates if the book is appropriate for their level: 0-1 fingers: too easy, 2-3 fingers: just right, and 4-5 fingers: too hard. If they're holding up more or less than 2-3 fingers, it only means that the book might be too easy or too complicated for them.

The type of book may vary depending on your child's needs and interests. For toddlers, board books with minimal words and concept books about animals, colors, and shapes are great choices. Preschoolers, on the other hand, might enjoy picture books with simple storylines and engaging illustrations. Once they get older, they can try to read more complex narratives that will enhance their reading and develop better comprehension skills.

Want to buy age-appropriate books for your child but don't know where to start? Here are some recommendations you can add to your child's reading list:

For Ages 0-5

The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Author: Eric Carle; A small caterpillar emerges from an egg and begins eating everything in sight. Finally, it is no longer hungry and no longer small.

There's a Monster in your book: Author: Tom Fletcher; It tells a story of what happens when you, the reader, discover a mischievous monster as hoped in your book.

Where The Wild Things Are: Author: Maurice Sendak; Max, a wild and naughty boy, is sent to bed without his supper by his exhausted mother. In his room, he imagines sailing far away to a land of Wild Things. Instead of eating him, the Wild Things make Max their king.

My Family: Author: Kata Garcia; This is my family. Split-page and bilingual, this board book was designed to illustrate the many forms a family can take.

For Ages 6-8

Where Did All the Fireflies Go?: Author: Renee Juliene Karunungan; Tonyo and Ningning are best friends. One day, Ningning and the other fireflies decide to leave the town to find a better place to live in. Will Ningning and Tonyo meet again?

Araw sa Palengke (A Day in the Market): Author: May Tobias-Papa; I’m coming with Nanay! We’re going to the market. What would we see there? Who would I meet? Come, join us! Today is market day!

But That Won't Wake Me Up: Author: Annie Pacaña-Lumbao and Anelka Lumbao; Tomorrow is a school day. Maya is worried that she won’t wake up early. But Nanay has some wonderful ideas on how to wake her up

Papel De Liha: Author: Ompong Remigio; This story is a tribute to the strength of a mother. Her hands are rough because of the many household chores, but soften and lighten when taking care of her children.

For Ages 9-12

Xilef: Author: Ompong Remigio; Xilef is the first Filipino children’s story that helps develop greater understanding and acceptance of dyslexic children

Charlotte's Web: Author: E.B White; Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend

For Ages 13-16

The Little Prince: Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; The story follows a young prince who visits various planets in space, including Earth, and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.

Tall Story: Author: Candy Gourlay; In a novel packed with quirkiness and humor, Gourlay explores a touching sibling relationship and the clash of two very different cultures.

There are plenty of books to choose from for your child. When it comes to choosing the right book, no matter your child’s age, keep in mind that what’s important is that they will enjoy it. Children who are exposed to good books at a young age will become lifelong readers and proficient learners later on.

At THE LEARNING LIBRARY, children develop a habit of reading while enhancing comprehension skills through literature-centered teaching. Students are exposed to a wide selection of readings that are appropriate for their age and reading level. For more details of its reading programs in English and Filipino, go to www.learninglibraries.com or send a message to inquiry@learninglibraries.com