When developing a book collection, it is really important to include a broad range of fiction and information texts which will captivate young children and will help them to develop positive attitudes towards themselves as 'readers'.
All of the books which have been included for consideration in this series have high-quality text and illustrations and are often developed by highly regarded, well-known authors and illustrators. A high-quality book collection should include a wide range of texts which will incorporate:
* Classic story books
* Information texts
* Traditional tales
* Rhythmic and rhyming stories
* Books which deal with important themes.
Choosing new titles
Buying books can be a difficult and expensive process, but it can also be a great pleasure and very rewarding. It is often hard to know whether a new book is a classic that will stand the test of time, or one which is part of a current trend.
Sometimes practitioners find it difficult to choose, and then stick with old favourites. But choosing new titles can be made a lot easier if a few golden rules are applied. First, it is often a good idea to browse initially in a high street book store with a children's section, or a specialist bookshop, rather than the book shelves in the local supermarket.
Supermarkets and stationers often have children's books which are being heavily marketed, particularly if they are linked to a film, television programme or toy. Children may be drawn to these, and some may have a use, but their literary content and potential to support early reading is often very limited.
Book stores often have a dazzling display of new children's books, especially just before Christmas. But don't be put off by the amount of books; look out for familiar authors. If the children have enjoyed someone's writing, it is likely that they will enjoy another book by the same author. Just remember that most new titles come out in hardback, which are always more expensive, although more durable, than the softback versions which appear later.
Ask yourself questions
A second golden rule also applies to choosing children's books. If you are drawn to a particular title, it is worth exploring. Don't ignore a book simply because it is by a new or unfamiliar author - everyone has a first title! Look carefully at the cover and illustrations. Are they interesting? Do they support the text? Will children enjoy investigating them? Do they reflect the multicultural society in which we live?
Then consider the text. Is it relevant and meaningful to children? Is it memorable? Will children be inspired to revisit the book and retell the story? Will it promote discussion and debate?
If the answer to some of these questions is 'yes', consider the final golden rule. Would you want to re-read this book again and again to children? Because, after all, this is what happens to favourite books, and they do need to be texts that both adults and children can enjoy together.
Recommended core titles
Look out for other books by these authors
The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson (Macmillan, 5.99)
Dinosaurs Galore by Giles Andreae (Orchard Books, 5.99)
Full Full Full of Love by Trish Cooke (Walker, 5.99)
Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson (Macmillan, 5.99)
Doing the Animal Bop by Jan Ormerod and Lindsey Gardiner (Oxford, 4.99)
Sleep Tight, Little Bear by Martin Waddell (Walker, 10.99)
Me and My Mammoth by Joel Stewart (Macmillan, 9.99)
10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle (Collins, 12.99)
Duck's Key: where can it be?
By Jez Alborough (Harper Collins, 5.99)
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers (Harper Collins, 5.99)
Other titles to consider
* A Little Bit of Trouble by Sally Grindley (Bloomsbury, 5.99)
* No More Biscuits! by Paeony Lewis (Chicken House, 10.99)
* It's Quacking Time by Martin Waddell (Walker, 10.99)
* Katie Morag and the Birthdays by Mairi Hedderwick (Bodley Head, Pounds 10.99)
* One Yak called Jack by Darcia Labrosse (Jonathan Cape, 10.99)
* The Other Ark by Lynley Dodd (Puffin, 9.99)
* Incy Wincy Spider by Keith Chapman (Little Tiger Press, 10.99)
* The Very Dizzy Dinosaur by Jack Tickle (Little Tiger Press, 7.99)
* A Chair for Baby Bear by Kaye Umansky and Chris Fisher (Oxford, Pounds 4.99)
* Mr Beast by James Sage (Harper Collins, 5.99)
