In an earlier post, I recounted several memories that have shaped me as a reader and as a person.  This week, I’d like to briefly build the case for why reading books from a variety of genres is one of the best things parents can do for their children.  I’ll also close by sharing a few literary non-fiction favorites with more recommendations from other genres to come.

So what does reading have to do with leaving a lasting, spiritual legacy in the lives of children?  Here are a few thoughts, though my list is by no means exhaustive.

1.  We were created in the image of a creative God.  Enjoying art, imagination, and beauty in a variety of forms, including language, is something God wants us to do.  Words really do matter.

2.  Reading helps us to understand our culture, our world, and each other.  A well written story has the ability to capture not just a child’s imagination, but their heart as well.  Stories help us to understand those whose perspective might be different from ours.  They also help us to communicate our own.  Non-fiction texts encourage children to ask questions, wonder, and learn more about the world God created.  As Christians, we are called not to separate ourselves from the fields of art, science, history, and literature, but to engage our culture in each of these areas.  This starts at a young age. How often and what we read to our children models the mindset that curiosity and learning are valuable.  The simple act of reading together and valuing this process is one small way to avoid passing on the “secular/spiritual split” misconception to the next generation.

3.  Reading develops relationship.  The simple act of curling up with a good book together and enjoying some undivided, quality time together as a family is special.  I shared my own sweet memories of this in a previous blogpost.  If most of us were to be honest about what we remember the most about our loved ones, its often the simplest of moments that make the most profound impact.

4.  God reveals Himself through the written Word.  As a result, literacy is inseparably linked to understanding the Christian faith.  If we are to understand God’s character and the history of the hope we’ve been called to, the ability to understand, enjoy, and digest text will help help significantly.

All that being said, there is a distinct difference between children’s literature and just any old children’s book.  From illustration quality to text authenticity not every page from your local Barnes and Noble is created equal.  Mark Twain once said that, “Those who don’t read have no advantage over those who can’t.”  In our own lives, text quality/interest and the desire/motivation to read are usually inseparably linked.  The same can be said of even the youngest reader among us.  The world of children’s literature has come a long way.  There are far too many great options available now to waste time on the rest.

Below are a list of what I would classify as “literary non-fiction” texts.  In addition to providing information, each of the authors and illustrators made intentional artistic decisions as well.  First and fifth graders alike have loved many of the texts I’m sharing below, particularly a set of more reluctant male readers.

Steve Jenkins–I’m choosing to just include an author whose words have been particularly powerful to the animal lovers and reluctant readers alike at Paxton Keeley Elementary School.  Three years ago, my first graders initiated and wrote an e-mail to him asking questions about endangered animals in his book Almost Gone. Unlike many authors, he took the time to write back causing many a six year-old to celebrate.

Actual Size is exactly what the title implies–each of the beautiful collaged illustrations is the actual size of the animal it refers to.  Nothing seems to match the enthusiasm children have when comparing their hand to a gorilla’s, pulling out a multi-page illustration of a saltwater crocodile, or viewing the face of a tiger up close and personal.  The illustrations are matched with informative captions and brief snippets of information about each animals along with an interesting informational section about each at the end.

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? is another favorite.  The repeating line/question at the beginning of each question encourages beginning readers to chime in.  The illustrations on each of these repeated line pages also encourages beginning readers to use illustrations to infer.  The page that follows provide highly interesting information about how animals use their noses, mouths, ears, tails, etc…  Jenkins again uses a section at the end to provide additional information.

Here are a few additional favorites from the same author.

Biggest, Strongest, Fastest

Many children I know are intrigued by record breakers and unusual feats of nature.  Enjoy not only incredible facts, but the way that God created each of these unique animals.

Never Smile at a Monkey
Each animal in the text responds in unusual ways.  Once again, questions and laughter are encouraged in the context of non-fiction.

What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You?
Each of the animals in this text were created with unique defense mechanisms.

Why? by: Lila Prap

In this book, Lila Prap begins each page by asking a question.  Some include, “Why do crocodiles cry?”  ”Why do hyenas laugh?”  ”Why do giraffes have long necks?”  A variety of funny answers surround the page followed by a non-fiction column that explains the real reason behind each unique feature.  The format itself encourages children to ask questions and perhaps even do a little research of their own.

3.  Some other favorites include the following:

Gentle Giant Octopus

One Tiny Turtle

An Egg is Quiet

Happy reading!  Be sure to check back for some additional fiction and poetry favorites soon.

“Readers are made on the lap of a parent.”

~Emily Buchwald~