A good picture book can open the door to English. A bad one can close it. You do not need to be a teacher to choose well. Use these five checks.
Check one: the pictures tell the story
A child should understand the story from the pictures, even before the words. Pictures are the first dictionary.
If the picture is clear, the word is easy to guess.
Check two: not too many words
For a young child, one or two sentences on a page is enough.
Too many words on a page feel like a wall.
Check three: the words repeat
Good books repeat a phrase. Repetition helps the child remember and join in.
"I can see a bird. I can see a tree."
Check four: it is fun to say
Read a page out loud. Does it sound good? Books with rhythm are easier to remember.
Check five: the child likes it
Let the child choose the picture. Interest beats difficulty.
This one has a dog. Let us look.
How to read it
Read it once in English. Then talk about the pictures in the child's own language. Then read again in English. That is enough.
Words to remember
- dictionary — a book that explains words
- sentence — a group of words with a full meaning
- rhythm — the music of a sentence
- repeat — to say something again
Questions & answers
Q: Should the book be only in English?
For young children, a book with only English and clear pictures is fine. Talk about it in your own language if it helps.
Q: How many words should a book have?
For ages three to six, about one or two sentences a page. Longer books can wait.
Q: Can I use books with a CD or audio?
Yes. Hearing the words helps. Play it in the car or at bedtime.
Q: What if my child wants the same book every night?
Read it again. Repetition is how children learn. Add one small question each time.
Q: Are bilingual books good?
They can be useful. Read the English first, then look at the other language to check.