From: Steward, Celeste <csteward>
Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 11:07:06 -0700

"I think there is something to be said for the idea that an 8 year old can sit down and read a book in one sitting." --Good point, Amy. It is too bad that many teachers insist on chapter books (I suspect they can last through the 20-minute SSR) for older children. However, they miss an opportunity to convey important concepts to children through a more familiar format.

I seek out picture books for my ten-year old--she actually prefers them to chapter books because she can read them in one sitting and because she's a highly visual learner. There's nothing like a really good picture book to fire a kid's imagination...We sometimes discuss them in depth and if she's particularly moved, I find drawings related to the theme in her room.

Two of our recent favorites are:

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson The Memory String by Eve Bunting


Celeste Steward

Collection Development Librarian, Children's Services Alameda County Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538


-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Amy Carlson Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 10:23 AM To: ccbc-net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [CCBC-Net] Picture books - older kids


I tend to keep a ready supply of picture books suited to older readers at our house. I search them out, request them at the library and bring them home. My 8 year old and 9 year old will always pick them up and read them.

I think there is something to be said for the idea that an 8 year old can sit down and read a book in one sitting.

It seems that chapter books are pushed both by the school and by peers as what a 8 or 9 year old should be reading. Chapter books are great but I think there is a lot to be said for the short story experience. Especially at this age where attention spans are still forming. I would love to see more picture books suited to older kids out there.

Two recent favorites are:

The Greatest Skating Race by Louise Borden

Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold


Thanks, Amy


Amy Carlson

See my blog about knitting hats for orphans at http://hatsfororphans.blogspot.com/

"Life's like a movie, Write your own ending, Keep Believing, Keep pretending..." -- Kermit the Frog

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Received on Thu 28 Sep 2006 01:07:06 PM CDT