Today there are so many different authors and titles to choose from when looking at children’s books. There are actually many factors that can decide what is a “good” and a “bad” children’s book, according to the article I read on “The Crafty Writer” website.
First, you must “beware of marketing.” Not all good books have flashy covers that yell “read me” at you. Thus, you should not pick up the first book you see and buy it. You may have to search shelves to find a good book that will suit you. How long will you spend looking for a book in the store? Personally, I lose patience when going through book shelves for too long, so I am sometimes guilty at buying the book based on an appealing cover.
Next, you need to look for a good story. There needs to be a well constructed plot, with a set beginning, middle, and end. Also, consider if the characters are realistic and believable in terms of their personalities etc. Lastly, did the author step outside of the box in terms of the story line?
When skimming books in the store, it is important to look for good quality writing. Some authors think that their writing doesn’t have to be top notch when writing for young children who won’t pay as much attention to that aspect. In addition, quality illustrations are important in children’s books. Illustrations compliment the text and bring life to the story. However, too much detail in the pictures can distract the child reading and take away from the text.
Lastly, awards on the books are a good guide to choosing quality books. There are many different awards, so familiarizing yourself with them can help you choose the best book for you. Are you familiar with what each of the awards mean, that are given to books?
For more guideline and things to looks for when choosing a children’s book check out this article: http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/15/what-makes-a-good-childrens-book/
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