The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

Robin Newman

We spoke with Jordan Boyce, licensed dyslexia therapist and certified academic language therapist from Boyce Literacy Services, about the possible indicators of such disorders and the ways you can help instill a love of reading even in children experiencing difficulties.

Thanks to our discussion with Jordan Boyce, here’s what we’ve learned about reading disorders and how to support a child who might be dealing with one:

• Reading disorders are language-based, not visual
• Reading disorders are fairly common
• Concerned parents should be on the lookout for these signs:
  • Difficulty repeating words back 
  • Mixing up words, syllables, and sounds
  • Struggling to name letters or isolate sounds
  • Trouble with rhyming
  • Problems writing (for those old enough)
• Consider a professional consultation if a child shows several of these signs, but a single difficulty can be worked on casually at home
• Let kids practice skills independently using books you know they can handle; read more advanced books to them to boost vocabulary
• Encourage reading engagement by creating incentives and asking thought-provoking questions during shared storytelling

Explore Literati Book Clubs for elementary school students ages 6-11 with book boxes at our Voyager, Navigator, and Aviator levels, as well as educational resources for parents.

The post Identifying Signs of Reading Disorders in Your Child and How to Help appeared first on Literati.

But expressing new sounds can be a daunting task for some youngsters, who may feel like little Alan Turings faced with the Enigma Machine. Just remember to keep things fun! Backed by some helpful messaging from Literati, they can start playing their own imitation games to crack the code of language learning.

The upside of imitating book sounds

While sound imitation isn’t the same as independent reading, the practice still forges a link in children’s minds between verbal and written language. As they watch you point to a word or picture on the page, then to your own mouth as you say the word, they start putting the pieces together.

Beyond object-word association, mimicking book sounds also paves the way for a broader vocabulary. The often-extraordinary (or downright magical) settings of toddlers’ books serve up words that probably aren’t routine. By learning to sound out such words and gather their meanings, children gradually find more nuanced ways of expressing themselves even if they can’t yet read. 

Above all, it’s a great way to strengthen that parent-child bond! But how do you begin?

Start with sound fundamentals

Even though your toddler may already be imitating you as you do everything from typing memos to wiping windows, they may need help understanding imitation as a concept so they know when they’re being asked to follow your lead. Here are several fun ways to get the wheels turning:

Best books to practice imitation

These toddler-friendly books include verbal response cues that support sound-based language learning:

Which One is Different? Numbers

by Kasia Dudziuk

Practice counting numbers and responding to directions with this puzzle- and animal-filled read.

See, Touch, Feel: Roar

by Roger Priddy

This interactive reading experience invites kids to make object-word associations by imitating animal sounds.

Who Says Uh Oh?

from Highlights

Your toddler can repeat “uh oh” and other basic terms with the aid of an in-book mirror and fun animal photos.

Peek-a-Who?

by Elsa Mroziewicz

With liftable flaps that gradually bring animal imagery into focus, children work through an added tactile layer to put faces to sounds.

Creating a model learning environment

The path to full-fledged speech is not the same for every toddler. But imitating sounds is a significant milestone on that journey, helping them understand the building blocks of language so they can start thinking independently about it. Books are a valuable springboard toward sound imitation, offering a shared experience of fanciful stories that expand vocabulary with an assist from supporting imagery. By repeating this practice, the enigmas of English that once seemed unsolvable soon become child’s play.

How good does curated book delivery sound?

You can keep your imitation practice going strong by signing up for a Literati Kids Book Club. Guided by your child’s reading level and interests, curation experts select personalized stories and send them to your home so you can sound out words together!

The post Imitating Sounds Read in Books appeared first on Literati.

These fun features also stimulate the brain. Using touch, babies can take in new information in a concrete way that holds their attention, making them feel transported even as they learn to interact with what’s right in front of them. Ready to embrace this hands-on approach to reading? You have a helping hand in Literati.  

Touch books help develop cognitive skills

It’s fitting that touch books often center around a theme of discovery. There are far-away places to explore and hidden objects to find. In the process, babies also make discoveries about the tactile world and themselves. Not only do they learn how different objects feel beneath their fingers, they also develop fine motor skills by manipulating those fingers to pull a flap or trace a shape. All this active discovery through touch also aids in concentration.

But these interactive inlays aren’t just gimmicks meant to keep your kid occupied. Similar to other kinds of sensory activation, touch helps babies get a handle on concepts like shapes, words, and numbers. They’ll get the chance to feel a circle rising from the page or to trace the number five, turning seemingly random configurations into tangible things they can wrap their hands and minds around.

Tapping the full potential of touch books

Although touch books’ eye-catching textures typically make tiny hands fly into action, your baby may need some guidance at first. Invite them to follow your lead as you feel a distinct surface or operate a slider. Allow them time to engage with the material themselves to gain familiarity. You can even try to teach new words like “rough” or “smooth” while your baby is experiencing that sensation on the page.

While your baby may love a certain touch book so much they’ll want to read it over and over, having a variety to choose from means additional opportunities to explore and learn new things. With so many different ways to experience touch (buttons to push, panels to scratch and sniff), you can’t expect a single book to cover all of them. 

You can also take a more targeted approach by finding books that focus on particular subjects (e.g., shapes and colors) that you think your baby would especially benefit from. Literati can help! When you sign up for a Kids Book Club, we’ll hunt down great touch books that fit your child’s unique needs and send you monthly boxes to keep their hands full.

Best touch books to keep babies engaged

This handful of books offers an array of touch-and-feel experiences that make learning fun:

5 Wild Numbers

by Bella Gomez

In this hands-on introduction to numbers one through five, babies use sliders to trace the path of each numeral while colorful wild animals look on.

Where’s My Llama?

by Becky Davies & Kate McLelland

Readers touch and feel their way through the pages as they track down a runaway llama, who also sports some white fluffy fur to pet.

Rainbow on the Farm

from Little Hippo Books

Little fingers can interact with the colors of the rainbow as they appear through cutouts and then blend into a series of farm locations.

Baby’s Very First Sparkly Playbook

by Fiona Watt and Stella Baggott

Each page showcases shiny, sparkly shapes. Die-cut holes lead readers from one dazzling display to the next.

Tracing a path forward

Of all the things babies want to get their hands on, touch books are some of the most effective teaching tools. They engage the brain and finger muscles while introducing many textures found in everyday life. An unattended iPad or phone screen may seem sleek and flashy to the eye, but the fingers only feel a flat sameness. The surfaces within touch books, however, pack a richness that leads to deeper understanding. It’s experiential learning within the safe confines of home!

Grab new reads with Literati’s Kids Book Clubs

Your little one is still getting a grasp on the basics, but maybe they’ve already shown a fondness for animals or plants in the garden. Maybe they’ll gladly absorb anything new they can get their hands on. Joining one of our Kids Book Clubs will put your child’s interests in front of expert curators who send relevant titles right to your home. Open the box, open a book, and start exploring!

The post How to Use “Touch Books” with Your Baby appeared first on Literati.

Besides being books that kids like to read, graphic novels also enhance critical thinking skills. Text and illustration work in tandem in these stories, so everything on the page is important—and often shed light on things off the page. Reading one is a fully absorbing experience even for pre-K and elementary schoolers. So we’re here to show how you can use these books’ special attraction to foster a deeper understanding of storytelling.

Graphic novels draw in young readers

If your young student struggles with reading or doesn’t always seem interested in it, graphic novels provide an accessible format that won’t overwhelm them. Because these stories often play out in panels with smaller portions of text in speech bubbles (so you always know who’s speaking right away), a reader can take in the action through bite-sized morsels. 

The lively visuals help keep the momentum going, catching the attention and carrying it through to the final page. Being able to complete a story can make young readers feel more confident in their abilities, which can lead them to tackle different types of books. Or, they’ll want to revisit familiar characters in additional tales, in which case authors of graphic novels satisfy faithful readers by releasing a series of books. Either way, graphic novels open up many new reading possibilities.

Graphic novels support interpretative skills

Even if they don’t have the same amount of text as other books your child could be reading, graphic novels still showcase storytelling elements in a uniquely complex way. The illustrations aren’t just there for colorful background; they’re needed to fully understand what’s going on. There are also plenty of rich details worth analyzing (especially if there are moments where text is absent). If you’re reading with your child, you can encourage critical thinking by focusing on certain topics.

For example:

Or find other questions to ask! In any case, the ability to make inferences is a useful skill to have when reading any book, and graphic novels lend themselves to these types of questions especially well.

Graphic novels that delight young readers

From odd couples and trios to talking food and condiments, these books have humor, inviting visuals, and accessible layouts that kids can engage with from start to finish:

• Escape from Balloonia (Blue, Barry & Pancakes Series) by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson. 
• S’more Than Meets the Eye! (Nugget and Dog Series) by Jason Tharp. 
• Quest for the Unicorn’s Horn by Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan & Roman Díaz

More than just popular

Whether it’s an on-ramp or the destination itself, the graphic novel is a special medium that can speak to kids across reading levels through the universal pull of pictures. Its aim is to tell a good story, but it can also show without telling. With co-dependent text and illustrations, young readers connect the dots to see the story in full. Unlike cotton candy, which seems substantial until you eat it, graphic novels offer more richness than may meet the eye—and they’re still fun to look at!

Grow your graphic novel library with Literati Book Clubs

Characters from graphic novels can leap off the page and onto your doorstep when you subscribe to one of our Kids Book Clubs. Using information about your child’s reading interests, curators will send monthly boxes of fresh reads sparkling with artistic vision that put the many different powers of storytelling on full display!

The post How to Ensure Your Child Gets the Most Out of a Graphic Novel appeared first on Literati.

Show them the many ways books come alive, no heavy-duty cleaning products required. Here with some helpful tips and recommendations for books with built-in toddler appeal, Literati can help you channel your child’s energy into an interactive and enriching reading experience!

Tips for interactive reading

One of the guiding principles of reading to toddlers is to directly involve them in the storytelling process. In other words, it’s a two-way street (and you can help make it a low-traffic one!) Here are some ways to get the most out of this valuable time together: 

Best books for toddler interaction

You may well have the gusto to enthrall a young audience just by reading aloud from a dictionary. But if you’re looking for more hands-on options, these books (available through Literati subscription boxes) feature vibrant colors and interactive elements such as mirrors, peekaboo flaps, and on-page textures:

See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book

by Roger Priddy

The vibrant colors will draw toddlers in and the textured imagery will keep them occupied. As they explore the book with their fingers, you can ask about their sensations.

Peek-a Who?

by Nina Laden

Lift the flaps to reveal the many colorful members of the animal kingdom. The visual fun is balanced out by rhyming text that accompanies each new discovery.

Guess What’s in Space

from Clever Publishing

This is a perfect choice for young space enthusiasts. The liftable flaps and prompts for guessing make for an active and educational look at the cosmos.

Playtown

by Roger Priddy

For a more down-to-earth experience, this colorful lift-the-flap book portrays the hustle and bustle of urban life. Reading this will give toddlers insight into common sights outside the home.

One page at a time

It may take some experimenting to find out which stories your child finds most compelling. Be prepared to return to a particular story many times; toddlers don’t tire of repetition. Try to read a little every day, and don’t feel the need to force it if your little one’s attention starts to wane. With regular practice, the shared act of reading will become a comforting interaction that builds a loving rapport—and keeps your walls clean!

Interact with Literati Book Clubs to get titles like these delivered

You can get these books and others like it by signing up for a Literati Book Club. When you share your toddler’s reading interests with the Literati team, they’ll get to work selecting personalized titles that match up. Soon, you’ll receive regular handfuls of hands-on books that make for a special shared experience, complete with flaps and sound cues.

The post Using Books to Interact with Your Toddler appeared first on Literati.

But what is it about the young brain that makes this repetition so useful? Is it like what a mantra is to meditation? Or what validation is to a needy friend? Repeatedly exposing new words to kids is important, but so is the context in which they’re showcased. Back (again) with more information on the book-brain connection, Literati is here to root on your future Wordle wunderkind!

Storybooks and language learning

You could try to teach a child new words through simple flashcards, but learning a series of words without context is an exercise in rote memorization, not understanding. That’s why storybooks are a more effective (and fun!) means of building stronger vocabularies. 

Several different research studies over the past few decades have shown that repetitive shared storybook reading has improved young children’s ability to retain new words. One notable study conducted by the University of Sussex used two different approaches to teach unfamiliar words to kids.

The kids who encountered those words over repeated readings of the same books could better recall their meanings than those who encountered them over several stories read only once. What’s up with that?

The effect of context on learning new words

During the first readthrough of a storybook, children focus mainly on the storyline and imagery. But once these elements become familiar through repetition, attention shifts toward still-unfamiliar aspects such as new words.

These words become more memorable when they are part of a rhyming pattern or are paired with visuals. Sound and imagery provide a context for language to be tied back to, and revisiting this context helps words take root in memory. 

So in the Sussex study, the kids who didn’t read stories multiple times struggled to recall the target words because the context in which they appeared kept changing. But that’s not to say you should keep fewer books in the house!

Best books to read on repeat

Here’s a sampling of books that often utilize memorable repetition, are sometimes self-aware about the act of repetition, and are always worth reading many, many times:

Interrupting Chicken

by David Ezra Stein

This humorous story is a relatable look at a familiar bedtime ritual that will likely mirror your own experience repeatedly telling the same tales. But it also shows how kids’ constant wonder keeps things fresh.

Gator, Gator, Gator

by Daniel Bernstrom & Frann Preston-Gannon

This adventure narrative uses rhyme and repetition to encourage a spirit of discovery in young listeners as they comprehend new words.

Duck, Duck, Moose!

By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen & Noah Z. Jones

“Duck” and “moose” are the only words you’ll encounter in this book, but the repetition and supporting pictures and sounds will ensure that your kids get those words down pat.

Bear Can’t Sleep

by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

Various forest animals come to Bear’s lair aiming to help him sleep. This repeated story pattern along with a rhyme scheme and some bigger words will strengthen your child’s vocabulary.

The Snatchabook

by Helen Docherty & Thomas Docherty

The theft of a community’s well-worn books creates an opportunity to share a bedtime story with the lonely culprit. This rhyme-rich story celebrates reading and warms hearts.

It’s an encore, not déjà vu

Practice is essential to developing any skill. When it comes to learning new words through reading, it’s not worth gathering every known usage of “hippopotamus” in storybooks just to make the term stick. Use repetition to create familiarity with imagery and cadence, which then serves as the backdrop that puts unfamiliar words in sharp relief. (And that’s how “hippopotamus” finds its way to the hippocampus).

Get vocabulary-boosting books worth rereading with Literati Book Clubs

If you’re going to be repeating stories, make sure they’re ones your kid really likes. Signing up for a Literati Book Club lets you share your child’s reading interests with curators who spring into action, selecting the choicest cuts of high-quality reads with a long shelf life and plenty of new words to discover. Then the books will keep on coming to your home, as long as you like!

The post How Repeating a Story Develops Vocabulary appeared first on Literati.

But if you can teach your baby to listen to an entire book (or most of it), you’ll be introducing them to a host of new things that they’ll need to help their brains develop—and for learning important building blocks of language, communication, and writing.

And remember, it’s okay to start with baby steps! It will take time—it’s not instinctive for a child to know they should listen to a book cover to cover. We get to teach them the wonders of reading by making storytime interesting. 

Here are some tried-and-true ways you can begin to encourage your baby to listen to a book all the way through:

The right books for the job

To help support you, we asked our expert curators to provide a list of their favorite books for helping babies and toddlers listen to a whole story. Here they are!

Sheep in a Jeep

By Nancy E. Shaw

This lively, funny tale is perfect for reading aloud and engaging little ones. With rambunctious sheep rollicking and bouncing about on a mission in a jeep, you’ll get to repeat silly rhymes, talk about farm animals, and probably elicit more than a few giggles!

Goodnight ABCs

By Erin Guendelsberger

With an evergreen message of love, adorable animal illustrations, and heartwarming rhymes, this sweet bedtime story is perfect for reading together before bed. Tuck your little one in for the night with this board book that helps babies and toddlers understand bedtime routines with each letter of the alphabet.

Don’t Push the Button!

By Bill Cotter

A great read-aloud, interactive picture book that kids will go back to time and again. There’s only one rule in monster Larry’s book: don’t push the button. (Seriously, don’t even think about it!) Even if it does look kind of nice, you must never push the button. Who knows what would happen? Celebrate curiosity and storytime fun with this silly monster book.

Where is Bear?

By Lesléa Newman

You and your little reader can join the search for Bear in this sweet padded board book! The animals in the forest are playing hide-and-seek, and everyone is found—except for the biggest creature of all! Where, oh where, could Bear have gone? One thing is certain: his loyal friends will do whatever it takes to find him (and you’ll have fun searching right along with them)!

…And they read happily ever after

We hope these tips and book recommendations help you to make storytime even more fun and meaningful—and perhaps a little bit longer over time. And if you aren’t able to make it all the way through a book with your baby, know that that’s okay! Even just a few dedicated minutes of reading can help your child become interested in books and pave the way for a lifetime of learning. 

Literati makes it easy to find the best books for your baby with our book clubs designed for every age and reading level. You’ll teach your baby to listen to books cover to cover in no time!

Discover our Dreamer or Seeker Level book boxes, for babies and toddlers from 0-2 years old.

The post How to Teach Your Baby to Listen to an Entire Book appeared first on Literati.

Considerate authors have met little ones where they are, creating high-contrast books designed to keep babies engaged, which in turn stimulates their visual, mental, and social development. Always happy to show how books bring out the best in us, Literati offers multiple selections that put these benefits into focus.

Clearer Images, Stronger Vision 

During the first three months of life, babies’ eyes struggle to focus on anything roughly a foot away. By reading with them, you can ensure they process high-contrast imagery from an optimal distance (about 8-10 inches). This helps the retina send stronger visual signals to the brain. A steady diet of clear visuals helps strengthen the retina itself and grow the optic nerve.

In addition to these internal changes, there are also effects you can see. By presenting your baby with imagery they can focus on and linger over, their attention span will improve. After about three months, you’ll notice they’ll be able to visually track objects as well, watching as they move from one spot to another.

Best books to strengthen vision:

Illustrated with babies’ capacity for color in mind, these books feature stark black-and-white imagery and mix in splashes of red, one of the first colors a newborn can distinguish. Text takes a backseat, making for a gentle introduction to simple yet expressive shapes.

• Look, Look! by Peter Linenthal
• It Had to be You by Loryn Brantz

Material for Brain Development

Visual development directly affects cognitive development. A healthy retina and optic nerve positively impact the function of the brain’s vision center. When infants can get a good view of what’s on the page, they can start doing their own comparing and contrasting. Encountering new shapes and images helps them make sense of the world around them. 

High-contrast books also promote engagement through sound, another source of sensory info that stimulates brain development. Reading text aloud offers your baby a chance to listen and examine (visible!) letters and words, paving the way for strong vocabulary and communication skills. Even if infants can’t yet express the language they’re hearing, their brains still receive information.

Best books to improve cognition:

These selections add an extra layer of stimuli for budding minds. Featuring subjects like the shapes and animal sounds, babies can practice listening skills as they make connections between text and objects.

• Cluck and Moo by Frida Bing
• Farm: A Slide and Play Book by Surya Sajnani

Storytelling as Social Activity

While the eyes and brain will certainly get a workout, there’s still plenty of room for fun within the pages of a high-contrast book. The stimulating reading experience it provides is a great setup for a rewarding parent-child interaction.

Books can be captivating portals, but they can also be opportunities to show affection. Introducing gentle kisses and tickles into your storytelling process helps link reading time with playful physical touch (i.e., fun). Many parents have also successfully paired reading with tummy time, when babies are already physically engaged. This shared activity creates excitement and trust, setting the stage for healthy back-and-forths down the road.

Best books to support social growth:

These books make for a more active and communal reading experience. Whether you’re acting out the story or overseeing a tummy time reading session, these fun tales encourage physical and emotional involvement as well as social bonding.

• I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy
• TummyTime: Animal Parade

Pleasure and Progress

High-contrast books serve as the perfect starting point for your baby’s reading journey. They capture focus with distinct visuals, plant seeds for strong cognitive skills, and present a chance to spend meaningful time together. With such a powerful introduction to literacy, your kids will be tackling Dickens in no time!

Receive high-contrast stories right at your door with Literati Book Clubs

Intrigued by the books listed above? That’s just a sampling of what Literati offers. We have a read on what books will sharpen your babies’ eyesight and help them gain a greater understanding of this brave new world and their place in it. By subscribing to a Literati Book Club, you can expect a fun variety of thoughtfully curated newborn-friendly books regularly delivered to your doorstep. You’ve got enough on your plate as it is; we’ll stock your library for you.

The post How High-Contrast Books Help Babies Learn Necessary Skills appeared first on Literati.

We understand there’s a wealth of children’s books out there to choose from—and decision fatigue is real. Sometimes, you find treasures. But sometimes you arrive home with new books, only to discover that the stories aren’t as great as they first seemed. Sometimes, your child doesn’t like your book selection, and then reading gets neglected. 

But if you’re not new here, you know that Literati books are special. They’re profound stories with vibrant illustrations and rich characters that offer a unique, joyful reading experience for you and your child to truly cherish together. 

How do we do it? 

Magicians never reveal their tricks—but we’re not magicians or mind-readers. We’re people who are passionate about sparking a lasting love of stories. Here, the books perform the magic, so here’s how that magic arrives on your doorstep:

What We Do

We read a lot of books. More than that—we OBSESS over books. We look for a perfect blend of captivating ideas, guiding illustrations, impactful themes, and characters that become fast friends. When it comes to choosing the perfect Literati books for our Members, our literary intuition lights the way. 

We ask the experts. We are fortunate to know lots of other friends in the biz. Educators, publishers, librarians, teachers, parents and even kids continually help us cultivate a long, beautiful list of thousands of book recommendations.

We hunt for gems. Uniqueness is everything. We’re constantly asking ourselves: what takes a book from good to undeniably amazing? Our team is constantly searching and searching (and searching) for stories that truly stand out. We look for books that are thoughtfully written, expertly illustrated, and hands-down the best of the best, whether they’re classics, debut stories, or somewhere in between.

What We Don’t Do

We don’t shop online. At Literati, there are many things we do to set ourselves apart from popular online book retailers, whose libraries are curated by algorithms instead of book lovers. We use a thorough, personal process to hand-select every story for your blossoming bookworms.

We don’t look for bestsellers. That’s not to say that we hate the classics (we don’t), but we know that you’re already familiar with Goodnight Moon and Madeline. We seek out more rare titles, supporting the authors and illustrators that are producing incredible gems that you won’t find on your E-Reader or next to the TV aisle.

Across the board, our books are:

Artful. We genuinely see books are a piece of art, and every story delivered to every member reflects that. Plus, we love supporting our favorite illustrators.

Unusual. We said it before and we’ll say it again: we choose books that stand out. We’re always looking for books that bring new activities and interesting dynamics that make reading a full experience.

Engaging. We read the books ourselves. If we’re not completely swept off our feet by the narrative and ignoring everything around us, then we don’t choose that book. It’s as simple as that.

A story for every step of the way.

We make sure to select literature that’s going to stimulate the specific development stages your child will go through. As such, the qualities that take a book from good to great are highly-dependent on age and development. We do our best to ensure that your child’s love of reading grows at the same pace they do.

Books for Babies & Toddlers: Ages 0-3

That’s right, even babies need books! In fact, babies especially need books, and it’s crucial to bring stories into their first years to spark important language development. Our littlest members receive elevated board books rich in primary concepts, vibrant shapes, and colorful characters. And if the ABCs start feeling too simple, take a half-step forward with higher-concept board books.

• Hands-On. We know that this stage is all about development and exposure. We look for the best books that they can get their tiny hands on—all the flaps, flips and moving pieces to stimulate those precious little smiles (and brains, too!).
  
• Value-based. It’s never too early to start teaching little people to be good people. Our Literati books focus on early exposure to important values like kindness and confidence.
  
• Beautiful. Those big eyes are absorbing everything they see with so much passion and intensity, so we make sure to give them something truly exhilarating to look at. Literati books also double as contemporary pieces of art, with gorgeous and colorful designs that will impress you as much as your tiny reader.

Books for Preschoolers: Ages 3-5

It’s a transformative time for brain development: your little sprouts are off to preschool! They’re also asking non-stop questions as their curiosity—and their vocabularies—blossom. To fuel this fun stage, our book boxes transform preschool reading into a celebration of story. These books pair vivid illustrations with compelling characters to drive newfound imaginations.

• Character, character, character. At this age, personalities are flourishing and strong senses of self are developing. We look for strong characters with stories that children love to follow. Preschoolers are just beginning to define character traits, and these stories will help them decide who they are—and who they want to be!
  
• Experiential. Beginning with this age, we’re looking for stories that are uniquely interactive and fun. They have something that us book nerds call “the story symphony.” Truly quality elements come together like music, for a sensational experience that sweeps us directly into the books.
  
• Short and sweet. The perfect children’s book for preschoolers is when an unforgettable character comes to life with an unforgettable story. It’s powerful, well-written, beautifully illustrated—and bite-sized. That’s the sweet spot!

Books for New Readers: Ages 5-7

Kindergarten and the early grade school years are when your kid is starting to make real friends—learning about themselves and others at a rapid rate. Every member receives Literati books that emphasize immersive illustrations and vibrant, multicultural stories. It’s the perfect age for nourishing deeper curiosity.

• Character, character, character. Just like Preschoolers, these are key years for children to discover who they are. Our storylines may explore more educational and nonfictional topics, but strong characters reign supreme.
  
• Smart. You’ll enjoy these stories just as much as your little one. Cheeky, punny and contemporary interactions allow them to explore human connections while giving everyone the giggles. We know, there’s nothing better.
  
• Factual. As our little ones are becoming not-so-little, we can introduce nonfiction tales that bring to life all the real things that make our world so amazing. But it never should feel like school, so we always look for books that balance these “lessons” with incredible illustrations and catchy, contemporary language.

Books for Independent Readers: Ages 7-9

And just like that, they are starting to read on their own! Our book boxes bridge the transition from reading to your child to reading with your child. Our starter chapter books span the wide variety of reading levels in this age, and showcase detailed characters and satisfying plots, with just enough visual clues.

• Immersive. Stories for this age are not so much about strong characters as a strong, propulsive narrative, when your reader is swept off their little feet and propelled head-first into the story.
  
• Informative. Animal facts, space stories and science galore! This is the perfect time for kids to start developing genuine, long-lasting interest in certain subjects. These members receive books that encourage a variety of new topics, so you can see what kindles a particular flame in your reader.
  
• Just long enough. It’s important at this age that reading for fun remains, well, fun. Introductory chapter books are an exciting next step that make your kid feel older and mature—with accompanying illustrations and exciting storylines that are perfectly digestible and enjoyable.

Books for Advanced Readers: Ages 9-12

Ah, those last, precious years before we hit the teenage stage. These readers receive a diverse selection of new and classic novels alongside nonfiction and activity books. These books challenge, inspire, and help fledgling readers soar.

• Exhilarating. Every story should reach out and grab the reader, bringing them on a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. Whether it’s a creepy mystery, action-packed drama, or maybe a heartfelt story, we choose books that truly captivate all the senses.
• Challenging. When it comes to facts, these readers can handle a little more umph. We focus on nonfiction and educational books that can really expand the minds and intellect of our preteen readers without boring them.
• A little lengthy. 10-page chapters? Lots of words on one page? Bring it on. At this age, many readers already understand the joy of disappearing into a good book, so we find stories that make this feeling last.

Books for Young Adults: Ages 13+

Your teenager might start to distance themselves—but if their nose is in a book, they’re still in good hands. Members in this age range get hooked on compelling YA novels that widen their worldview, no matter the genre. From magical new worlds to stories of real life teens, there’s always a shocking twist.

• Encouraging. We all remember the insecurities that come with teenagedom. Traditional coming-of-age narratives stick for a reason: young characters who face formidable adversity resonate with readers and give them the confidence to face challenges of their own.
  
• Bingeable. Fast-paced plots, achingly high stakes, and unforgettably unique characters: these are the ingredients that make YA so captivating. We only send stories that we can’t put down (and, more often than not, finish in a weekend).
  
• Epic. Mind-bending magic, multiple points of view, and an entire world to save? These readers can handle it. You may find yourselves comparing page counts with these action-packed reads—or perhaps you’ll even consider swapping for fun. (We certainly do!)

From all of us at Literati — happy reading! Where will your books take you this year?

The post How Do We Choose Our Books? appeared first on Literati.

Benefits of Bedtime Stories

There is tons of research out there touting the beautiful benefits of bedtime stories. And if you know anything about Literati, you probably know we were founded on brain science and we love to nerd out over it. 

Starting with children as young as newborns, reading out loud to your child often can result in a bigger vocabulary and an overall stronger grasp of language skills. 

Throughout their early development years, storytime becomes a stepping stone for conversation, says Lise Eliot, Ph.D, assistant professor of neuroscience at Chicago Medical School and author of What’s Going On in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life. Think about all the wonderful things you can share with your child through conversation. Bedtime stories are the best place to start. 

As they get older, you may notice a wild-streak in your toddlers, accompanied by endearing bursts of energy. It’s hard to keep up, and can be even harder to get them to slow down. Neuroscientists agree that when you snuggle up and read a book together, it helps soothe and comfort your child. Cortisone levels—which cause stress—are lowered and they’re able to be calm and focused. In fact, reading has proven to be among the best activities we can do to destress. That’s why storytime is great before bedtime.

Bedtime stories are good, got it. But—what’s the best way to do them? 

We all want to do the absolute best for our children. When you think about the incredible importance of reading together, you might feel some pressure to make sure you do it right. How many are too many? How old is too old? What time of the day is best? 

Never fear. We did some research (told you—we’re research nerds) and we’re here to help you become a bedtime story pro. 

When to start, and when to stop. 

Get started right away! It may seem silly to read to newborns, but while you read to your babies, the sound of your voice helps their little brains absorb so many important goodies. 

Keep going! Nightly stories can remain a bonding time throughout the toddler and pre-teen years. Watch their attentive listening turn to attentive learning, as they start to recognize words and eventually even read full sentences. 

Even as your child begins to read on their own, they can still benefit from being read to. As they get older, choose complex books a bit above their own reading level that you can read to them. This allows them to continue expanding their vocabulary, plus reading these more mature stories can foster lots of conversations between you and your growing child. Certain topics that may be more difficult to explain, such as death or prejudice, are easier to tackle outside the context of your own life. 

Why stop?! Experts suggest parents continue the reading tradition even into the teen years. Instead of leaving them alone in their rooms to read at bedtime, read together in the family room before bed. You can even create family book clubs, reading the same stories and discussing each one. 

Survey says: we are never too young—or too old—for bedtime stories. 

Is timing, really, everything? 

Storytime is traditionally at bedtime because it helps us cuddle up, calm down and settle our kids into sleepytime. But does it matter what time we crack open the book every night? 

The short answer is no. 

Every child is unique and the bedtime battles can vary throughout the years, so it’s better to be flexible and find what works for your family. Try to catch them somewhere between wide awake and falling asleep. You want them to be alert enough to engage in the story, at least in the beginning. If their sweet little eyes are heavy right after bathtime, it might be better to read beforehand, or while you fill the tub. 

Maybe storytime happens right after dinner on the couch, or after jammies in bed. What’s more important is that it happens, as often as possible. Daily is the goal, which often requires some discipline on the part of the parent. Even when you’re tired from the work day, the kids are driving you bonkers, and you just want to relax on your own—try to stick to your bedtime story routine. It will pay off in the long run. 

On especially tough days, reward yourself with a quiet glass of wine or ice cream when they’re all settled in bed. You’ve earned it. 

Survey says: don’t stress too much over timing. Frequency is key. 

Okay, so what’s the magic number of bedtime stories? 

Well, let’s see what the experts say:

UK reading charity Booktrust recommends aiming for 10 minutes of reading every day. Here in the USA, it’s generally recommended to read a minimum of 15 minutes. So, use this as a rule of thumb. But don’t etch that rulebook in stone! 

As your children get older, try increasing the time to 20-30 minutes. If they’re asking for more, that’s ALWAYS a good thing! As long as your kids are still getting enough sleep (let’s avoid that tired crankiness), pack in as much reading as they want. 

“Again, again!” will start to ring in your ears as your kids find their favorite stories. Should you answer their request? Absolutely! Repeating stories helps further their brain development.

“The first time children hear a book, they don’t catch everything,” says Virginia Walter, Ph.D., associate professor in the graduate school of education and information studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. But as they hear it again and again, they start to notice patterns and sequences and can predict what happens next. This reading comprehension lends itself to things like math and science later in life. 

So, experts say 10-15 minutes. Literati says, read for as long as their little heart desires, without cutting into that much-needed sleep. And feel free to read the same book a few times over!

In conclusion: there is no magic number, or perfect way to bedtime story.

The bedtime story is perfectly magic all on it’s own. 

The post How Many Bedtime Stories Are Too Many? appeared first on Literati.

The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

Robin Newman

We spoke with Tracey Flores, assistant professor of language and literacy at The University of Texas at Austin, about why writing and reading skills go hand-in-hand—and how parents can encourage their middle schoolers as they continue to grow as readers.

Explore Literati Book Clubs for middle school students ages 10–14 with book boxes at our Trailblazer, Wizard, and Legend levels, and educational resources for parents.

The post How Writing Can Help Your Middle Schooler Read Better appeared first on Literati.

The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

Robin Newman

We sat down with Erin Bailey, director of programs and content at Reading Is Fundamental, to talk about this crucial time for reading development and one very important (often overlooked) literacy milestone: the memorization of phrases.

Bailey explained why this is pivotal and how parents can actively nourish this step in their child’s reading development.

Want to help your child be the best reader they can be?

Literati Book Clubs deliver books for your child based on their reading level and interests—improving reading skills at their pace and adapting to their needs.

Discover our 14 Reading Levels, with Stargazer to Ranger levels recommended for children ages 3 to 5. Tell us about your reader to find which level would suit them best!

The post Phrase Memorization and Why It’s an Essential Milestone appeared first on Literati.