Once upon a time, there was a grandparent who grew up long before cell phones or the internet, when virtual reality came from opening the cover of a book.
The grandparent had a wish to give their grandkids a magical gift — the love of reading. But the rows and rows of new books out there looked like a deep, dark forest where they might get lost.
Fortunately, it’s a journey of discovery that the generations can take together to make that wish come true, area librarians say.
There never has been a richer time in children’s literature for touching on diverse subjects, according to Christine Pyles, youth services manager for Euclid Public Library.
“I tell kids how jealous I am about all the books available today,” she says.
Our Turn
With parents so busy today, grandparents are playing a bigger part in opening up the world of books to children. About half the patrons attending storytimes are bringing grandchildren, says Kim Sidorick, children’s service manager with Mentor Public Library.
These librarians agree that a strong foundation in reading is fundamental to a child’s later academic success, and eventually their financial well-being and quality of life. Plus, it’s fun.
Quoting one expert, Pyles says that books should be like windows that look out at another point of view, mirrors that reflect the reader’s experience, and sliding glass doors, “a way of immersing yourself in someone else’s reality. Books for children do that.”
Many of the classics that today’s grandparents enjoyed as kids remain in print. But there are many extraordinary contemporary writers and illustrators to uncover, as well.
Titles recommended by Pyles include:
“Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It)” by Carrie Finison. Pyles describes it as “a great book about consent” presented in a child-friendly way, with an adorable assertive protagonist. “He knows what he wants.”
“Too Crowded” by Lena Podesta, is about a goldfish who leaps out of its bowl to explore the wide world, only to find out that it has its hazards.
“Stroller Coaster” by Matt Ringler, with “vibrant illustrations” by Raul the Third, is about a child and parent who go on a wild ride together. The crowded scenes can be used as a seek-and-find book.
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman is the first picture book by the poet who spoke at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, with illustrations by Loren Long. Her poem describes how young people from many backgrounds can make changes in the world.
“Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre,” by Carole Boston Weatherford, features illustrations by Floyd Cooper. Pyles recommends this account of the riot that took place 100 years ago for older readers.
“We’re in a golden age of children’s non-fiction,” Pyles says. Sidorick agrees. “You can find picture books on almost any subject. You can find picture books about a boy wanting to be a girl. They’re not afraid to delve in social topics nowadays.”
For younger children, Sidorick suggests books by Mo Willems, whom she describes as “The new Dr. Seuss,” with titles such as “Cat the Cat” and his “Elephant and Piggie” series.
Other recommendations include “Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge,” by Raul the Third, whose books reflect the Mexican-American experience; and “Chez Bob” by Bob Shea, about a lazy alligator who comes up with a scheme to lure in his meals, but then has to make a decision.
It’s never too early to start reading to children, even newborns, the librarians remind us. “It doesn’t matter what you read, even to babies, they just want to hear your voice,” Pyles says.
And it’s a good idea to let kids pick out books and other reading materials they are interested in – even graphic novels, says Pyles, who wears a button that says “Comics are books, too.”
Reading can benefit grandparents by keeping their minds active, and it provides a special bonding experience with children that will stay with them the rest of their lives.
“Hopefully, they will love opening sliding glass doors,” Pyles says.
John Matuszak is a Northeast Ohio native and has worked as a journalist for 32 years for publications in Ohio and Michigan.
