📚 What is good children's literature?
Explore the qualities that define 'good' children's literature, focusing on engagement, age-appropriateness, and fostering imagination and acceptance. The article provides insights into selecting literature tailored to children's interests and needs, with recommendations and useful links for further exploration.
Read Time: 5 minutes
There are many definitions around what is “good” children’s literature. Ideally, as a teacher or a parent, you are seeking out literature that appeals to the interests, needs and reading preferences of your little person. That captivates them, brings them joy and engages them on an emotional level. It should allow for self discovery, imagination, acceptance of difference and is age appropriate.
A common comment I hear is that “My child is too young for books with words“.
That’s fine. There are some great picture books available for young readers. An example may be Mirror by acclaimed author Jeannie Baker.
This is an award winning innovative picture book of two parts, designed to be read simultaneously – one from the left, the other from the right. Have your little one read it too you and discover what they see in the pictures.
Is your child a reluctant reader?
Then give them anything to read. It does not need to be a book. Any reading is better than no reading. If they love YouTube, then put on the subtitles. They may not catch all the words read at spoken pace, but they will become familiar with letters and word groupings. You can also try reading car number plates as you drive, street signs, signposts, etc. Take them shopping, they can read your shopping list, the names on products, the ingredients list. Stream songs through the television or on an iPad/android device which the lyrics on screen. What we are aiming for in the younger years is familiarity with text and in the older years is higher cognitive thinking about what they are reading.
Join our newsletter to stay updated
Useful links to ideas of good children's literature
Book news and reviews from The Children’s Book Council of Australia
Goodreads can help guide you on future book selections based on your prior reading history.
Magabala Books is Australia’s leading Indigenous publishing house publishing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, artists and illustrators.
Australian LGBTQ YA is a page dedicated to Young Adult and Junior Fiction with LGBTQ content written by Australian authors.
Inside a Dog is from the State Library of Victoria and offers great book lists and some reviews.
Liz Derouet has studied and reviewed children’s literature for almost 20 years and been a Queensland Judge for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards.
In conclusion, the journey of exploring what defines “good” children’s literature is as diverse and enriching as the stories themselves. By considering factors such as engagement, age-appropriateness, and the promotion of imagination and acceptance, teachers and parents can confidently select literature that not only entertains but also educates and inspires young readers.
Whether it’s through award-winning picture books like “Mirror” by Jeannie Baker or by utilising various reading opportunities in everyday life, fostering a love for reading sets a foundation for lifelong learning and discovery. With resources like the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Goodreads, and Magabala Books, the world of children’s literature is at our fingertips, offering endless possibilities to nurture the minds and hearts of our young readers.
As we continue to explore the boundless realm of storytelling, may we embark on this journey with curiosity, wonder, and a commitment to fostering a love for literature in the hearts of our children.
