5 Questions to Ask before Picking a Book for Your Child

Fairy Tales Retold - Jun 17 2020

5 Questions to Ask Before Picking a Book for Your Child

We all want our children to fall in love with the books we get them. But how do you know if you are choosing the right one? Here are Fairy Tales Retold’s five questions to ask before picking a book for your child.

1. Are these words easy enough?

Books are an amazing way to get your child to learn new words and expand their vocabulary. However, we don’t want it to be too difficult for them! Try the five-word rule: open the book on a random page and read it. If there are more than five words you are not sure about, maybe you should choose an easier read. Still unsure? Apply that method to other pages!

2. Can I read it out loud?

Whether you are reading the book to your child or whether they are reading it alone, you should try reading the chosen book out loud before buying it. Does it feel too slow or a bit flat? Maybe it won’t be as engaging — for either of you!

3. What is the main message?

Keep the main message of the book in mind when choosing a new read. Is it positive, diverse, and fun? Can it kickstart important dialogues and teach your child something new? If you are unsure, look for reviews online before purchasing a new title.

4. Would the topic interest your child?

Everyone is more engaged when they are interested in the overall subject, and children are not an exception. Are they more interested in adventures or fantasy? Can you find a title that relates to an activity that they already show interested in — be it sports, cooking or gardening?

5. How are the illustrations?

Illustrations can be a deal-breaker when looking for a new book for your child. Are there enough illustrations and would your child like them? Are they interactive? Little details like that can make a huge difference.

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Cinderella

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Aschenputtel (Deutsch)

Much better version

I bought the German version of Snowwhite and love it. My daughter, too. I have to read it a lot.

Endlich ein Märchen, was in diese Zeit passt :)

Schneewittchen neu erzählt ist wunderschön divers geschrieben! Es gibt viele erfrischende Ideen, wie beispielsweise die Darstellung des Königs als alleinerziehenden Papa. Auch das Ende ist perfekt!
Allein die Charaktere der Zwerge hätte noch etwas ausgeschmückt werden können.
Auch die Illustrationen sind wunderschön bunt und divers!
Insgesamt ist die Neuerzählung wirklich gelungen! :)
Ich freue mich auf eine Fortsetzung von Schneewittchen und/oder weiteren Märchen von euch!

Wollen Fortsetzung, sofort ;)

Hallo ihr Lieben

Und ein herzlcihes Danke für dieses wahnsinnig tolle Buch! Ich habe es am Holzmarkt für eine befreundete Familie gekauft und als ich sie nun an weihnachten nicht gesehen habe, gestern mit meinen Kindern gelesen (3 Jungs, 2x7 und 1x6 Jahre). Wir waren alle begeistert und kurz vor Ende mein kleiner: Gibt es da auch ein zweites von? (Im Sinne einer Fortsetzung).

Meine Frage: Gibt es schon ein neues Buch in der Reihe in Planung? Ich wollte mir gleich alle Märchen bestellen, sehe aber es ist bislang nur das eine?
Ich freue mich auf einen Hinweis oder eine Art Newsletter, wenn es wieder ein neues Buch gibt.
Ganz liebe Grüße und danke für das tolle Buch,
Annika

With little change HUGE difference

I got the book initially from a friend when my second child was born. I loved it so much that i bought 3 books to gift to mom-friends' children. The book has just a few small changes to the 'original' (because let's face it, folktales have a lot of different versions) but it makes it more inclusive to people of colour, empowering to both men and women and so much more 'active'. The protagonist is actually in charge of her own life, as are all the other persona. LOVE! I am Dutch, so I translate 'on the go', but if you need someone to translate it to Dutch so all Dutch parents can read it to their children I would love to do that!