Who is Children’s Literature Written For? 

For whom is children’s literature written? Everybody!

I love children’s picture books and I read and study them a lot. I read aloud with my granddaughters, and I often settle in and read them in a favorite local bookstore. I love an author who obviously loves and can play with the language. I love the beautiful artwork, and I love good storytelling. These books often jump right off my lap and into my shopping bag for the next time the girls come to visit! 

Are Children’s Literature Books Written for Me?

Are these children’s literature books written for me? Why not? I’m still learning, and I love the cadence and rhythm of a rhyming book. I appreciate the fine art that often illustrates a children’s story book, and nothing inspires like a well-told story! So, while I may not be the intended reader for a children’s story book, if the book captures me and inspires me, then it was written for me!

Are Children’s Literature Books Written for Babies?

Are children’s story books written for the smallest of children? Yes! Upon the birth of my new niece, my mom asked me, “When should we start reading to her?” 

“Yesterday!” I cried. 

Read to the newborn child on the first night at home and every night thereafter. The smallest, newest, tiniest baby benefits from being held in someone’s arms, hearing a soft, familiar voice read or sing. Introduce them right away to the sound of the human voice, language, cadence, inflection, rhythm and rhyme. Allow them to experience language in a positive, affirming way. 

So yes, read children’s storybooks to your baby! Children’s literature is written for our tiniest kids.

Children’s Literature Books are Written for All Ages

Are children’s books written for the toddler? Absolutely yes! The kindergartener? Totally! The 3rd grader? Yes! Read books to your toddler and preschooler and kindergartener at every opportunity! And then let your 2nd, 3rd or 4th grader read the book to you!  

Children’s picture books are rich and potent resources for teaching and learning and appreciating language arts, storytelling and the visual and performing arts, no matter who you are nor how old or young you may be. And while you’re at it, go ahead and enjoy that warm fuzzy cozy feeling you get when you curl up and share a book with a child!

I’ve attached a list of seven suggested activities that can accompany your reading time with your little ones to help enhance the benefits and enjoyment of reading children’s literature. Click here to download activity sheet.