Age

Baby and Toddler

It is important to begin reading with babies right from the start as it helps children of all ages develop. Selecting the right book for babies and toddlers helps keep their interest and maximise their development. Aim to read to your baby or toddler at least once a day.

Babies are attracted by brightly coloured pictures of simple objects. They like to listen and are attracted to simple text and rhythm. Books without words stimulate babies and develop their imagination. Babies also respond well to high-contrast images and rhyming text.

Toddlers need books as much as babies do. Rather than test your child, choose toddler books that introduce basic themes and invite conversation. Board Books are a good choice as they are as your baby will most likely will chew and throw them. Activity & Novelty Books are also fun and encourage toddlers to explore by touch or lift a flap. Numbers, Letters & Words introduce toddlers to counting and reading letters and simple words.
Ages 3 to 5

Children will show a longer attention span for stories from around the age of 3. They know a few letters and are able to recites phrases from stories. They may even correct if you read the story wrong if they are familiar with the book. This is the best time to start teaching your child to read.

One of the most enjoyable way of learning is based on phonics. Children are able to learn to spell and write at the same time. This is often a highly rewarding period for parents.

We have a number of interesting Nursery Rhymes & Phonics books with interesting patterns to choose from for 3 to 5 year old children. Once your child masters the sounds or ‘phonics’, you can then make learning magical by introducing them to simple numbers, letters & words. This is where they understand how each word is built up from these sounds.

Continue to Build Up Interest in Reading

Even if your child is learning to read on his/her own, parents should continue to read to him/her.

Our selections of picture books help to expand your child's view of the world and relate to people, places and objects from his or her everyday reality such as family, dolls, homes, cars, trucks, fire engines and animals.

Continue making learning fun and relevant to your children. Let them be in their Fantasyland of Disney with their favourite classic fairies, princess and knights. The best start for 3 to 5 year old children is to develop their imagination.
Ages 6 to 8

Children aged from 6 to 8, with an enhanced vocabulary, will be interested in story books with a more complex story and plot. Look for exciting books covering humour, adventure, monsters, fairies princess and knights or simply thrilling they had to keep reading to find out what happened next!

Kids in this age group have a wide range of reading levels, spanning from early readers to Enid Blyton readers. Some of our collections include a mix of reading levels. These can be read by newly independent readers or as a family read-aloud.

And remember, picture books aren’t just for 6 to 8 year olds, they are for everyone, from toddlers to adults.
Ages 9 to 12

As kids reach 9, they are experiencing many development changes in their life with uncertain perceptions and imaginations. It is important for parents to guide them to expand and refine their perceptual capacities. One way is to be involved in their reading life. With increased attention spans and logical thinking skills, children aged between 9 and 12 years are able to read more complicated books for extended periods of time. Start on simple novels or entertain them with kids' jokes and watch how your child develop their own sense of humour.

Since 9 to 12 year old children are placing a greater value on independence, they may also wish to chose books for themselves. Some children may prefer a tale of adventure, others may prefer educational non-fiction reads. You can still find the best picture books from our collections to fit their interests.
Ages 13 to 18

In their world of sometimes-dull textbooks and examinations, it is natural for teens to flock to young adult fiction story books such as friendship, romance, mystery, humour, lifestyle and horror which give them a pleasurable reading experience.

Genres of teenagers who are transforming into adults are working through personal problems and learning to take responsibilities in their lives. Our selections of young adult novels depict real situations that readers are experiencing so they have “therapeutic value”.

Another important note is that teenagers are most influenced by celebrities. Musicians, sports stars and actors they see on television are their most popular role models.

For all books for teens, one important parenting tip is to get your teens to talk about what they are reading. This helps develop their analytical skills while it gives you a glimpse into how they are thinking and feeling.