Good books can lure reluctant readers

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

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BY Krys Stefansky

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

START THE NEW YEAR off with good books and the habit of reading for pleasure every day. If you have reluctant readers, put books around the house in places the children are likely to see them in the play or family room, on the coffee table near the TV, on nightstands, in the bathroom, on the edge of the stairs.

Talk to children about what they are reading, read a few pages yourself so you can ask a question or two or talk about the illustrator. Let your kids see you read for pleasure. Give books, or gift cards to bookstores, as gifts this year whenever you have the chance. Try a few recently released books for young people, and learn about who we are here in the world.

Happy New Year and happy reading!

THE NIGHTS OF THE WORLD by CORINNE ALBAUT-ARNO. Ages 2-6. Kane/ Miller Book Publishers. $18.95.

Beautiful artwork with pull tabs allows young readers to follow the activities of several children around the world as they sleep and play. A sweet and simple bedtime book that takes the very young to faraway countries.

MAMAS DAY by LINDA ASHMAN. Illustrations by JAN ORMEROD. Ages 2- 6. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. $15.95.

Soothing rhyming verse follows mothers and what they do for their children each and every day. From waking to dressing to playing with their children, mamas of various ethnicities show that a mothers love is the same no matter where you live or who you are. Illustrations full of babies are sure to delight the very young. Soft pencil and watercolor art.

NEW YORK IS ENGLISH, CHATTANOOGA IS CREEK by CHRIS RASCHKA. Ages 4-7. A Richard Jackson Book. $16.95.

Ever wonder where some U.S. cities got their names? Why Buffalo is Buffalo and Santa Fe is Santa Fe? Go down the guest list of an imaginary tea party and learn how our cities are named after American Indians, Africans, the French and more. Lively and poetic text and ink and watercolor art keep pages turning and reader interest high.

UNCLE PETERS AMAZING CHINESE WEDDING by LENORE LOOK. Illustrations by YUMI HEO. Ages 4-8. An Anne Schwartz Book. $16.95.

Jenny is not at all happy when her favorite uncle s wedding day arrives. Even while she watches all the traditional activities that surround the event, she is jealous of the bride. Jenny tries to distract the groom, she sabotages the brides first tea ceremony, she even misses her chance to dance with her Uncle Peter. But then the bride puts one special tradition into Jennys hands, saving the day and their relationship. A funny and wistful story about the changes a wedding can bring into a family as well as a fascinating look into Chinese wedding traditions. Bright illustrations in oil, pencil and collage follow Jennys misery and acceptance.

OUR COLONIAL YEAR by CHERYL HARNESS. Ages 4-8. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. $16.95.

Take a trip through the 13 Colonies of British North America to see how people worked and played as they began to think about their growing independence. This upbeat calendar celebrates the industry of colonists and marks the passage of the months and seasons. Bright, cheerful pen-and-ink and watercolor art. Includes map of the original Colonies.

THE HAVE A GOOD DAY CAFE by FRANCES PARK AND GINGER PARK. Illustrated by KATHERINE POTTER. Ages 5-9. Lee & Low Books Inc. $16.95.

Mikes Korean grandmother remembers fondly the native foods she used to cook at home in her country. As she and Mike go with Mikes parents to help run their food cart at the city park, they both notice that people are slow to buy the familys pizza and hot dogs. Together, Mike and his grandmother capitalize on what she knows how to do. An excellent story about the versatility and creativity of immigrants determined to succeed in their new home. Pastel art captures the love and determination of this family.