We love books. It’s the one thing that we probably have more than we need, but we use constantly. Books are an easy gift, but choosing an appropriate book can get a bit tricky. Here’s what to look for in a quality, Montessori-friendly book from newborn to toddler to preschool and elementary.

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For Any Age

Beautiful Images

I like to keep a collection of various art medium illustrations (watercolor, pencil, collage, etc) in our books for each age. Books with a Caldecott honor or medal sticker were awarded the best images for that year, and are almost always a good choice.

Avoid Commercial Images

Children are particularly impressionable and books about commercial characters or products are directly marketing to your child. These books tend to be lesser quality in content and imagery too, so they are best avoided.

Diversity

Books are an excellent way to step into another’s shoes for a minute and experience something outside yourself. Look for books that reflect the stories of other children and families that are different from your own. Look for some that reflect your family’s stories and experience too! Be careful with older stories, some reflect outdated, stereotypical, or disrespectful ideas or images. Young children especially are absorbing EVERYTHING at a literal level, so be especially aware of what you show as an example of another’s story. I also check for skin color representation in our books.

Do YOU like it?

Especially in the early years, you may find yourself reading this book 100+times. If you know you hate it now, don’t keep it in your collection!

Infant (0- 6 months)

These books are ideally board books or indestructibles. This kind of thick or sturdy page allows your infant to explore with all senses, and begin to turn the pages. Any book can be read aloud to an infant, as just the sound of your voice talking to them can help build vocabulary and language skills! However, if you are reading a picture book together, look for books with limited text on each page, no more than a short sentence. These books should also be relatively short, around 10 pages. Stick to realistic images and themes for this age, there’s enough information to process without adding in fictional ideas! Some Montessori families avoid talking animals in their books, ask if you think this might be the case.

Older Infants (6-12 months)

If you’ve been reading with your child almost everyday since they were born, an older infant is probably able to handle a longer story now with just a bit more text. You can begin adding books with 2 short sentences per page (or less) and around 15 pages in length. Realistic images and themes are still very important! Your older infant will still enjoy books from the first 6 months of her life, as repetition is familiar and comforting. There’s no need to read the books that just list vocabulary words, like shapes, numbers, colors, etc. Use these adjectives in your everyday conversations, and your child will pick them up. I would also avoid alphabet books, unless all the letters match the Montessori letter sounds.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Most toddlers are now ready for 2-3 short sentences on a page (or less), and books that are around 20 pages. Toddlers really enjoy rhyming language, lift-the flaps, books about themselves, and things they know. You will certainly be reading the same books over and over at this age, so make sure you like what you choose and rotate! I like to look for books that include something familiar, but in a new context (like how some people of Muslim faith wear a hijab, which is similar to a hat or scarf). Keep books for this age lighthearted and beautiful. Be aware of the diversity of images and stories you are offering at this age.

Preschool (3-6 years)

This is the golden age of picture books. Many children this age enjoy longer stories with lots of pictures, or may even be able to listen to a chapter book together. Look for books that have around 3-6 sentences per page, less for younger ages, and more for older. You may find your child can enjoy a book with even more text per page. Books for this age group need to offer a diverse worldview, look for stories of people that your child might not be familiar with yet. This is also the age you can begin to introduce historical stories and non-fiction books for information. Simple is best here, save the detailed books for elementary age. Chapter books can also be read aloud to 5 and 6 year olds as they are interested. Look for young children’s fiction stories, and review the book before you read it if possible.

As children begin to read on their own, you can also offer books they can read. When possible, look for phonetic (beginning reading) text that is somewhat interesting and fun to read. Consult with your child’s teacher for specifics in choosing these books on his/her reading level.

Elementary (6-12 years)

Children this age still enjoy picture books, but don’t stop there! There are many wonderful chapter books to read aloud together, or as your child is ready, to read on her own. Any book can be read together, as children of this age can have a conversation with you about historical context, values, and choices the characters are making. I suggest looking for stories with various characters, settings, time periods, themes, and genres. Books are an easy way to inspire and learn about empathy, worldviews, and life experiences of others. Fiction and fantasy are perfect for this age group, and can inspire creativity in writing and play, as well as a new way to see the world. Non-fiction reference books are important to keep available for this age group. Look for a children’s encyclopedia, dictionary, and simple research books about real life things. Follow your child’s interests, and involve her in choosing books to read and keep in your home.