How To Find Good Children's Books: Seven Ways

I was quite flattered a few months ago when a regular reader of this blog contacted me to ask for early chapter book recommendations for her child for Christmas. After I sent her a list of books I found myself continually thinking of even more book titles I could have given her.

So today, instead of my regular book feature post, I will share with you some of the ways I go about locating children's books.

1. I read a lot of book blogs. A lot. Probably an unhealthy number. You probably are not quite as far along in the "I am obsessed with finding good books for my children" category as I am so I'll only list a few of the ones I find most useful. (You can find a few more in this blog's sidebar.) They are as follows:

• Fuse #8. This is the blog of New York Public Librarian, Elizabeth Bird. She writes fascinating reviews of children's books and one of my favorite features is that she posts about librarian previews. These are events hosted by publishers to let librarians take a peek at upcoming book titles.
• Chicken Spaghetti. My favorite aspect of this site is the author's devotion to cataloging every book list ever made. She also includes book lists from the UK and Canada. I need to join a book list junkie support group.
• The Cath in the Hat. This blog focuses on easy readers and early chapter books, a category often overlooked by book bloggers.
• 32 Pages. This blogger posts just a few times a month, but each post is a gem.

2. I mine book lists. As I said above, I am addicted to book lists. Guess what just came out? The American Library Association's Notable Children's Books of 2011. And yes, they have lists for years past, too, so prepare to spend some time on the site. But as I said above, check out Chicken Spaghetti for more lists.

3. I visit professional sites devoted to reviewing and discussing children's literature.  The Horn Book's website has a rich array of materials and articles about choosing books, using books at home and about the authors/illustrators. You can also check out Kirkus Reviews, or School Library Journal.

4. I visit independent bookstores. Independent bookstores have much, much better curated collections than chain stores like Barnes and Noble, which are often overpopulated with syndicated characters and books which play music.  I can't visit bookstores very often due to my intense desire to purchase books, but whenever I do, I always find some little-known (at least to me) gem.

5. I visit the library, of course! When I go to the library with the boys I am rarely able to spend quality time perusing the shelves. Most people take a look at  the "New Books" shelves, but don't forget the librarian display. I always snag books from the display! Attending story time will also introduce you to books librarians know will appeal to children. Those librarians know their books, people.

6. I pay attention to Amazon's "Customer's who bought this item also bought" feature. This can be hit or miss, but when you check out the book from the library instead of buying it you can't loose.

7. Occasionally I visit personal library sharing sites like Goodreads or Library Thing. These sites are not as useful for me after I've already gone through the previous 6 techniques, but they offer recommendations based on your likes and dislikes, plus you can view lists of what others are reading and read reviews.

And there you have it: seven methods of finding books to add to our ever growing list of to-read books. I've started pinning some of my to-read books on Pinterest. Follow this link to see a selection. How do you find good children's books?

I'm linking to What My Child Is Reading and Book Sharing Monday.