Unleash 4 Powerful Picture Book Tools For Home Reading
“A book, being a physical object, engenders a certain respect that zipping electrons cannot. Because you cannot turn a book off, because you have to hold it in your hands, because a book sits there, waiting for you, whether you think you want it or not, because of all these things, a book is a friend. It’s not just the content, but the physical being of a book that is there for you always and unconditionally.”― Mo Willems
Today I want to look at four important tools for you that can effortlessly get picture books into both the hands and homes of children. These four components include; book version, book usage, book borrowing, and finally book repair.
Book Version – When it comes to the printed book, the two versions are the hardcover and the paperback. Generally, the paperback version is about one-third to one-fourth the price of a hardcover. Sometimes you can even get a paperback for one-half that of a hardcover. Book clubs are an excellent source for ordering because their large book orders offer attractive discounts. For very young children, it may be beneficial for you to invest in the lower price point of a paperback.
Book Usage – Caring for and protecting books insures a long shelf life. So it is very important for you to use sturdy cardboard, plastic, or cloth pages. Give the child a demonstration on just how to gently turn a page. Also show them how to use pop-ups so they will not tear them.
Book Borrowing – Invest in a backpack or use a heavy plastic bag with a zip lock closure for carrying books around. This will insure that the borrowed books will stay clean from the elements between home and school.
Book Repair – The cover of a book can be fragile. If a book’s cover becomes torn or worn, you should be able to purchase a plastic book cover at your local stationary store. Invisible tape might also be a good choice for its repair. Should the book’s cover start falling off, try using some duct tape to reinforce it. If crayon and/or pencil marks are present, try using a gum eraser to remove them. Sometimes a book can become sticky from children’s use. In this circumstance, take a dry sponge or cloth and spray it with disinfectant. Then gently wipe down the affected areas and let it air dry before you close its pages.
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~ Robert Scott Thayer