A Literal World of Hippo Possibilities
Carrying home from the library a tote full of books for children is a singularly powerful demonstration for small ones how this reading thing is really important. It also can be just another pile of unrelated books about random topics for bedtime wind-down. Given the vast range of book topics for small children that invite them out into the very complex and very busy world that they are just coming to know, it’s easy to choose books of all sorts. Let me suggest, however, that at least on a semi-regular basis, we bring home a pile of books with similar themes. For example, that could be five or six books about hippos, or that focus upon space, or that invite them into a particular kind of workplace, or that showcase a scientific endeavor or exploration or a recent or remote historical era, a new favorite author or series, or a particular art form…book topics are endless! Early on, you or a librarian will make book selections for wee ones, but then yo...