Sometimes children can be overwhelmed by the number of pages a book has. They see a “thick” book and think that there is no way they would be able to finish it. If an older child comes in that feels like they can’t get through a book with many pages I like to introduce them to books by Brian Selznick. Brian Selznick has written the books The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck, and The Marvels. The average number of pages in these books are over 600 pages. I like to show reluctant readers these titles to let them know that they can indeed finish a long book. Each of these books has limited text combined with a multitude of beautifully illustrated pages. Children will feel like they have accomplished a great feat when they finish any of these titles.
Brian Selznick’s Baby Monkey, Private Eye is the type of book that will encourage beginning readers to tackle a “thick” chapter book. Once again, text is very limited and there are amazing illustration that will pull a child into the story. There are five chapters in this book. Each chapter is a different case for Baby Monkey to solve; from missing jewelry to a missing clown nose. Children will realize that artwork in the waiting room of the monkey detective changes with each case. In the back of the book there is a key that explains the changes that occur in the waiting room. This book will not only entertain a child, it will also make them feel like they can read bigger books.
