It is true that more the children read, the better they become at reading. There are many enjoyable things to read which give them the opportunity to have fun while reading. Kids find reading children’s books a pleasurable activity since such literatures give them a lot of entertaining tales and interesting information. These also help them in enhancing their language skills, vocabulary power and their ability to express themselves.

Children Books bring up new worlds and enrich lives of kids. These give children the opportunity to learn about people and places from different parts of the world. They can expand their accumulated knowledge of mankind by reading these books.

The novels that broaden children’s imagination encourage teens to experiment and test new ideas. In fact, these literatures enhance the critical thinking of kids and give them the liberty to think about various topics such as the concepts of cause & effect, problem solving, logical conclusions, etc. Now, the most important thing that comes to the mind is how to find the best books for the children. The following points can be helpful for finding such items.

* The easiest way is to go for the books you loved as a child. Thinking like a child, one can know the exact requirements of her or his kids.

* The idea of purchasing the favorite books of trusted friends and family members is also not bad. Your friends and colleagues can suggest some great ideas that might be helpful in searching the best children’s books.

* The award-winning literatures can be availed because such items are appreciated by a large number of readers.

* Going for the classic children’s literatures and the best reviewed books can also be helpful.

* Many online websites offer the list of best selling literatures for the kids. One can easily find his or her favourite books there.

In most of the cases, kids start reading the course books. However, there are many kinds of such literatures that come with an innovative way of writing. The pocket sized “board books” come in themed collections. Such items are based on a number of themes which excite the kids.

Another popular style of children’s literature is the simple picture book. These contain different pictures that give some messages. As kids are not very careful for their belongings, the physical construction of such books is designed to resist the rough handling of children.

Sincerely recommend a worthwhile book – Po Bronson’s NurtureShock. Most popular books in Top books

Choosing children’s books, or any book for our children is a challenge which should be met with care. Aside from their purely entertainment content, books can stimulate a lifelong interest in the child that wasn’t originally there, or even suggest a direction in life which the child could take later on.

It is my view that carefully chosen fiction or non fiction books have the potential to radically shape a young mind! Perhaps more so than any other form of media, because, for one thing, a book tends to have longevity. It sits on the shelf at home silently demanding to be picked up, until eventually it is.

Other forms of media are more fleeting, get lost more easily, or conveys its message too quickly as a so-called ‘blip’. But books tend to have a resilience and a staying power that, perhaps, other forms of media don’t have. This equally applies to children’s books, with an especial emphasis on reading books as opposed to picture books. More importantly, a book in the ‘hand’, enables the reader to control the assimilation of information at his or her own pace. They can also be deliberately placed in the way of a child by a discerning adult, whereas output from other media streams is based on an agenda which is not necessarily educational! So exactly what books should we place in our child’s path? And should we also allow them to make some of the choices?

The answer to the second question is almost obvious in retrospect. A child must practice his or her decision making faculty if it is to successfully run its own life later on. Decision making is an important life skill which must be practiced. And so somehow, we have to instill this ability into our offspring, and empower them to distinguish between right and wrong decisions.

Latest findings suggest that choosing a book is an excellent way for a child to practice this process and to appreciate the consequence of its actions. It is also an approach which is finding favour with teachers, who are the source of this information in the first place. There appear to be considerable benefits in allowing children to choose books for themselves.

It has been found that children who are allowed to do this, tend to spend more time reading both in the class and at home. It seems to provides them with the strong spur to keep on reading as they progress through school.

Unsurprisingly, a child that reads more, develops its reading ability and expands his or her vocabulary and reading fluency. But without a proper strategy for comparing and choosing children’s books, the art of decision making in this area could become lopsided.

Certainly, vocabulary at a certain level can be intimidating. But words like ‘perdiction’, ‘inalienable’, ‘tablature’ etc, are still relevant and in use, but have to be grown into by the reader. At some point they have to be put within the reader’s range, preferably at the earliest possible moment, because a college education isn’t always an option, and an individual may grow up developing a stigma towards more complex language.

I personally know of a woman who feels intimidated when she is in the presence of people who ‘talk nice’ or speak as if ‘they have swallowed the dictionary.’ And this is because she only progressed to a certain level of reading fluency, when possibly it could have been encouraged more by the system or by someone at home.

Recommend a worth reading book – Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol. More popular books in Top books

However, for the training of our children, it also emphasizes the quality of independence. Farmers and merchants can create their own vocations. Whether working directly in the service of Krishna or working to maintain their families, they do not need to beg from others, nor do they need much supervision. Such higher class persons, willingly obedient to the spiritual master, are self disciplined and self reliant.

When this kind of independence is understood, then we remove the problem of finding a vocational place for our children. They do not need to for beg work from anyone. For the self disciplined, independent person, is there not unlimited work and service? Make a list with your child of ways to spread the Krishna consciousness. Surely he or she will have the ability and the inclination to perform some of them.

Choose a service with your child so that they may begin to prepare for it, such as opening a prasadam restaurant or a health food store and sell prasadam and Krishna conscious books. Perhaps, open a shop for books and devotional paraphernalia, publish devotional books, sell Krishna conscious books retail or wholesale or farm organically with oxen and sell produce. Or perhaps, cook and sell baked goods to stores or teach courses that include a Krishna conscious perspective or even produce and sell Krishna conscious music.

More ideas include selling Krishna conscious art, writing educational computer software for Krishna conscious schools, or selling items or services useful to both devotees and nondevotees such as groceries, cars, office supplies, tools, computers, printing, layout, electrical work, and health care. Develop a Krishna conscious theater company of a professional standard or begin your own ISKCON center for spreading Krishna consciousness.

Here are some suggestions for fostering a higher class mentality in your children, a mentality in which they will find positive ways to function independently. Do not think in terms of getting your son or daughter a good job and tying them to mundane schooling for that purpose. Let your child know that striving for job security by waiting upon others is less important than becoming Krishna conscious and teaching Krishna consciousness.

Put emphasis on practical education from age eleven to age fourteen, let your children spend lots of time with adults who can train them in practical work. Most adolescents will benefit from friendships with their peers, but learning practical service from adults and making spiritual friendship with them may provide a deeper relationship that is more valuable for bringing out good character.

Give your child some social, economic, and familial responsibility, at least by age twelve. For example, a fifteen year old can regularly volunteer some time at the local temple for a Krishna conscious project such as Food for Life. Even a twelve year old can do valuable service or earn money that will mean something for a family or a project. Then as children mature, they can take on chores that demand more competence.

Give your children as much responsibility as they can handle, but for children under sixteen, be strict in giving strong direction in moral and spiritual decisions. Srila Prabhupada taught that children under sixteen should be dealt with so firmly that they would not consider disobeying. It is up to you to set guide lines on such matters as what they read, what they watch on television, how they treat intoxicants, and how they behave toward members of the opposite sex.

You do not tell a fourteen year old about marijuana, then tell them it is their choice. See adolescents as useful members of society and give them opportunities to feel useful. Train your children from as young as possible to use intelligence in Krishna’s service. Reward them for doing things voluntarily and encourage vision and plans, even if undeveloped and immature.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books. Please visit these sites for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and teaching children.

1. Science Fiction Movies

Some science fiction movies appeal to children even at a very young age. Think about the first Star Wars movie, for example. It’s still a generally good movie, and many 5 year olds I know are utterly nuts about it.

2. Comic Books

Whether or not you’re into them yourself, many comic books contain elements of science fiction, especially with many of the super heroes. The vivid illustrations and fast plot lines can be quite entertaining for children not prepared for more challenging stories… and of course the interest can continue for a lifetime.

3. Television

A variety of children’s shows also have elements of science fiction. What you can find will vary tremendously by age, and you may have to search constantly for shows you hope your kids will enjoy. But there are some great choices out there.

And as they get old enough you can show them your own favorite

4. Science Fiction Novels

Ahh, my personal favorite! Even though my kids are too young to read these by themselves, my husband and I are working on building their interest already.

First of all, they of course see us reading them all the time. That’s a great way to build interest in reading in general. If they see you read, children will read.

You can pick children’s books with elements of science fiction in them. Most kids love stories with rocket ships and aliens in them. You don’t have to worry about scientific accuracy much in the early years, of course.

We’ve also always allowed them to look at the books we own. I tried hard one time to get video of my daughter “reading” Riverworld. She was reciting Cinderella, actually, but I still thought it was cute that she picked a science fiction novel to pretend with.

As she learns to read, we’ve encouraged her to realize just how much she can read by picking up a science fiction novel and showing her that she already knows most of the words. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, for those who are wondering.

And of course, once they’re old enough, pick appropriate books. I remember starting in third grade with Heinlein’s The Star Beast.

Picking appropriate books can be challenging. Fortunately I still own pretty much ever science fiction novel I’ve ever read, so there’s a good selection of juveniles in there. But if you know whether your child likes lots of action, or dislikes violence, or is more into fantasy, you can pick out appropriate titles.

And, I must admit, there’s a certain delight in teaching my kids to enjoy the books my inlaws so disapprove of. They strongly approve of reading, but only of the right sort. Ignoring that is just fun.

Stephanie Foster runs http://www.sciencefictionado.com/ because she really enjoys reading science fiction. Read some of her science fiction book reviews at her site.

From a very young age, children are basically inquisitive by nature. They want to search and look and ask a thousand questions. Their questions are not always foolish, and yet we cannot always satisfy their curiosity. At these times, books are very helpful in feeding this curiosity and answering their millions of questions.

Remember, it is important that children learn about animals that live in the wild, as much as they know about Tommy the Labrador or Polly the Parrot. Domestic animals are ones that surround them and are a part of their everyday life. But there are also wild animals that kids need to know about. They need to know the lifestyle and habits of the tiger as well as the crocodile. God has created all things, and they all have their own unique role to play on earth. Children need not be filled with fear or any wrong notions, but should be given the facts which will assist them in making a right assumption concerning wild animals.

Books are one of the best methods of introducing animal life to children. They have a lot of colorful pictures, appealing to the senses of kids and they tempt them into wanting to see more and read more. Books have a way of opening up a whole new world to them; a world that they understand and learn to appreciate with time. Rather than acquiring a fear for the wild, it is better they learn to understand how animals live and are a part of their habitat, into which they are born.

Wildlife books have a lot of information on the lifestyle and eating habits of all animals living in the wild, be it elephants, hyenas, tigers or the crocodile. They cover each and every aspect in detail, like their daily schedules, how they hunt, what they eat and other things. This helps a child to imagine what the real thing is like, without really being physically present there. Some kids get so fascinated that they actually take such an interest in wildlife, that when they grow up, they choose the study nature as a career option.

Books play a big role in conditioning a child’s thoughts and opinions in a positive manner, towards wild animals. It would really be difficult to live our lives, and even more difficult explaining to a child, the positive aspects of the WILD, without a BOOK.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about books. When shopping for books, we recommend you shop only at the best bookstores for used wildlife books, autographed books, and vedic books.

Every child sees the world through books and his fantasy world is made up of the characters he reads about. This is very important for every parent to understand as they need to ensure that the child reads the right books so as to guide him in the right direction. Every child’s foundation in forming a strong base for the future, depends on the reading and interest developed in the younger years.

The television of late is a strong contender to books, attracting a child’s interest to the point of addiction. However, even such distractions cannot compare with the treasure that a book has to offer. It is in the hands of the parents to direct every child’s attention to the treasure that lies within the pages of good books. Once a child gets into the habit of reading then a whole new world opens up, where the knowledge is so vast that the small start he makes will result in a journey which will never end.

There is a vast collection of educative and interesting books that are available for children, of which many have been made into movies. The fairy tale characters that a child reads about are brought to life in these movies. However, this also tends to lessen a child’s interest in books, since he is getting to see it all without the effort of having to read or use his imagination. In addition, the fast paced action available in these flicks attracts a lot of attention from the vulnerable children.

In spite of the glamour offered by the electronic media, it can never replace the beauty and pleasure of listening to the tales handed down since the time of our forefathers, written by renowned children’s writers. Today’s writers are equally at par, working with magical characters like Harry Potter who has been brought to life on the silver screen. Children’s Encyclopedias are made so captivating that they can absorb every child’s attention and have them wanting more.

Most children’s books have a subtle moral which will remain with the child forever. This is the best gift that parents can give their children, as it is something every child will carry throughout his life and something that would stand by him when all else fails.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about books. When shopping for books, we recommend you shop only at the best bookstores for used books, autographed books, and vedic books.

Birbal was the grand vizier and most trusted adviser of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Birbal’s duties at court were mostly military and administrative. He was a close friend of the emperor and was well known for his wit and wisdom.

One night, Emperor Akbar dreamed that he had lost all his teeth, except one. The next morning he invited all the astrologers of his kingdom to interpret this dream.

After a long discussion, the astrologers told Akbar that all his relatives would die before him. Akbar was very upset by this interpretation and sent them all away without any reward.

Later that day, Birbal entered the court. Akbar told Birbal his dream and asked him to interpret it. After thinking for a while Birbal replied that the Emperor would live a longer and more fulfilled life than any of his relatives. Akbar was pleased with Birbal’s explanation and rewarded him handsomely.

Another time Emperor Akbar and Birbal were taking a walk in the palace gardens. It was a nice summer morning and there were many crows happily playing around the pond. Akbar decided to test Birbal’s wit.

He asked Birbal how many crows there were in his kingdom. After a moment’s thought, Birbal replied, “There are ninety-five thousand four hundred and sixty-three crows”.

Amazed by his quick response, Akbar asked, “What if there are more?” Without hesitating Birbal replied, “If there are more crows, then some are visiting from other neighboring kingdoms”. “And what if there are less crows?” Akbar asked. “Then some crows from our kingdom have gone on holiday to other places”.

Although he was well loved by Emperor Akbar and the common people because of his wit and attention to justice, the other courtiers at Akbar’s court were jealous of Birbal and they continuously plotted his downfall, without success. Even Birbal’s death in battle was said to be caused by treachery rather then defeat. Akbar mourned for several months on hearing the news.

There are many books, videos, and CD ROMS available that have a rich collection of Birbal stories and are useful not only to children, but also young adults living outside of India. Amar Chitra Katha helps to reacquaint them with their heritage.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books. You can find the best marketplace for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books at these sites for Krishna art, Birbal gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books.

Kids nowadays have many different media sources to absorb knowledge and entertainment, including books, television, computers, etc. Many kids like to play video games and also surf the internet, but books should not be forgotten altogether. Reading can actually be relaxing, unlike some computer games which might actually excite the kid. Kids should therefore be encouraged to read books as a relaxation activity.

You could start by showing them wordless colorful books when they are very young, followed by books with simple wordings linked to matching photos. Since some of these books are expensive, you could join a library and find the books there. That way the kid will always have a variety of books at hand. You can nowadays also get many books from internet sites such as Half.com, which is a subsidiary of Ebay, where books are available at a fraction of their retail price.

You can also leave books in the bathroom and in other rooms, so that the child can read anywhere he or she desires to and the child will be reminded to do so when he or she sees the books. You can also read to your child at night as they fall asleep. It might give them sweet dreams and you will make an impact on their life by reading at night. You can also show the child pictures while reading the story so that the kid can relate to the story and the characters in it.

Along with books, you should also encourage your child to color in special coloring books with crayons or color pencils. This develops their motor skills and their eye to hand co-ordination at an early age. It also gives them an exercise in creativity as they get to decide which colors to use and participate in completing a piece of artwork. As the kid grows up, you can also enroll him or her in a library and encourage him or her to access books of their choice to read. The child will slowly transition from children’s books to novels and hardbacks in due time.

As they grow older, subscribe to books such as “National Geographic”, which can be very useful for increasing their knowledge in history, geography and science. The kids will appreciate such books as they grow older only if you have inculcated this habit at a very young age.

Most of the child’s heroes are also derived from children’s books. These heroes teach them about right and wrong and also how taking a wrong step could affect their future. Children therefore see those characters as role models and try to emulate them in life. Also some books such as “Bob the Builder” teach children about the role of machines in our lives in a fun and informative way.

So, by providing good books to your children, you can ensure that they blossom into good, wise, intelligent, educated and informed human beings.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about books. When shopping for books, we recommend you shop only at the best bookstores for children’s used books, autographed children’s books, and vedic books.

That is the main component to active learning: learning by doing, playing and experiencing the subject rather that working solely with the concept. Children who employ themselves to discover books and read are a form of active learning.

Reading to Children

This is also true for reading out loud. It sparks the imagination and actively engages the mind by hearing the story unfold. When the material is read, it not only engages the child with a story, it also creates a special time for both child and parent as a bonding session.

Finding books based on your child’s age and reading level is important. The younger the child is, the more visual they are going to learn, but at any stage it is good for your child to see what you are reading to them. For instance, toddlers may be interested in more in concept books like how to use the toilet, or counting and A-B-C books where they can see the illustrations and words with you.

There are many resources for finding the types of books that fit your child’s needs or interests. Of course exploring your local library is a good way to find out what strikes their interest or by many programs offered by nonprofit groups and public schools.

Finding the Books that Best Interest Children

There are many resources online where parent, teachers and kids alike can visit to find good books as well as techniques to spark interest in books. Elementary schools often subscribe to programs that bring book resources to children more effectively. Scholastic books catalogs have been a mainstay in the elementary school classroom for decades, encouraging students to develop their reading and comprehension skills, and are just one more resource for students to find books in their interest level.

Book fairs are another way of getting books to those in the education industry as well. Usually there are fairs held to fund raise so that schools can afford to bring more books into their libraries and classrooms. Book fairs are often hosted or sponsored by a children’s book publisher, such as Scholastic Books, Doubleday, First Book, and others. Checking a publisher’s website can reveal more about book fairs in your region.

It’s fundamental for the parents to catalyze the interest though simply by demonstrating their own act of reading in front of their children done by example.

Over 85 years Scholastic Books (http://www.scholastic.com) has been in the business of getting children reading and learning. A staple resource in public schools across many nations, they’ve provided children, teachers and parents valuable resources through books and reading resource instruction.

Tintin and the Broken Ear is a classic from the adventure series and is believed to include a political subtext like many of Herge works. The middle part of the adventure is set in a fictitious South American dictatorship of San Theodoros in which the native generals are in a battle for power. The conflict between San Theodoros and Neuvo-Rico in the book is called the “Gran Chapo War” which mirrors the Gran Chaco War of 1932 to 1935 fought between Bolivia and Paraguay for control of the Gran Chaco region falsely believed to be rich in oil.

The story begins when a fetish (an object believed to have supernatural powers) that originally belongs to a tribe of South American Indians is stolen from a museum in the town where Tintin lives. The next day the statue is returned with a note saying it had been a bet. Tintin though ever the hero realises it is a fake because the replacement is complete when the original was missing an ear.

Tintin now obviously want to get to the bottom of the mystery so begins the journey to solve the crime. He finds that a wood carver has recently been killed and deduces that this man Balthazar probably carved the fake so goes in search of the mans parrot in a hope to getting a clue to the killer.

The lead sends him to South America along with two other men who also are following the trail Alfonso Perez and Ramon Bada. They are all trying to outdo each other. Ramon and Alfonso on the journey over by boat kill Roger Tortilla (not very imaginative) who was the man that originally stole the fetish. Tintin who had been in disguise arrest the men on docking in San Theodoros. In a twist the Colonel who greets them lets the men go and it is Tintin who is later arrested and is framed for terrorism and sentenced to death.

As Tintin is about to be killed by the firing squad he is saved by a rebel leader General Alcazar. Tintin who unusually has been drinking heavily swears his allegiance to Alcazar who is now in command of the country and makes Tintin a Colonel.

Tintin new position proves a help and a hindrance as Perez, Ramon and the disgraced General Tortilla try to kill him. It is at this point we are introduced to the “Gran Chapo War”. This war is pushed by two competing oil companies that both want the oil believed to be beneath the earth in the Gran Chapo region.

Tintin escapes another attempt on his life by General Trickler of Great American Oil (one of the competing companies). Tintin eventually finds himself among the people of Arumbaya. He tries to find out why so many people are after the fetish that in monetary value is worthless. Tintin gains information that leads him to believe that there is a valuable diamond belonging to the Arumbaya tribe hidden in the fetish.

Tinin leaves the tribe and comes across Perez and Ramon who have deserted the San Theodoros army. Tintin manage to capture them and learn from a note in Perez’s wallet that Tortilla had in fact placed the diamond in the fetish. How Tortilla is connected to Lopez is not revealed Perez and Ramon later escape from Tintin.
Tintin is at a loss and has no leads returns home only to find many replicas of the statues are for sale.

He learns that the factory producing them is owned by Balthazar’s brother who found the fetish among his brother’s effects. Balthazar’s brother has sold the fetish to an rich American Samuel Goldbarr, who has left for America. Tintin flies out on a plane to the ship only to discover that Ramon and Perez are already in possession of the fetish and therefore the diamond. There is a confrontation and the fetish breaks revealing the diamond. All three men try to save it but it falls into the ocean and is lost. Tintin is saved by the crew of the ship however Alonso Perez and Ramon Bada are lost at sea.

It is typical of a Tintin mystery as they are all easy to follow which was the intention of Herge when creating his masterpieces. There are 23 albums in all and there have been over 200 million books and albums sold worldwide. There is to be a Tintin movie released in 2009 which will bring these books back to the mainstream where they belong.

Tintin and the Broken Ear is going to be very popular search topic as the Tintin movie draws near. Holly Franklin has been a big Tintin fan for a number of years. She is very much looking forward to the new Tintin movie trilogy due for release in 2009.