With the popularity of the Harry Potter books many parents are buying them for children too young to understand the story. It is important to select the right books for the age and maturity of the child. Buying books for children need not be a big problem.
Common sense is more important than buying the book with the most promotion.
A mother or father usually can tell what books are appropriate for their children by examining the book itself. Most children's books come with information concerning the appropriate age. It is important to keep the child's age in mind when purchasing books. Sure, a particular child might read way above their age level, but the secret of fostering good reading is for the child to understand and enjoy the book. We are so eager to get kids reading chapter books, we overlook the richness of the picture book which can be enjoyed by children even in the middle grades.