By early first grade, add to the mix some books designed for beginning readers, including some with chapters. Keep in mind that during these years children most often enjoy books with people, places, and things that are like those they know. The books could be about where you live or about parts of your culture, like your religion, your holidays, or the way you dress. If your child is interested in special things, like dinosaurs or ballerinas, look for books about them. Also, from the toddler years through early first grade, look for books with poems and other rhymes.
Rhymes are a later step.
Rhymes, along with repeated words and phrases, teach your child about sounds and words. They also spark excitement about what comes next, which adds fun and adventure to reading. See our Reading Checklist. When you take your child to the library, check out a book for you. Then set a good example by reading yourself.