Checking out "Big Books" from the Library

If you’ve ever been to an early literacy program at the library or in a school classroom (or if you cast your mind back to your own childhood!) you’ve probably seen examples of “big books” – oversized versions of (usually favorite) picture books. 

We use big books in group settings for obvious reasons: primarily, that the oversized illustrations and print make it easier for large groups of children to see the pictures and make connections between the printed words and the words that are spoken. But many of the libraries in Rock County, including Eager Free PL, have big books available for checkout, too.

Why take home a big book? The oversized nature of these books can make “normal” family reading time exciting, especially if it’s a big version of a favorite title. Here are some ways to use big books at home:

• Talk about the cover of the big book. Is this a book you’ve read before, maybe one that you even have at home? What’s on the cover, and based on that, what do you think the book is about
• Encourage children to practice turning the pages of the big book (have very young children help you turn the pages to protect them from tearing).
• Run your finger along under the words as you read them to help establish “left to right” as a print convention.

Find Big Books at Eager Free Public Library (links to RockCat, the library’s online catalog).

Find Big Books at Hedberg Public Library (links to RockCat, the library’s online catalog).