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Finding a book of interest

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If you want to know what your children are interested in for possible reading material, look no further than your own refrigerator. When left to their own devices, do they draw race cars or nature scenes or the family dog? Perhaps just colors swirling around on a white piece of paper? Looking beyond the licensed characters they watch on television and their handheld game system, art is one way to find out what they are interested in so you can pick out books for them.

If you don't see any obvious interest to nurture, don't be shy about introducing something new. Childhood is a great time to play at hobbies without the need to be dedicated or too serious. Often we don't want to spend a fortune to let them try something they may not like. These books make dabbling in a hobby easier.

“Music in Minutes: Recorder” is a fun book by John E. Thomas and comes with a recorder. It has easy instructions and familiar songs such as “Hot Cross Buns” and “She'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain.” Why not have a sing-along after supper with your child playing some easy songs?

“The Kids' Knitting Notebook” by Cindy Craig is a colorful book with pockets for yarn samples and places to write about knitting projects under way. It has instructions for creating items ranging from a simple bracelet to a nice skirt. You will still need to buy knitting needles and some yarn. You can put on a fashion show with items made from this book combined with fancy dress-up clothes raided from Mom and Dad's closet.

“How to Draw Cool Cars” is illustrated by Georgene Griffin and Jael and has step-by-step instructions on how to draw several cars, start to finish. You only need pencils, pens and paper. The artist pens and pencils they recommend in the book will make the pictures come out looking more professional, though they are not strictly necessary. Why not set up an art show complete with refreshments?

You may not think very young children and toddlers have interests as such, but if you pay close attention, you will discern definite preferences. This can make it easier to find books that will get lots of attention rather than being shoved to the bottom of the toy box or left under the couch.

Try going through “My First Word Book,” put out by DK Publishing. Each page has a different topic such as body parts, clothes, animals, vehicles or toys. Which page sparks the most language practice? If the child picks the same page over and over, then you have a hint as to what kind of books they might gravitate to.

You can make a book for your toddler with photos of favorite people or animals or plants in your yard. Just tape the photos on construction paper, cover them with contact paper, and tie the pages together with yarn.

When you can't figure out what your child may be interested in, try including them in the activities you enjoy. This is a win-win situation because you get to spend more time with your favorite people and your own hobby. Golf, anyone?

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