"I want to give a picture book as a gift to my loved ones."
"But how should I choose?"
"What kind of picture book is appropriate for your age?"
Many people who are considering picture books as gifts may have this problem. Children around the age of 1~2 years old are at a time when their language and imagination are greatly developed. Why don't you give your child in the "growth period of words" a wonderful picture book encounter that will remain in your heart?
In this article, we will introduce the points for choosing picture books for people around 1~2 years old, as well as recommended works by age. Please refer to it when thinking about baby gifts and birthday gifts.
Things to keep in mind when giving a picture book as a gift
Picture books are a special gift that will stay with your child's heart for a long time. If you're going to give it as a gift, why not add something to make it even more enjoyable? Here are some tips to make a heartwarming gift while being considerate of the recipient and valuing communication with your family.
1. Confirm the wishes of the family
If possible, check in advance what picture books you already have and your preferred style.
2. Include a message
Adding the reason for choosing the picture book and your wishes for your child will make it a more thoughtful gift.
3. Choose according to your growth
By choosing according to your age and developmental stage, it will be a gift that you can enjoy for a long time.
How to choose a picture book & recommended points for 1-year-olds
A 1-year-old child begins to say the names of familiar objects such as "wan-wan" and "boo-boo" and onomatopoeia. I am full of curiosity about the things around me. Here, we will introduce some points for choosing picture books that match safety and developmental stage, taking into account the characteristics of 1-year-olds.
Approximate developmental stage of a 1-year-old child
This period is a very important milestone in the development of words and minds. It is also a time when the way you interact with picture books changes, such as pointing your finger and saying "Ah!" while looking at a picture book, or turning the pages you like over and over again. The approximate developmental stage of such a 1-year-old child is as follows.
- Point to things or start speaking simple words
- React strongly to pictures, colors, and moving objects
- Prefer repetitive actions and words
- Exploration activities using hands become more active
However, this stage of development is only a guideline. Each child has a different order of development, speed, and interests. Let's find the perfect book while referring to the interests of the child who is giving the gift and the wishes of the family.
Tips for choosing a picture book for 1-year-olds
One-year-olds not only look at picture books, but also touch them, flip them over, and sometimes put them in their mouths. Therefore, it is important to choose a picture book that suits the developmental stage while putting safety first. When choosing a book, please refer to the following points.
1. Durable Build
They may throw books or put them in their mouths. Choose a safe and durable design, such as a cardboard picture book or a bookbinding with rounded corners.
2. Simple drawing and composition
A picture book with little information packed into one page and a simple background is ideal. Too many complex pictures and letters can make it difficult to focus on them.
3. Rhythmic language
Repetitive phrases and rhythmic wordplay help with language acquisition and bring out the fun of reading.
3 recommended picture books for 1-year-olds
Here are some picture books that are actually loved by many one-year-olds. We have selected three books that take advantage of their characteristics, such as works that expand a rich world in a simple way and picture books that allow you to enjoy communication between parents and children. Please refer to it according to your child's interests and rhythm of life.
"Gatangotongatangoton" (Anzai Mizumaru/Writing)
A classic picture book with fun rhythmic sounds of trains. With the repetition of onomatopoeia and simple pictures, it captures the baby's heart.
Po Chip
"No Mother" (Miyoko Matsutani / text, Yasuo Segawa / picture)
This is a picture book of baby's favorite "no no baba" play where you can enjoy interactive reading.
Po Chip
"Sticky" (Taro Miura/Writing)
It is a picture book full of love that depicts how animals stick together.
Po Chip
How to choose a picture book & recommended points for 2-year-olds
A 2-year-old child will be able to enjoy the world of picture books more deeply. The way you interact with picture books is expanding more and more, such as asking questions such as "What is this?", imitating characters, and sometimes creating your own stories. Here are some tips for choosing picture books that will support the growth of such a 2-year-old child.
Guidelines for the developmental stage of a 2-year-old child
This is the time when you can chat more and enjoy the world of imagination. While having them read a picture book, they can be excited about what will happen next, or play with their favorite phrases, and their expressions through picture books will become richer. The approximate developmental stage of such a 2-year-old child is as follows.
- Be able to have simple conversations
- Enjoy "imitation"
- Start understanding storytelling content
- Emotional expression becomes richer
This developmental stage is also a guideline. It would be nice if you could choose a picture book according to each child's interests and developmental speed.
Tips for choosing a picture book for 2-year-olds
It is also a time for 2-year-olds to enjoy new discoveries through picture books. Picture books with gimmicks and developments that stimulate your child's curiosity in addition to simple repetition of words will bring deeper learning and joy. Use the following points as a reference to choose one that suits your child's interests and development.
1. Story quality
Choose a picture book with simple story development as well as simple repetition.
2. Content that can be sympathized with
Events in daily life and content that is close to your child's emotions will attract more interest.
3. Elements that foster imagination
Picture books with unexpected twists and creative expressions encourage the development of imagination.
[For 2-year-olds] 3 recommended picture books
We will introduce picture books that are close to your child's desire to know and try. We have selected three books that support the growth of two-year-olds, including works that foster imagination while enjoying stories and picture books that encourage awareness in everyday life.
"Ookinabu" (Risako Uchida / retelling, Tadayoshi Sato / drawing)
It is a classic masterpiece that depicts the importance of working together in a rhythmic development.
Po Chip
"Daruma-san series" (Hiroshi Kagakui/work)
With humorous moving pictures and simple words, it is a popular series that can be enjoyed over and over again.
Po Chip
"Kingyo Ganigeta" (Gomi Taro / Writer)
A picture book that is fun to find and impresses with beautiful colors. You can enjoy a visual "finding" experience.
Po Chip
For choosing picture books that are close to your child's growth
For choosing picture books that are close to your child's growth
Picture books are not just reading.
It is like "nourishment for the mind" that nurtures the ability to memorize words, cultivates the ability to imagine, and deepens the bond between parents and children.
At the important time of 1 or 2 years old, being able to find a picture book that perfectly complements your child's "love" will surely be the best gift of all. Every time you turn the page, you will encounter a new world and develop your sensibilities - why don't you give such an experience?
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You can create a one-of-a-kind picture book in the world according to your child's name, family structure, personality, etc. On a special day, a more special book - this is a picture book that responds to such thoughts.
In this period when every moment of growth shines, I hope you will encounter a picture book that will make you truly happy.
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