Old Books are the Best Books for Kids
Used Books are a Parent's Best Resource for a Child's Library
Jun 11, 2009
Recent news stories indicate that interest in books and reading among children is at an all time low. Children are spending an average of four hours a day watching television; add to that time spent on the computer, playing video games, after school activities, sports and homework and scant time is available to read. In a world of high tech cheap thrills, instant gratification, hectic schedules and short attention spans – reading, which requires time, quiet and mental application, is neglected.
The spectacle of the release of the latest Harry Potter book, much touted as an opportunity to re-introduce kids to reading, seems more suited to impart the lesson that time and money are no object when it comes to trendy fashion, status and conformity. Much of what is offered in children’s books today is either blatant political propaganda or inane blather spouted by purple dinosaurs or vaguely anthropomorphic cartoon characters.
So what is a parent who wishes to instill in their child a value of books, reading and knowledge supposed to do in a culture awash in shallow and profane anti-intellectualism? Luckily, the general disregard for and devaluing of books provides an opportunity.
Build Your Child’s Library for Pennies
Old books, written and printed in a time not so very long ago, before the disintegration of the cultural fabric, are literally a dime a dozen. Everyday tons of unwanted books, culled from attics, garages and estates are dumped on the doorsteps of charities, thrift stores, libraries and used booksellers. Supply is high and demand low, so old books can almost always be had for less than a dollar, usually for less than fifty cents. For the forty bucks so many plopped down for the new Harry Potter book, a child can own an entire library of great books.
Some of the best choices for a home library are books that saw many years of service as reading textbooks in grade schools. The contrast with what is offered in schools today is startling. What was considered primary fare in the first half of the twentieth century would be challenging reading for many college students today. Children were held to a higher standard, and the distinction between adult and children’s literature was small.
Go Retro for Better Books and Better Reading
Older children’s books were intended to introduce a child to the classics of prose and poetry, as well as to enduring favorites like Aesop and Hans Christian Anderson. Most of these books are copiously illustrated with wonderful art deco and period illustrations, unlike the vague post modern renderings so common today.
An advantage of older books is that they were often made of better paper and bindings and can stand up better to abuse, and coupled with the low investment can be given without fear to even the youngest of children. An old set of encyclopedias should be a part of every kid's library. For those to young to read, the pictures of far away and exotic places and strange costumes will provide hours of quiet entertainment, and they’ll want to learn to read just to find out what those pictures are about. And again, a good set can be found virtually for free.
A love of reading is one of the most valuable gifts parents can give their child. For a small investment a child and the adult he will become can have a lifetime of enrichment and enjoyment and an incalculable advantage in a world that no longer reads, or no longer reads anything worthwhile.
 |
