Reader’s Advisory For The Younger Crowd NOTE: To change the image on this slide, select the picture and delete it. Then click the Pictures icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. Suzanne Yoch, Washington County Library

The Patron Interview Who is your patron? Is it the parent, or is it the child?

Working with the parent and child, or just the child The child is your patron. Keep your focus on the child. Direct all your questions to the child. Do not let the parent answer for the child. Do not talk to the parent like the child isn’t there.

Positive outcome With your focus on the child you will best be able to meet their needs. With your focus on the child, the parents will see that their child is just as important to you, as they are to them.

If working with the parent alone: Ask: What is the age of the child? [Or] What grade is she/he in? Son or daughter? What special interests do they have? Will they be reading together? If it is just for the child; what is their reading level?

Please Note: The majority of parents think their child is above average, and is capable of reading at a higher level than their age.

Important points to tactfully point out.

Though their child may be able to read larger books, that are for older children or adults, the content may not be suitable for a child their age. Even if they can read ‘larger words’ they often don’t understand the meaning of the words. Reading comprehension is an important part of reading enjoyment.

Suggest classical literature The books are larger, which the parents like. They are part of our popular culture. Usually the storyline is tamer. It will often be required reading sometime during their academic years. It can expand a child’s vocabulary; if you take the time to have the child look up the words they don’t know.

Get to know your collection

Ask other youth service co-workers for a list of their favorite books in your collection. Compile a list of books on hot topics so you can easily go right to them. Once a year check to see if you still have copies of those titles. Unfortunately, over time, some of your favorites may go out of print and you will have to find new ones to take their place.

HOT topic ideas you can work from. ABC s Bedtime stories Colors Counting Dinosaurs Fairy Tales Picture find Princess Rhyming Silly/Nonsense Soothing stories Stories without words Surprise ending Trains Trucks Adoption Biting Getting a pet Manners New Baby Starting Kindergarten Using the potty Bullies Divorce Doctor visit Loss of loved one Loss of pet Military Moving Travel

Visit your inner child And set up a playdate with friends’ and co-workers’ inner children.

Remember those favorite books from your youth. Many are still popular today. Make a list and ask co-workers and friends to tell you their favorites to add to your list.

Stay Current Check the current year’s various lists for hot new books; pick a couple to read [or listen to on your drive time]. Create a list to share with co-workers. You will be able to use your past years lists in the future.

Make use of available tools and borrow from friends and neighbors.

Use databases such as Novelist and others Teach patrons how to use them. Novelist is especially useful with children and teens who don’t like their parents suggesting books to read. Use special lists from your favorite Internet sites and co-workers. Combining the information will make your reader’s advisory unique for your patron.

SHARE YOUR NEW Reader’s Advisory NOTE: To change the image on this slide, select the picture and delete it. Then click the Pictures icon in the placeholder to insert your own image.

Internet Favorites for Top book lists

Children Dealing with Grief and Death book lists https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/kids/the-best-picture-books-that-deal-with-divorce/ http://www.readbrightly.com/books-kids-whose-parents-divorcing-separating/ https://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/KC8JRF33CG21 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/kids/7-books-to-help-a-child-cope-with-the-loss-of-a-parent/ https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/05/top-10-childrens-books-on-death- bereavement-holly-webb https://www.pragmaticmom.com/2012/02/top-10-best-coping-with-loss-of-pets-childrens-picture-books-and- giveaway/