Looking For a Great Back-to-school Gift? Think Personalized Books!

                           By Kent Johnson

Okay, so the little ones are on their way back to school. Instead of giving them a new video game, or another blouse or sweatshirt, why not give them a personalized children’s book instead? Personalized books are reasonably-priced, entertaining, and, best of all, educational.

These keepsake children’s books are hardbound, rugged, and they’re much more effective than normal books in engaging your child in the story. Studies have shown that kids recognize their name at a very early age, and seeing their name printed on the pages of an educational book, along with their hometown and the names of their friends, makes the story come alive. Instead of boring “homework,” reading and learning become a fun and fascinating adventure, and children who read at an early age, tend to have enhanced confidence and self-esteem.

Almost everyone can remember a favorite children’s book from their childhood. I can remember many hours spent on cold winter evenings, reading such classics as “Cat In The Hat” and “Winnie The Poo.” Books expand children’s imaginations, and provide a chance to learn important language skills that will last a lifetime.

When choosing a book for your child, consider personalized books with characters they recognize. At Books To Order, we have popular licensed titles with such recognizable names as Batman, Spider-man, Scooby-Doo, Sesame Street, and more. These are books your youngsters can get excited about, especially when they see their own name printed alongside the names of their storybook heros.

Another important element in a good children’s book is the illustrations. Kids–-especially pre-schoolers--become more interested in books when they see colorful and exciting images alongside the text. The pictures get them to open the book, then the words take over and draw them into the story.

So look for storybooks and personalized books that have lots of colorful images. We live in a visual society, and color is an important dimension that can stir up moods and make powerful statements in young minds. Kids of all ages like color (hence the popularity of coloring books). Bright colors are often used in books for pre-schoolers, while black and white is more often seen in titles intended for adults and older children.

And don’t forget the text. Books are intended to be read, after all, so look for text that’s lively and easy to follow, and a large font size, with only one or two paragraphs per page. Also look for a fast-paced story with a lot of verbs, a story that progresses quickly and will keep your younster’s attention.

There’s a large selection of quality children’s books on the market, and the sheer number of titles can make a selection seem like a daunting task. Just remember to keep your child in mind when choosing a book, and get their input when you can.

So consider a personalized children's book as a gift as your youngster heads back to school. Give the gift of reading, and lifelong learning. They’ll thank you for it now, and for many years to come.