“Dewey Numbers to know…”

It should be of no surprise that one of the fundamental learning concepts I stress most is reading aloud to children.  In past articles, I have recommended numerous fiction titles sure to make great read alouds.  However, the area I have neglected to feature is nonfiction.  For those who do not know the difference between fiction and nonfiction, the distinction is very simple.  Fiction texts contain a made-up story and nonfiction books are composed of facts and information.

Nonfiction texts are perfect for young readers who are fascinated with the world around them.  They allow children the opportunity to discover unfamiliar topics like the octopus, steamboats, and Cinco de Mayo.  Nonfiction books also let children expand their understanding on subjects that already interest them like race cars, trains, and dinosaurs.

To assist parents and their little explorers find suitable nonfiction books, I have created a series of visual aids entitled “Dewey Numbers to Know…”  These informative helpers are posted at the beginning of every nonfiction shelving unit.  Each contains nine subjects that have been popular with children through the years.  Every topic featured contains a colorful picture and the Dewey number that reflects that particular subject.  Children will learn where to find the books they are looking for and also with what Dewey number it is associated.

The visual aids are wonderful for parents who are in a hurry.  All they need to do is come into the Children’s room, look for a subject picture that would interest their child, note what the classification number is, go to that particular section, and be on their way.  It is fast and easy.  With 90 subjects featured, parents are guaranteed to find a nonfiction book their child will love!

To help parents get started on the road to providing quality nonfiction materials for their children, here a few subjects, titles, and “Dewey Numbers to Know…”  Volcanoes (551.2) have always fascinated children.  If it is not the shooting of red hot magma that captivates them, it is their sheer size.  A few volcano titles would be “Valcano & Earthquake” by Susanna Van Rose and “Volcano!  When a Mountain Explodes” by Linda Bar. 

Dinosaurs (567.9) always excite children.  Some dino-texts sure to intrigue little ones include “Dinosaurs” by Thomas Holtz and “Velociraptor” by Susan Gray.        

Every child, no matter what age, seems to be interested in bugs (595.7).  Some creepy-crawly titles sure to be of interest are “Bugs” by Monica Hughes and “My, Oh My-a Butterfly!” by Tish Rabe. 

Most all boys are fascinationed with cars (629.22) and trucks (629.224).  Titles guaranteed to rev up their engines include “Full Trottle: Jeep” by Tracy Maurer and “Trucks; Giants of the Highway” by Ken Robbins. 

With the increasing popularity of Thomas the Tank Engine, many young readers have become fixated on trains (625.2).  Texts sure to get their steam going are“Trains” by Stephanie Turnbull and “The John Bull” by David Weitzman. 

Dogs (636.7) have always been revered as being man’s best friend.  “Golden Retreivers” by Lynn Stone and “Dalmatians” by Jody Rake are just a few of the canine books that the Columbus Public Library has on display. 

Sports, whether it be football (796.332) or baseball (796.357), have sparked interest in young minds for decades.  Other sports that have seem to make their way onto the scene have been soccer (796.334) and NASCAR (796.72).  Here are just a few of the nonfiction titles sure to score a goal with children: “Soccer” by Hugh Hornby, “The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia” by Clive Gifford, “Dale Earn Heart Jr.” by Greg Roza, and “Race Day!” by Curt Cavin. 

Cowboys (978) and the exploration of the west are subjects to which young children flock.  Some gun-slinging titles guaranteed to get any child’s imagination going are “Gunfighters” by Thomas Thrasher and “True Tales of the Wild West” by Paul Walker.

The next time you are looking for a great book to bring home to your child, be sure to checkout the nonfiction section of the Columbus Public Library.  No matter what subject captivates your child, we are sure to have a book to feed that interest.  If you have any questions regarding the topics featured in this article or would like to know if we carry a book not mentioned, please give me a call at 564-7116 Opt. 4.