They say that a person’s consciousness and awareness of the world is formed during his early formation years, which thus underscores the need to expose children to materials that open him to a lot of views and paints a picture of what the bigger world looks like. And a book that breaks barriers of culture is one of these.

Why? It is not enough that our books teach our kids the basic things they need to learn. In school, they meet and deal with children from different races and nationalities. Exposure of our children to multicultural books and literature that attempt to break down barriers of race and culture are good instruments in teaching them about prejudice and discrimination. Varied cultures and stories are presented, opening not only the children’s consciousness of the outside world, but instilling in their minds a respect and appreciation of these cultures and traditions. In the same manner, it shows children the similarities in experiences of people from different cultures, strengthening their idea of acceptance and appreciation of other people’s experiences. It makes them think ‘global’, widens their concept of the world. The story of the Holocaust and Anne Frank’s Diary opened a lot of minds on the tragedy and the racial injustice committed against the Jews. Children who have read little Anne Frank’s diary have greater empathy towards the Jews and to children who may have gone through what Anne Frank did.

Multicultural children’s books range from folktale to historic novels to picture books and even multicultural poetry books. These books present a wide collection of stories about the Latin-Hispanic Americans, the Jews, the Asians, the Native Americans and the African-Americans.

When choosing children’s multicultural literature, pick those whose characters are portrayed as realistic to avoid any stereotypes of any race. A good illustration might also help as it sustains interest of the child. These illustrations should not also promote a stereotype of any racial group or culture. It should also be historically accurate and should revolve around themes that depict the true nature and culture of the group. These books should not also contain any negative expressions or should not build up one race as superior over another. A classic example is the misplaced notion that Native American Indians are good and all the white men are bad.

It is also encouraged to look for books that use actual language of the group. Not only does it provide a sense of realism, it also doubles as a language book for your kids. Of course, these books should have a good plot and character development.

Some of the more popular and recommended multicultural children’s books are:

In My Momma’s Kitchen by Jerdine Nolen. An African-American tale which shows the life of an African American family. The heroine portrayed by a little girl narrates the special events in their lives which happened in her momma’s kitchen.

Journey Home by Lawrence McKay Jr. This Vietnamese American story of a girl who was orphaned during the Vietnam War and was brought to the United States. The story recounts the girl’s search for her identity and her ‘home’.

The Heart of a Chief bu Joseph Bruchac. This Native American story is about a boy who lived with his grandfather, aunt and sister in an Indian reservation. In school, he learns to stand up for his rights, his people, his beliefs and become the leader he is.

Amelia’s Road by Linda Jacobs Altman. This is a story of a Mexican American family who are migrant farmer workers, moving from place to place. Amelia, the child, describes her need to belong and the sadness that she feels every time they transfer to another place.

These stories are created for listening and learning pleasure is available in MP3 formats. An MP3 player should be installed in your computer. Access the websites providing audio stories and follow the easy instructions given. Usually buttons are only a click away to proceed with the reading or downloading. Downloading audio stories has a time duration in a manner of minutes and seconds, depending on your Internet connection. The stories can be burned in personal CD’s for it to be carried conveniently anywhere.

The stories are arranged from the shortest to the longest stories. Some popular audio stories online include:

- The Tale of Peter Rabbit: Peter is a naughty and hard headed rabbit who was warned by his mother not to go to Mr. McGregor’s garden.

- The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies: Flopsy bunnies are the children of Benjamin Bunny and his cousin Flopsy caught by Mr. McGregor in his garden. But they got saved by their father.

- The Fantabulous Cumulo-Nimbuli Pump: An anti-rain gadget was given by Dr. Sam to his friend. His friend used it in acquiring money by granting the request of people who never wanted rain. In the end the gadget was turned to junk when it was accidentally soaked in the rain.

- The Tale of Benjamin Bunny: Benjamin helped Peter Bunny in rescuing his clothes from Mr. McGregor which he has turned into a scarecrow.

- The City Zoo: The animals help the old, kind zoo keeper to avoid closure of the zoo due to lack of money. The lazy animals were transformed to industrious animals and went to work in order to earn the amount needed to save the zoo.

- The Emperor’s New Clothes: Tells about the false weavers who created the emperor’s clothes with only words of description. It is about deception but enables the emperor to learn simplicity.

Other online stories are categorized according to the age levels of children. The age ranges from 1 to 3 years old and 4 to 7 years old. The parents should select the books according to the level of the children’s understanding.

Online stories can be searched on some websites acting as online libraries. Other stories could also be available from other websites. The stories are read by actors through a video program accompanied by activities emphasizing the ideas or lessons found in the story. Their vision is to bring the storytelling gift to children around the world.

The stories are produced with music, narration and sound effects with a duration ranging from five to thirty minutes. This is a unique way of offering car entertainment during trips, classroom learning techniques and bedtime stories to children. You can even download some stories for free.

Parents should carefully read policies of websites which are not offering free downloads. The procedures should be understood properly.

You and your children can listen to the stories with full concentration. The children can improve their communication skills through listening comprehension. They can formulate and understand a conclusion from what they have heard. Discuss the stories with them by asking questions wherein they could think and recall the stories in their mind. Develop their comprehension and attitude through the magic of listening with children stories found online.

We always tell our kids that reading different books can be good for them. However, have we really thought about it why it’s true? Precisely why older children are into reading different novels? What can kids get by reading books? Does reading really matter? This is a no-brainer.

Reading is very important to all of us especially to growing kids. There are solid reasons why reading books is very essential. We all know that kids are in the process of getting the much needed knowledge where in part, the parents are very vital for the acquisition of such understanding.

Really, reading in particular is a skill that must be developed in kids. It’s not only crucial for the kid to survive in schools and in universities, but also in an adult life. The ability to gather information about new topics all depends on the skill to read. So, kids that read more, gets the chance to learn better than other kids. The more they read, the more they will stick with it and widen they’re reading skills, which they will need in obtaining all the required information until adulthood.

Reading also must be viewed like a satisfying activity as kids are entertained by tales that are interesting and can be used as a source of factual information. Not only by books can your kids enhance the ability of reading, magazines, manuals, and also websites can help in exposing kids to fresh vocabularies. Even though they still don’t understand new words, there is a possibility that something can be absorbed from the thought that can deepen the understanding of each word or phrase encountered.

For the parent’s part, reading out loud to kids can result in hearing the correct pronunciation. Because by reading out loud some stories or statements, it exposes your kids to a new level of proper phrasing and grammar. By doing this, you can be able to help them in developing their language skills as well as expressing themselves verbally.

Furthermore, reading books can give your kids the ultimate fun and enjoyment. Reading books can provide your kids endless hours of learning. Stories that are abounding in imaginations free your kid’s mind to the exciting world of fantasy and reality. It also allows kids to dream as well as give them the opportunity to start viewing reading like a treasure. So, make your kids read everyday as possible.

To make reading books an interesting one, you can inspire your kids. Inspire them by giving access to lots of reading materials so that you can also discuss it with them. If you’re discussing about the story in the book and your kids want to hear the same old story all over again, let them be. But if they are into rereading the same story, it’s much better if you introduce your kids to some new available book stories.

Truly, teaching your kids to read books can open doors-that are sources to lots of factual information in any different subjects whether it’s theoretical or practical. Given the riches that books provide kids, reading can be their guide in reaching all the accumulated knowledge they want to, accessing to great minds and ideas from the past and present. So, reading books does really matter for your kids.

St. Patrick’s day stories for kids originated from Ireland, where the saint lived decades ago. These stories for kids may have risen from the accounts of miracles that the saints have performed during his lifetime.

One famous story is about him driving off snakes into the ocean using a staff. It is said that the snakes have banished from Ireland from that time on. Irish people will even tell you that there are no snakes to be found there up to this time.

Another reason why St. Patrick’s stories for kids are more about mystical tales is because Ireland is known for its spells and charms. These things have been used in Ireland for centuries. Enchanted formulas are used to drive evil spirits away. Some of them are said to be used against people. This is the reason why nobody dared make fun of the incantations for fear that unfortunate things will befall on them.

All these things are incorporated in St. Patrick’s stories for kids. Mystical things can perk up the imagination of every child. It is no wonder why St. Patrick’s stories for kids have made such an impact on those that they have been read to.

Some other things that St. Patrick’s stories for kids are know of are the following:

1. Leprechauns.

Leprechauns are the fairies in Irish stories. They appear like an old man that is only two feet tall. Leprechauns look like shoemakers, with an apron and a hat.

From St. Patrick’s stories for kids, it is said that these leprechauns are unfriendly and is always busy making shoes for the other fairies. Following the sound of the hammer will get a person straight into his territory.

It is believed that leprechauns have a pot of gold hidden somewhere. If you have the luck of catching them, you can ask him about where you will find the gold. But you need to watch out for tricks that he is capable of playing on you.

St. Patrick’s day story of the leprechaun may be the basis for the tae that there is a pot of gold at the foot of the rainbow. Why? Because this is believed to be where the leprechauns are hiding their gold.

2. Shamrock.

Shamrock is the symbol of Ireland. St. Patrick has chosen this plant with one stem holding three leaves to represent the Holy Trinity. Fro years after that, this plant has become an important part of the Irish belief.

The shamrock has become the symbol for St. Patrick and the Irish people. You will be able to find drawings of these plants in many St. Patrick’s day story books for kids. This is one way of showing the origins that the stories have come from. It also shows the importance that people are giving about their heritage and the stories that come with it.

St. Patrick’s day stories for kids is not only about the fantasy world. From the history of all these stories, it can be noted that there is more to them than what they are famous for.

There are still publishers that do extensive efforts to republish old edition of children’s books. There are times, in cases when the author is still alive, he can make a suggestion of reprinting his works for public consumption. However, these actuations are very rare. Nowadays, every year there are new books that are published, printed and distributed all over the world. These books can overpower the old ones that are already obsolete and are difficult to find.

Books are really a good companion. It does not talk, but imparts something that you have to learn. It does not move but it can take you to distant places. It cannot hear but it can answer your questions. Books as it is, has no life but full of interesting things to know from cover to cover. Every page is a living adventure, that when a reader starts to read it can captivate his heart and can do great things.

Rare and old books are considered as the best printed materials ever. The compositions of these books are very much strong since they have not yet felt the world wide scarcity on natural resources. The materials used to bind these books are very strong that it can stand extensive years in a shelf. Most of all, the memories it gives is incomparable than any book on sale.

Children also have their favorite books. There are times that they collect their books to brag to their friends and classmates. Sometimes, the parents would want them to collect books during childhood as part of their growing up and so that when they become parents too, they can share these books with their children.

Book collecting is not just a thing for adults; they can also be good for children. However, finding rare and collectible books is not an easy task. If you can find one, it may cost you big amount in purchasing it. Here are the following tips on how and where to find vintage collectible books for children:

* Authors and titles are very important details of a book. In finding a collectible book, be sure that you still remember the title and the author of the book. There are many cases that books have same titles but with different authors. This is why it is important to know the author of a certain book. Other details of the book like the publisher, the characters of the story or even the concept can also be used in tracing the author and the title of the book.

* Jot down all the information that you gathered from your memory. It will help you not to forget it again. Make sure that your list is concise and understandable.

* Visit every library that you can reach. When you travel outside the country, it is an opportunity for you to find international edition of a certain book that you are looking for. Ask the librarians for possible books that they know. If you do not remember the exact book title of the author, try to locate it by means of telling the librarian of the contents and other details of the book.

* Look for book sales and garage sales. Most of book sales have old collectible children’s books. You may find there what you are looking for. Garage sales on the other hand are very helpful since most of the items being sold in a garage sales are old items.

The most important thing in collecting books is the proper care of it. Old books need extra care. You are the ones entitled to do it if you want your children take a glimpse of it.

We saw our first dog from the book. We saw Humpy Dumpy and Mary and her little lamb from our nursery rhyme books. We read our first ABCs from our books. We read about Cinderella and Snow White and the three bad wolfs from our children’s books. Not only are they indispensable, but children’s books also tend to leave a lasting impression on the young minds of its readers because it is from these books that we learn our firsts.

It is therefore important for educators and parents alike that they choose well the literatures to which their kids will be exposed. A proper evaluation of your children’s literature, the books they read and the stories they know plays a major role in shaping the consciousness of these kids.

The primary consideration of course is that it’s supposed to be of high literary quality. They should teach and at the same time instill the necessary values and good morals in the child. They should instruct and at the same time motivate and inspire. Educators recommend using multicultural literature that broadens the perception of the child about the world and the people around him.

Books that talk about local and ethnic communities are good reads. There are books and stories about the Latin Americans, the Chinese culture, the African ethnic community, the ghetto community of the Afro-Americans. Such literatures with pluralistic themes are known to develop the child’s concept of the world and his understanding of the different cultures and races.

Look for literatures that a good semblance of the ‘reality’. Text and illustrations should be realistic. While the fairytales and the stories of the superheroes are good bedtime stories, it is recommended that children be exposed to a more realistic picture of the world and life. Events in history should not be distorted or omitted. Watch out also for stereotyped or biased presentations of events and people.

Characters should be realistic and should serve as role models. As much as possible they should be ordinary people with no extraordinary qualities or powers. Literatures featuring superheroes and characters with extraordinary powers tend to mislead the child into thinking that one has to have a ‘special power’ to be good or to be a hero. Children’s literature should also highlight the role of the women and the elders, as well as the importance of the family.

Look also for books which cater to special learning needs and interests of children. Parents and educators would do well to look for books which address multiple intelligences and develop a combination of skills.

While we say never judge a book by its cover, in evaluating your kid’s literature, it would be good to take a look at the cover and see how the author packaged his story. Afterall, it’s the cover of the book that your kid’s going to see first.

During the time of the holocaust, children were subjected to many injustices and cruelties. This is especially for the Jews. Children stories revolve from humiliation, hardship and tortures. These was how they were treated despite the fact that they are too young to know why all these is being done to them.

The children of the holocaust did not get to experience what is like being a child. They were not allowed to play with other kids, to enjoy the playground or the beach and other privileges that would have been important in their development.

If you ask those who have experienced what it was like, the only children story they would tell you is how they stay in hiding and hope that they will not be found out and risk being put into hard labor or worst, the gas chamber.

The only time that children during the holocaust get to enjoy some pleasures of life is when a good Samaritan took pity on them and give them some food or visit their hiding place. Although there were some who were lucky enough to blend in with Christian children, there was always the fear of being discovered and tortured or killed because of that.

The hard time did not stop children from dreaming what it was like to be free and be like other children. In their hiding places, children made the most of the resources that they have so that they can play games or read some children stories that they like.

If they are not able to find things that will serve this purpose, they make up stores and games so that they will not think about the situation that they are in. The made up games can make them forget that they are out there hiding or that Germans were looking for them. They also prevent them from thinking what could have happened to their parents, relative and friends.

This was the reality back then. And learning and telling today’s children about children stories during the holocaust will make them realize how lucky they are that they were not among those that have been through the experience.

The stories of children during the holocaust are part of a learning experience that children of today have the right to know about. It can teach the children that life is not always good. That not all children are fortunate to be born in happier days and enjoying all the benefits that come with it.

These stories also teach about the cruelty that other people are capable of. And about what power can do.

Children stories that kids have the advantage of reading about today represents the happy and fantasy side of the world. On the contrary, children stories about the holocaust will show them the other darker side.

Parents should not shield their children from learning about the bad side of life. This is what will make them stronger later on. These things, like the children stories during the holocaust will make them better individual in the future. This is what children stories and the holocaust stand for.

The Bible is not really appealing to a majority of the children. Parents are really to blame on this. Why? It is because they do not encourage them to read the bible. They fail to inform their children that the Bible is the most important book ever written in this world. Some mothers fail to be a great mother only in this aspect.

They have forgotten to tell their children about the stories in the Old Testament such as It Was Real Good, Everybody Needs a Friend, God’s Green Thumb, The Great Famine, The Silver Cup, The Hidden Sacks of Silver, etc. These stories should come first before any fairytale story and impressive myths like the Arabian Nights.

The Bible is one of our greatest treasures. And the stories in it have already become portion of the fiber of each individual’s thoughts and language. There was once a poet who is admired by many but had a great regret in his life. She was deprived of knowing Bible stories during her childhood. She never stopped to condemn this. She hated the thought that she had lost an important knowledge that the Roman or Greek literature can never give.

Do not let this happen to your children. Do not anticipate the time where they’ll start to hate themselves for not knowing what a child should know. As a parent, try your effort to encourage your children to have a likeness for reading the Bible. The stories in the Bible can nourish your children’s life and the stories about the life of Christ will surely appeal to the heart of your every child.

You might be thinking what stories to provide to your children. To make it simpler for you, here is a list of God’s treasure Bible stories suitable to all your children.

* Old Testament

1. Tales of little Samuel

2. David and Goliath

3. Fall of Jericho

4. The Triumph of Esther

5. Noah and Ark

6. Before the Beginning

7. The trouble with Lies

* New Testament

1. The Story of Christmas

2. Walking On Water

3. Jesus Feeds 5 Thousand

4. Zacchaeus Up a Tree

5. The Golden Rule

6. God’s Amazing Plan

7. Meditations for the Easter Season

* Other Wonderful Bible Stories

1. 20 Large Pepperoni Pizza to Go, Please

2. The Story of Daniel Begins

3. The Mysterious Dream

4. The King Finally Gets It

5. The Fiery Furnace

It is a duty to both parents to introduce Bible stories to their children. Though they may have a hectic schedule earning money and doing certain chores, they should never neglect reading the sublime and sweet Bible stories to their children. God has made both parents the teachers of their children.

The Bible stories of glory and wonder are for children and parents as well. It is important because it will not only lead their children to a beautiful and religious life but also it can promote great connection inside the family.

Children and poetry is said to be a “perfect combination”.

The language as well as the rhyming symmetry of poetry is ideal for children to read aloud. Children’s poetry depicts fun and sometimes magical themes, which is perfect to be read during their past time or before they go to sleep. In addition, the idea of the poem can sometimes be easily understood by the children. A short poem can teach your children to relate the connection of the words to the feeling easily than narrating a short story.

Introducing them to the world of poetry will not only enhance their listening comprehension; they can also relate what they are reading or listening to the feeling and idea that the poem wants them to understand.

At this point in time, you want to introduce your children to the kingdom of poetry. The first stop that you need to make is on the children’s bookstore or any book shops that offers children’s books. From there, you will find a wide array of children’s poetry. Poems are easy to read and understand, and you may want some of the best selections for your children’s favorites.

After you have chosen the poem selections, you are now ready to teach your children to memorize poems. It will develop their memory learning skills and your children will feel the sense of accomplishment once they have memorized at least a poem or two.

Benefits of Children’s Poetry

Sharing poetry to your children also enables them to develop their creativity and evaluation skills. With the rhyme, rhythm, and the idea of the poem, it helps your children to release some stress and dissatisfaction in life.

Furthermore, poetry provides an avenue for your children to escape the world reality until such time that they are already in the age when they can fully understand why bad things are happening in this world. News programs on the television flash children dying due to poverty, being imprisoned because of stealing or usage of illegal drugs, and maltreated by their parents. Exposing your children to poetry will yield a positive point of view towards their lives.

Children may first shy away from reading or listening to poems, most especially the boys who claims that such things are only for girls. However, let them understand that poems are for everyone-whether for boys or girls, children or adults alike. Once they appreciate the beauty of the rhyming verses and creative salvo of the poem, they will recognize how nice it is to read or to listen to a poem.

It is true that the young generation today is influenced by various medium which can either have good or bad effects towards their development as adults later on. As a parent, it is your responsibility to take care of your children and give them a bright future ahead.

Don’t you think it is high time for you to make them realize the power of children’s poetry?

Tickling children’s stories are surely the best way to end the day right.

Having the perfect children’s tickling storybook to read to your kids is only the start. For your kids to enjoy every minute of the story here are some things that you can combine with these stories.

1. Your voice.

Nothing can make the story perfect than by telling them in the appropriate voice that matches what it is all about.

In children’s tickling stories, you can make your voice sound funny enough to bring life to the story. Most of the time, how you go about telling the story will determine the impact it will have on your kids.

Even if there are not many funny parts yet, you will find your kids laughing already at the sound of your voice.

2. Your face.

Together with the voice, facial expression is also necessary in children’s tickling stories. This is vital if your kids are not yet able to understand what you are reading to them. It would give them a very good idea what the story is all about when they see the different expressions on your face.

You can wrinkle your eyes and nose, open your mouth wide or stick out your tongue whenever it is needed.

3. Play the different roles.

If the ticking children’s story consists of different characters, you can differentiate them by making use of different voices or intonations and various actions.

It would be easier for your child to know who among the characters are speaking or doing the movements. You can even let them do the actions by themselves if they feel like it. That way, kids will find the story more interesting and hilarious.

4. Use costumes.

If the children’s tickling story is about an elf, you can make use dress yourself the part of an elf by sporting a funny hat or shoes with bells. The costume you will wear will depend on the story and what you have available.

If you cannot find any dress to wear, improvise with the next possible thing you can find. The more similar the costume is, the better it will be for the tickling children’s story.

5. Make use of props.

Making use of props can make the tickling children’s story come alive. If the story calls for it, you can poke or tickle them using a stick or a staff. Just make sure that the same thing is happening in the story.

You will be able to emphasize the events that are happening in the story is you have something that you can show them.

6.Get them into the mood.

Having a background music or sound while you are telling the story would be perfect. It would really set your children into the mood of the story.

Other ways of doing it is by turning the light on or off.

Think what the children’s tickling story would be and would not be without these things. The effort would be worth it all once you see your children happy and contented once they lay down to sleep.