Popular children’s books can be defined as best-selling children’s books, most read children’s books, or most recognized children’s books.
The most popular children’s books are picture books for children.
Children associate words with pictures learning to read faster with a greater vocabulary with a book that includes many pictures.
There are picture books with no words but it’s rare to find a picture book with no pictures. A wordless book can become popular with the initial introduction, but seldom remains popular.
Much emphasis has been put on educators, authors, publishers and professional reviewers about book popularity. However, the ultimate test of a book’s popularity resides not with the adult, but with the child.
Upon the completion of the reading of a book, if the child immediately says “read it again”, this is your first clue that your child thinks this book is popular.
Listed among the typical interests of children’s book authors, are books that teach, entertain, are interactive or are full of frivolous cultist Waugh Waugh, or needless chatter.
When a children’s book author combines learning and entertainment with a message of common sense and morality, without preaching, all of the basic foundations of creating a popular book have been addressed.
Like a schoolteacher, the author has their own standards and beliefs that are set aside with the interest of the child to grow scholastically, mentally as well as physically.
Looking back on 200 years of children’s books, we can bring to the top of the list less than 20 that are considered gender neutral, and appealing to children that would say immediately after reading, “Read it again!”
Another test of time for popularity is when the child matures as an adult can they say that there was one thing in the book that was read to them that helped them for the rest of their life.
Popular children’s books can be regional as well as internationally well received.
Some books become popular because of the investment of the publisher. The promotion far exceeds the value of the book to the child. Remember, it is the child who determines the popularity of the book.
If a picture book is illustrated with vivid colors, meaningful illustrations, can capture the imagination of the child, while it’s being read, peak their interest, and keep their attention, with a good story-line that also keeps the adult engaged, then you have a prospective popular children’s book.
There are several authors that have been able to accomplish these goals. One such author is Dr. Qooz. (pronounced as the plural of “Q”)
Using animals to represent children of every color, physique, and mental aptitude, Dr. Qooz shows the child where they fit in to society. Each animal/student has issues that are overcome and accepted by their classmates.
Starting in preschool the stories address common sense, honesty and loyalty.
With one out of five high school graduates unable to read sufficiently enough to hold down a meaningful job, Dr. Qooz pushes the envelope of every reader, to read, read, read!
According to 30 years of research by Jim Trelease, data shows that reading to a child 15 minutes a day will advance the child ahead of all their classmates for life.
