Children's literature exposes kids to new vocabulary words, helping their own language skills develop. Books provide context for new words and give kids the background knowledge needed to recall the word later. Many children want to hear the same stories over and over, often committing them to memory or repeating lines from books in daily conversations. In this way, books broaden a child's knowledge base and help him make personal connections to new words.
A child can connect personally with story events, characters, problems and settings when they are written specifically for him. He can put himself into the shoes of characters and begin to imagine what he would do in certain situations. He might catch glimpses of his own life through books and begin to form a larger understanding of the world. Literature can also draw children in and teach them about unfamiliar places by piquing an interest that would otherwise be unknown.
Children's literature addresses various issues, conflicts and events that can prompt children to analyze, compare and contrast and participate in valuable discussions. A child who reads a story about a young boy who is afraid to go to school might begin to empathize with him as he remembers his own first-day jitters. Conversations about books teach children how to express an opinion, agree or disagree in a positive manner and realize that sometimes there is no right or wrong answer.
Reading is a lifelong skill introduced at a young age. Children's literature engages children from the beginning, giving them a positive outlook on books and reading. The earlier an appreciation for literature is ingrained, the more likely a child will be to enjoy reading for the rest of her life. Children can also learn much about authors, illustrators and the writing process through exposure to literature. They can make the important connection between reading and writing and begin to see themselves as both a reader and an author.