Defining Moments 2

Help your preschooler know the terms for different parts of a book. For example, explain that the covers of a book protect the pages inside. And there is a front cover as well as a back cover. Some covers are hard and some are soft. Let her feel the difference. Point out the spine of a book and tell her how it is like her spine, or backbone. It keeps the pages in line--the way her spine keeps her bones in line and helps her stand up straight. Show her that a book’s spine also has words on it. The author’s and illustrator’s name may be printed on the spine. When a book is standing on a shelf, the words on the spine can help a reader recognize and find it. All of this seemingly simple information can help your young child know her way around a book.