I’m trying to find a book for my child. What do these library terms mean?

  • Audiobooks on CD, Preloaded Audiobooks on MP3, and Digital Audiobooks: These are recordings of books being narrated aloud. These are good alternatives for reluctant readers. Available titles usually mirror titles found within the juvenile fiction, juvenile non-fiction and teen sections.
  • Board Books: For infants and toddlers. The content ranges from basic concepts to simple stories. Board books are made of hard cardboard, a durable choice for babies who are developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
  • Bookpacks: These are books paired with audiobooks. These are good alternatives for reluctant readers. 
  • Picture Books: These are typically 32 pages long with illustrations that are integral to the story. These are often meant to be read aloud while the listener pores over the pictures. This collection includes alphabet and counting books.
  • Readalongs: These are books with written text (and sometimes illustrations) paired with audio narration. Readalongs help readers match sounds to written words. Perfect for travelers, reluctant readers, and English learners.
  • Readers: These are books with limited vocabulary and purposely placed illustrations to help decode words. They are designed to be friendly for those learning to read on their own.
  • Graphic Novels: These are stories told in illustrated panels and texts, including comic books and are great for building visual literacy skills. Graphic novels are captivating and provide extra support through imagery to help kids understand the text. 
  • Juvenile First Chapter Books: For young readers ready to move from readers into chapter books. Characterized by having slightly larger print, more pictures and shorter chapters than books for older readers.
  • Juvenile Fiction: For 2nd graders to 5th/6th graders. This is a collection of novels for children, often called chapter books. Note: The main difference between juvenile fiction and teen fiction is subject matter, not reading difficulty.
  • Juvenile Non-Fiction & Biographies: For toddlers to teens. There is something for everyone in non-fiction! Be sure to flip through these books to gauge difficulty, and let your child pick out subjects that sound interesting. This collection includes fairy tales, folklore & poetry.
  • Juvenile Magazines: For babies through tweens. Magazines are a great way to get reluctant readers on board! Subjects range from nature to popular culture to sports and humor.
  • Tablets for Kids: These tablets are pre-Loaded with learning apps, games, videos, and more. (Sometimes referred to as Playaway Launchpads.)