Types of Children’s Books

Board Books

This type of book is designed for very young children. They are usually constructed of a very sturdy cardboard. They often introduce concepts such as colors and numbers. These books are arranged in no particular order.

Easy Books (also called Picture Books or Easy Picture Books)

Easy books are designed for children of all ages. This collection contains wonderful books to read aloud to young children or to be read independently after children learn to read. Pictures usually cover the majority of the page and work with the text to tell the story. These books are arranged by the author’s last name.

Call number example: E Bridwell for Clifford and the Big Storm by Norman Bridwell

Readers

These books are most useful for children who are learning to read (PreK-Second Grade). Readers vary from those that have two or three words per page to very early chapter books. They typically have a limited vocabulary and are printed in a larger font with more white space between the words. Some have a reading level designation printed on the cover or spine. These levels are determined by the publisher and do not conform to any single standardized system. These books are arranged by the author’s last name.

Call number example: Reader Capucil for Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Juvenile Fiction (also called Chapter Books)

These books have multiple chapters that are written on a second grade reading level and higher. Stories in this section range from transitional or early chapter books, for those who have mastered the Readers, to longer texts for more advanced readers. Juvenile Fiction titles rely on the text to tell the story with minimal illustrations. These books are arranged by the author’s last name.

Call number example: JUV Blume for Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Judy Blume

Series Books

At the Nashville Public Library, the series section contains fiction books that are typically part of a large series. This section does not include all series. Books in this section are arranged by the title of the series not the author’s last name.

Call number example: JUV Series Warner BoxcarC for The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Juvenile Nonfiction

Juvenile nonfiction books contain information of a factual nature. They are often used for the purpose of researching school projects, but many children read nonfiction solely for their own interest and enjoyment. Just as fictional children’s books span a wide range of ages/reading levels, so do nonfiction titles from read-alouds for toddlers through middle school. Nonfiction books are arranged by Dewey Decimal number.

Call number example: j636.71 C16s for Shaggy, Waggy Dogs (and Others) by Stephanie Calmenson