Reading consultant Manon Notermans happy with the National Reading Days: ‘Reading aloud is a party’

This year the National Reading Days are from January 24 to February 3. There is a national campaign that promotes reading aloud and picture books are being put in the spotlight in bookstores and libraries. In the library in Hoogeveen, every baby, toddler or preschooler who becomes a member during this period will receive a finger puppet as a gift. In this case the fox from the picture book ‘Help! A Surprise’ by Miriam Bos, which has been voted Picture Book of the Year.

A great initiative, the Reading Days, thinks Manon, who as a reading consultant advises and supports in the field of reading pleasure and books read aloud. “It is good that reading aloud is promoted. Regular reading increases the child’s vocabulary. Written language is much richer than spoken language. Reading aloud also has a positive effect on developing text comprehension. Moreover, it stimulates the imagination and offers children a glimpse into the living and experiencing world of others. Unfortunately, people are reading less and less at home. That is what I notice from conversations with children. Attention to reading aloud is therefore important, both during the Reading Days and afterwards.”

More inclusive and diverse

As a picture and children’s book expert, Manon sees many titles every year. A number of trends stand out. “Lately I have been seeing a lot of books that are about being allowed to be yourself if you are different or if you feel different from the rest. I also see more books that reflect society more realistically. For example, there are more people of color in it. There is increasing attention to inclusivity and diversity. What is also striking is that the books are becoming more playful. More emphasis is placed on design and more interaction is possible for the child. For example, you can shake the book or turn it upside down as part of the story.”

The range of books for the very young is enormous, also in the library. How do you make a good choice? “Choose a book that suits the child. What interests him or her or what he or she is currently working on a lot. Maybe a brother or sister is on the way, going to school for the first time or learning to ride a bike. He or she can empathize with such a story. The books in the library have an indication of the theme on the spine, which can help. And of course the employees are ready for advice.”

Invest in foreign-language books

Once you have chosen a book, it is important to make the reading a really special moment. “Interaction is important during reading. That starts with the title and the cover of the book. You could look at these together and come up with what the book is about. While reading, you can ask how he or she thinks the story will end. And when the book is finished, you can talk together about what you have read. But I actually think some of the reading tips are a bit nonsense. All that advice can discourage or make you feel unsure as a reader. Not necessary. The most important thing is that you just enjoy yourself together. Because reading is a party anyway.”

In the near future, the library in Hoogeveen wants to invest in the supply of reading books in another language. “That is really minimal now. We notice that there is a particular need for books in Arabic, Russian and Ukrainian. It is important that we also offer this, so that children can be read to in their own language. And that is not only nice, but also useful. Because when you master your own language well, it is much easier to master another language.”