There are many books on the subject of literacy but these are some of the top recommendations. The links below will take you straight to the library catalogue so you can borrow or reserve instantly.
Fox, M. (2012). Reading magic: How your child can learn to read before school – and other read-aloud miracles. Pan by Pan Macmillan Australia Pty Ltd.
By popular children’s author, Mem Fox, this book is a short but useful guide on helping children learn how to read. Mem Fox is a mother and literacy expert and she offers plenty of tips you can put into practice straight away.
This book goes deep into the cognitive and social benefits of reading aloud to children. The author has been a children’s book reviewer for many years so there are lots of good book recommendations.
Daley, M. (2019). Raising readers. University of Queensland Press.
This book, as its name suggests, is about nurturing a love of reading and is another favourite on childhood literacy. Written by Australian author, Megan Daley, an award-winning teacher librarian with more than 15 years experience, it provides helpful information for parents and includes book-themed activities and reading lists.
Tran, F. (2010). Teaching kids to read. Wilkins Farago Pty Ltd.
This book is written by a literacy expert who is passionate about giving children the gift of literacy. Tran advocates for use of phonics and includes a lot of helpful resources to get started down this path. At the publisher’s website you can also find useful downloads of printable phonogram cards and word lists.
Robinson, K. (2020). Phonics at home: Help your child with letters and sounds. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
This book provides a good introduction to phonics, what it is and how children are taught phonics, the key sounds and word lists. But the best thing about this book is that it is full of games and activities to play with children.
Greve, S. M. (2007). Phonics for dummies. Wiley Publishing.
This is a good reference if particularly interested in phonics. The ‘dummies’ books provide a good level of background and detail on a subject.
O’Carroll, P., & Berryman, F. (1997). Early literacy: The Fitzroy method. Fitzroy Programs.
Fitzroy Readers are a collection of early children’s readers. This how-to book is located downstairs in the Stanton’s children’s section along with the early reader books. Note, Fitzroy early readers are aligned to the Australian curriculum.