Preschool English story books
relating to the time before a child is old enough to go to school.

Graphic Novels
a novel in comic-strip format.
synonyms: comic, comic book, cartoon; manga

Picture books
a book containing many illustrations, especially one for children.

High School Books
For high school students

Chapter Books
A story book intended for intermediate readers, generally age 7-10

Early Reader
The first books that children will be able to read independently.

Jolly Phonics
The very best texts available to help students learn to read and write.

Jolly Phonics website
• Jolly Phonics And The UK National Curriculum
• Parent/Teacher Guide. English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Ukrainian versions.
• Free Parent & Teacher Resources

Setting
International School students are very often interested in where the story is located. If it plays a key role in the story and is mentioned in the blurb then it has been tagged

The Sakura Medal Books Awards bring together students from international schools across Japan each year to vote for their favourite books.

Each year, librarians from various international schools meet and select 25-30 books in each of the Sakura Medal categories - Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Chapter Books, Middle School, High School, Japanese Picture Books, Japanese Chapter Books, Japanese Middle School, and Japanese High School. Books are chosen that are no more than two years old and that are from a variety of backgrounds and across a wide range of reading abilities.

Students who read five books (four for Middle School and three for High School books) in any category will be eligible to vote for their favourite. Votes will then be tallied across all participating schools and the winning author in each category will receive a Sakura Medal. While staff and parents are encouraged to participate, voting is only open to students. The deadline for voting will vary for each participating school, so please contact your library for details.

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms, which are celebrated in Japan each year as a sign of spring.

Teaching tips
• Ensure all students / your children can see the book
• Allow students to settle before you begin reading. Turn of nearby computers or TVs to avoid distractions
• Allow time for students to absorb the illustrations on each page before reading the text
• Different voices for each character are engaging for students and fun for you if you are reading the story multiple times - if you can keep track of voices of the characters
• Inform your audience of the author and illustrator so they may ask for the story again and foster an interest in writers and drawing
• Take your time
• There is no need to be shy. Children will delight in listening to you

How often should you read with your child?
• Everyday