Children prefer storybooks that teach them how and why the world works, study says

By Kristen Rogers, CNN

Updated 1415 GMT (2215 HKT) April 16, 2020

"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak: Sendak doesn't only describe the dreamlike journey the main character, Max, takes and the land of the Wild Things. He explains why Max is upset with his mother, why he leaves for the land of the Wild Things and what urges his ultimate return home.
Photos: Cause and effect picture books that teach toddlers how the world works
A child's journey – "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak: Sendak doesn't only describe the dreamlike journey the main character, Max, takes and the land of the Wild Things. He explains why Max is upset with his mother, why he leaves for the land of the Wild Things and what urges his ultimate return home.
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"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein: Silverstein leads children through the evolving stages of relationships through the bond of a boy and an apple tree, showing how friends can make each other feel with the things they say and do.
Photos: Cause and effect picture books that teach toddlers how the world works
The nature of friendship – "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein: Silverstein leads children through the evolving stages of relationships through the bond of a boy and an apple tree, showing how friends can make each other feel with the things they say and do.
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"If You Give a Moose a Muffin" by Laura Numeroff: If-then scenarios involving a moose comically explain cause and effect for young readers.
Photos: Cause and effect picture books that teach toddlers how the world works
Hypotheses and conclusions – "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" by Laura Numeroff: If-then scenarios involving a moose comically explain cause and effect for young readers.
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"Rube Goldberg's Simple Normal Humdrum School Day" by Jennifer George: Rube designs chain reactions to help him with tasks such as brushing his teeth and getting dressed. Diagrams of the machines make clear the order of operations and how each part affects the other.
Photos: Cause and effect picture books that teach toddlers how the world works
Chain reactions – "Rube Goldberg's Simple Normal Humdrum School Day" by Jennifer George: Rube designs chain reactions to help him with tasks such as brushing his teeth and getting dressed. Diagrams of the machines make clear the order of operations and how each part affects the other.
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