Books have parts that help us use them — Language, 4–6
A book is more than pages with words or pictures. Its cover, title and other parts help you find it, hold it and know what it may contain.
The parts of a book
The front cover is the outside you see first. The title tells you the book's name, pictures give clues about its contents, and the pages hold the words or story. Some books also name the person who made the words or pictures.
Why books have these parts
Before opening a book, you may want to know whether it has a bear story, a counting game or facts about trains. A cover and title give you a quick way to choose, while pages keep the message in order. These parts grew from the need to find and share books without opening every one.
Choosing a book
You want a story about a cat. First, look at the covers on the shelf. Next, check the title: A Cat on the Moon is a useful clue. Then look at the picture and open the first page to check. The cover, title and page work together before you read the whole book.
The trap: the cover is not the whole book
You may judge the whole story from the cover picture, because it is the first big clue you see. But a picture of a dragon could lead to a funny story, a fact book or a gentle bedtime tale. The cover suggests; the pages tell you what really happens.
Using books in real life
At a library, you can use a title and picture to choose a book, then return it to the shelf with its cover facing the right way. At home, a recipe book helps you find the page for soup or cake. Knowing the parts makes books easier to borrow, open and share.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…