That book is too big for you
Recently I was quite shocked when a mother at our public library (quite loudly) berated her son for choosing a book which she deemed had too many pages for him to read. She continually interrupted the boy while he tried to explain (and defend!) his choice of book and told him that he’d never finish it, that he can’t read that much. Finally after getting fed-up I guess, she stormed off, leaving the boy to take out his choice of books by himself.
I’d be happy if my daughter takes out a book that is too big for her! Even if it turns out to be too much for her and she does not finish reading it, I’d still not mind. She would have shown initiative in trying something that is a level above her current ability and above all, anyone who shows an interest in reading should be encouraged in any way possible.
Maybe if your child does not finish reading a “big book” in the 2 weeks you are allowed to have a library book, extend the time you have it for from the library and do a bit at a time. Or revisit that book in a month or two, giving your child a chance to “retry”, reading another section from where he/she last left of, or even better, why not read it with them?
Of course, there are books that would be difficult – I can’t imagine a 5 year old going through the revised works of Shakespeare, for example, but there must be a better way to encourage them to maybe step the enthusiasm down a bit if the reading is a couple of levels above their average without making them feel stupid and incompetent and without crushing their love of books?