Colby Sharp - Here are 12 reasons why I think picture books are important.
In libraries, classrooms, family rooms, and at bedtime around the world, every day print picture books take children on incredible journeys of discovery and bring people together. Whether it’s a new or beloved story, children begin to associate words with meaning and are introduced to beautiful artwork that they can hold in their lap. Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book and its importance during the month of November. Jacksonville Public Library
There are so many reasons to love picture books. A child, no matter what age or reading level, can look at a picture book 1,000 times over, finding something new to discover with each reading. They’re perfect for bringing families together for some quality time. They can be short and funny or compellingly moving. The illustrations add a layer of depth to the reading experience that leaves a mark on our hearts and memories for years to come. Read Brightly
Today is 7th November so I have missed the first few days of Picture Book Month (mainly because I only discovered this celebration yesterday).
My personal criteria:
- A book with more or a bigger 'message'
- A book that you really want to read again and again
- A story with an emotional layer
- A book from my own book shelves - this means I love this book so much I need my own copy
- I will highlight books you may have missed (sadly some might be out of print)
- If I love an author I will only share one of their titles
- Many will be books I have read to students in my school library
- Some will appeal to younger children but many will also be appreciated by older readers too
- Books from all around the world - Australia, US, UK, Canada and books translated into English
Here are my first seven books. Just a random selection. One for each day of November so far:
November 1st
November 2nd
November 3rd
November 4th
November 5th
November 6th
November 7th
When reading a picture book: there is an aural component to consider in the text – how do the words SOUND to a child? What is their rhythm, what are their textures? How does the length of the text affect how long the (adult) reader stays on the page, while the child reader explores the illustration? How does it affect the pacing of the book? (Illustrations contribute equally to pacing – by varying layouts to include small spots, single page illustrations, and double-page spreads all of which are “read” at different paces.) How does the prompt to turn the page affect things like COMIC timing, suspense, surprise? The best picture books take all these things into consideration as the book develops. Arthur Levine
Every book is a surprise. What will the art be like? Will I like the story? Every page turn is an adventure. What happens next? What new joke awaits? You can have pages full of words followed by an entire spread devoted to one glorious image. You can read them to a full assembly of kids or sit quietly by yourself. Peter McCleery
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