Picture Books are Not just for Babies

by Erika Kosin Rowan Public Library

            What constitutes a “Picture Book”?  A picture book is a medium that uses illustrations that help embellish or enhance a story or narrative. When most adults think of a picture book, they envision toddlers and preschoolers being read to.  While many of the books in the picture book section of the library are meant for smaller children, there are some within the stacks that are definitely not “baby books” and are written with the older child in mind. 

              Historically, many books that are now categorized as a chapter book, such as Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, are considered the beginnings of picture books.  These are stories were heavily illustrated when they were originally published.  Today, many children’s chapter books include illustrations to help enhance the story, but do not compare to the richness of text and imagery that can be found in the larger formatted, full color picture book.  Most picture books for older children contain rich vocabulary and the accompanying illustrations help provide a historical or cultural context.

            Some authors are well versed in picture books, but do not expect their stories to be shared with the young child.  Allen Say writes and illustrates children’s books rich in text and historical accounts that explore the world and culture of Japanese-Americans.  Grandfathers Journey, a former Caldecott winner, follows generations within his family as they move back and forth between Japan and the Americas, while Tea with Milk follows a young girl who returns with her family to Japan only to feel out of place with the Japanese culture.  Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine brings the historical story of the slave Henry Brown and how he mailed himself to freedom after seeing his family sold off.   This book is a small window into the effects of slavery and the strength and ingenuity some slaves evoked to bring themselves to freedom. 

            Other picture books for older readers are fun, but cautionary tales that may upset the younger child.  One such book is A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon which follows Camilla, a young girl who tries so hard to fit in that she begins to change color.  This book is geared towards elementary school kids who understand the concept of hiding things they like because they are afraid it will make them look un-cool.  For the younger child, the idea of changing colors and developing stripes may be upsetting.    Silent Movie by Avi tells the tale of an immigrant family through black and white images, invoking the feel of a silent movie, a feat that might not have been possible as a chapter book.    

            Over the years fairytales and folktales in their original text have been repackaged and published in Picture book form.  From Anansi the Spider’s trickster ways to the Grimm Fairytales, these cautionary tales are woven and explained in both text and illustration.  Rapunzel illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky includes rich imagery where each illustration is a textured oil painting, giving life to the characters and a unique setting to the popular tale.  These original texts are often seen as too scary for the younger child.

            If your child is a strong reader, do not discourage them from checking out a heavily illustrated picture book from the library.  Take a look at the book to make sure it is appropriate for your child and allow them to immerse themselves in the rich history, culture and vocabulary that can be found within the text and images of a picture book.