Thankful for Picture Books

Charlie Simpkins
Digital Consultant

Certain holidays can evoke different emotions for people. For me, Thanksgiving brings up a sense of nostalgia. I remember the excitement of being in elementary school and knowing that a week-long break was coming. One blissful week of sleeping late, visiting with family, eating special foods, and my favorite activity: reading whatever I wanted.

I did not know until recently that November is National Picture Book Month. I don’t know why November was chosen, but it makes sense for me because of the nostalgia factor. This got me thinking about not only how important picture books are, but also the variety of picture book styles available.

Picture books are often the first books we experience as children. From exploring the book (even with our mouths as infants) to reading bedtime stories, picture books have substantial lessons to offer children. Even being read to as an infant leaves a lasting impact. They learn the nuances of language sounds, they hear new vocabulary, and early on, they will start to connect the vocabulary to the pictures. They can also be introduced to new concepts, such as letters, numbers, animals, etc. They learn print awareness, such as how to hold the book and which way to turn the pages.

The variety of picture books can help meet children where they are. For example, cloth and board books are popular for babies and toddlers. Though not indestructible, the sturdy construction holds up well to rough use by little fingers and usually features bright, engaging colors with few words. One popular board book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, hits all the marks with its vibrant imagery and developmentally appropriate refrain.

Concept books are what parents, teachers, and librarians can use to introduce children to new themes, including the alphabet, colors, shapes, and counting. Concept books do not always feature a plot but focus on the core concept that is trying to be taught. I personally enjoy Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert. A well written concept book can also lend itself to reflection of the previously taught skill with their memorable, almost lyrical writing.

Easy Reader books, also known as Beginning Reader books, are another step toward independent reading. They usually feature larger print with limited vocabulary and simple sentence structures. While the vocabulary may be limited, Easy Readers do feature engaging, but not overly complicated plots. One of my favorite Early Reader book series is Tad Hills Step into Reading series featuring an inquisitive puppy named Rocket, including Rocket’s Very Fine Day. Such series help support reader independence and build confidence for the budding reader.

Some picture books include only pictures with no text for support. These are called Wordless books and are some of my favorites. The artwork can be simple or detailed, but the reader creates the story guided by the illustrations. One of my favorite Wordless books is Flotsam by David Wiesner. Books in this category can be great for strengthening comprehension skills, such as inference, and proving opportunities for open ended discussions.

Picture books also include non-fiction books that introduce a wide variety of topics in a simple way. They include math, social studies, biographies, and animals. The text may include advanced vocabulary. Two of my favorite non-fiction picture books are What Do You Do with a Tail like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page and P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever by Raj Halder and Chris Carpenter, illustrated by Maria Tina Beddia. These titles can make even the most complex concept seem more approachable and serve as a great foundation on which to build understanding.

While I may have advanced to reading technical works and full novels, I still enjoy kicking back with a good picture book. What should I read next? I would love to hear what picture books you recommend. Please leave a comment with your favorites below.

It's A Picture Book Thanksgiving!

It's November, one of our favorite months because, hello! It's Picture Book Month! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, today we're focusing on picture books that are all about family, for which we are ever thankful.

We're thankful for Moms:

The Kissing Hand

written by Audrey Penn

illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak

And we're thankful for Dads:

Owl Moon

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by John Schoenherr

We're thankful for Grandmas:

The Patchwork Quilt

written by Valerie Flournoy

illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

And we're thankful for Grandpas:

Grandfather's Journey

written and illustrated by Allen Say


We're thankful for Aunts:

Tia Isa Wants a Car 

written by Meg Medina

illustrated by Claudia Munoz

And we're thankful for Uncles:

 Uncle Jed's Barbershop

written by Margaree King Mitchell

illustrated by James E. Ransome

We're thankful for Sisters:

Outside Over There

written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

And we're thankful for Brothers:

The New Small Person

written and illustrated by Lauren Child
 

We're thankful for families and we're thankful for picture books. Happy Thanksgiving!

Picture Book Month

http://picturebookmonth.com/

Did you know that November is picture book month?  The Mississippi Library Commission has a great juvenile section with some excellent picture books.   Here are just a few to spark your interest.

Has your child introduced you to these newer picture books?

A Splash of Red: the Life and Art of Horace Pippin

By Jen Bryant and illustrations by Melissa Sweet

Horace Pippin loved to draw.  He loved the feel of the charcoal as it slide across the floor.  He loved looking at something in the room and making it come alive.  Follow this inspiring story of a self taught artist through his humble childhood, the obstacles he faced as an adult, and being recognized as an established artist.

 

 The Hello, Goodbye Window

By Norton Juster and illustrations by Chris Raschka

For one little girl the kitchen window at her Nanna and Poppy’s house is a magical gateway.  Everything important to her happens near, through, or beyond this window.  This story also expresses the love between grandparents and grandchildren.

Look in our Mississippi collection to find Mississippi authors and illustrators as well as books on Mississippi related topics.

 Richard Wright and the Library Card

By William Miller and illustrations by Gregory Christie

This is a fictionalized account of Richard Wright and his first library card.  Richard grew up listening to his mother read the newspaper and teaching him to read the funny section.  Now working his way to Chicago, Richard wants to read more than just newspapers.   

 

A Medal for Murphy

By Melissa W. Odom and illustrations by James Rice

Murphy the mutt was nobody’s dog.  He roamed the town searching for scraps of food, getting in the way and becoming the town pest.  So how does Murphy end up saving the day?

                                 

Don't forget the classics!  We have some of the books that you loved as a child. 

Peppe The Lamplighter

By Elisa Bartone and illustrations by Ted Lewin

 A long time ago when there was no electricity the street lights had to be lit by hand.  Peppe, a young boy living in Little Italy, has taken on the job as a lamplighter to help his family.  However, this is not the what Peppe’s father had dreamed for him--until, one night, lighting the street lamps became the most important job in the world.

Stellaluna

By Janell Cannon

Stellaluna, a fruit bat, is separated from her mother before she is old enough to fly.  She is saved by a family of birds, but now she must learn to be act and think like a bird.  Will Stellaluan ever find her bat family again?

Stop by MLC to share some of these fabulous books with your children! To learn more about picture book month visit http://picturebookmonth.com/.