Picture books play a major role in a child’s development. They blend words with art, harmoniously working together to tell a story. In talking about why picture books are important author Charles Ghigna (Father Goose) said, “It is the joyous power of picture books that turns young listeners into readers and readers into writers.”

Picture books help to:

• Kick-start literacy
  Picture books help develop oral language and are the building blocks of literacy. Check out beloved reader favorites, such as Michael Dahl’s Sports Illustrated Kids Bedtime Books, Be A Star, Wonder Woman!, Too Many Carrots, or Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library.
• Promote visual literacy
  Decoding images is as important as reading text. All picture books are perfect for introducing elements of visual literacy! Extend this further with a wordless picture book, such as Here I Am, Flood, or My Hometown.
• Support cultural literacy
  Broaden the understanding of beliefs and cultures. We recommend the Caldecott-Honor Book A Different Pond, as well as nonfiction series Seeking Refuge, How Are We Alike and Different?, and Great Asian Americans.
• Support multiple learning styles
  Read-aloud picture books with activities can help spatial and kinesthetic learners. Try Hands-On Science Fun or Creative Movement to help stimulate learning.
• Encourage discussion and critical thinking for kids of all ages
  Read stories like Being You, Family is a Superpower, Karl’s New Beak, A Place for Pluto, and Understanding Differences.
• Offer different viewpoints and experiences
  Picture books can be read over and over again, each time engaging with the story in a new way. Through powerful storytelling, readers will never forget the true stories in Fiery Night, Bright Dreams, Mamie on the Mound, Unstoppable and Railway Jack.
• Create dialogue around sensitive topics (bullying, death, divorce)
  Help children navigate through tough situations with stories in My Footprints, No More Bullies, Life’s Challenges, and Character Matters.
• Strengthen social emotional learning
  Empathy, social skills, and independence can be taught using picture books. You’ll find great stories for students in DC Super Heroes Character Education, as well as Little Boost, which includes favorites Lucia Lacorte, Poor Sport, Harrison P. Spader, Personal Space Invader, and Miles McHale, Tattletale, among others.