What is a Children’s Picture Book?

A children’s picture book is a book, in which the illustrations are as important as – or even more important than—the words which are telling the story. Traditionally, picture books for children are between 24 and 32 pages in length and they have a picture on every page, or one on every pair of pages. Some of Ebb & Flow Kids’s favourites include Hug by Jez Alborough and Goodnight Max the Brave by Ed Vere.
It’s recommended that you share picture books with your children when they are babies and continue as they get older. Learning to “read pictures” is an important literacy skill, and children’s picture books can play an important part in the process of developing visual literacy.

What are the Benefits of Picture Books for Children?

Children’s picture books are an important part of learning how to read. They are usually the very first step in speech and language development. Illustrations in a picture book will help a child to understand what they are reading. A great example is Walter’s Wonderful Web by Tim Hopgood. At an age when children are having difficulty with new words, a picture book can help them to analyse a story and follow a narrative. Picture books also encourage children to think creatively and artistically and can help them understand and develop a sense of humour, which in turn leads to them becoming great story tellers themselves. But most importantly, picture books allow young children easy access to reading, building a long-lasting love of books.

What’s the Purpose of Picture Books?

The purpose of picture books is to introduce children to the world of reading. Picture books are the first books that parents read to children, and that children choose to read themselves. This is because of the bright and colourful illustrations, large fonts, and easy to understand language. Picture books also help children figure out what happens next. All good stories have a beginning, middle and an end and picture books help kids learn to predict situations, a valuable life-skill. We recommend Neon Leon by Jane Clarke.
Another purpose of children’s picture books is to provide a special time for children and parents to spend time together. Looking at picture books with your children allows you to bond, and it also encourages them to communicate with you, both verbally and non-verbally. This is especially true if you ask children questions about the picture book as you go along. According to Scholastic, 62% of parents with children aged between three to five read to their children most days, with kids loving the time that they spend together.
In conclusion… read picture books with your little ones every day. Not only will it help them develop vital learning skills, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond over the magic of a good story.