Picture Books?

I had the great fortune to attend a workshop this week, in which many, many new books were presented. The presenter, Dr. Peggy Sharp, talks of books published in 2010. She tells about books she likes the most and provides a long list of books she likes, organized in many different categories. She also recommends activities for quite a few books. Dr. Sharp is highly regarded and has taught grade school, been a school librarian, and a college professor.

I have attended many of these workshops through the years. They help me to keep our collections up-to-date. This time I was reminded of some things I have thought about picture books for years. When I started my job in the district, I was impressed by the picture books. They were better than they had been years before and were intended, more and more, for older children. Picture books are certainly not just for young children and early readers. It is important that today's parents and teachers realize this. Do not discourage children from reading picture books. They self-promote way too early as it is. Fortunately, in fourth or fifth grade, they tend to figure this out and discover the many wonderful picture books available to them.