Picture Books and READING

Dr. Suess and Maurice Sendak don't have to worry, but other writers of children's books really took notice of a recent New York Times article that may have been the beginning of the end for children's picture books. This article says that picture books are sitting on the shelves of book stores and then being sent back to the publisher because they are not selling! So, this may be a product of "the economy" (which I'm pretty tired of hearing about and don't understand) but really this is another result of our heavy emphasis on standardized testing and reading scores!

Another example of the tail wagging the dog (which actually sounds like a great title for a children's picture book). Anyway, parents have decided that the pressure is on for their kids and they need to push them a little harder and force them into chapter books in Kindergarten and First Grade. Don't get me wrong, there are great chapter books for young readers, but this trend discounts the great possibilities picture books offer for young readers.

The truth is, teachers and parents should be using picture books to teach reading strategies and to allow kids to practice reading strategies. As the father of a soon-to-be two-year-old, I can tell you that picture books will always have a place in our home. We are visual learners first, and helping kids make connections between ideas, words, and things is vitally important. Picture books can model story elements for kids AND help them with the process of reading, counting, problem solving, communicating and critical evaluation - all 21st Century Skills for success.

For Teachers and Parents check these out:


Books For Teaching Reading Strategies

Why Picture Books