November 4, 2022 — Picture books are essential for young children learning how to read. But did you know they are beneficial for students of all ages? It allows children – even in middle and high school – to understand various situations and allow for different interpretations. Internationally acclaimed author and illustrator, Anthony Browne says, “Sharing picture books with children leads to amazing conversations. In the best picture books there is a gap between the pictures and the words, a gap that is filled by the child’s imagination.”
Each November, the Wannamaker Elementary School in Topeka encourages students to read as many picture books as possible. The school tracks the number of books per classroom and celebrates achievements. Individual students can win gift cards and food prizes. School librarian Alice Reinert says they have a school-wide goal of reading 4,000 picture books in one month. “We feature our staff’s favorite picture books in a wall display as well as having the actual books available for checkout.”
Reinart continues by saying that the program is popular. “The part I love the most about this challenge is the excitement that is generated by the whole school for picture books. Students of all ages check them out, even the older ones. It becomes “cool” to read picture books, no matter your age!”
In addition, the librarian hosts storytime lunch sessions with the older elementary school children. They can eat lunch while she is reading a great story. That sounds both wonderful and relaxing in the middle of a busy day.
Check out these links for additional information:
6 Reasons Why Adults Should Read Children’s Books — https://www.bookishsanta.com/blogs/booklings-world/why-adults-should-read-childrens-books
Picture Books are for Teens Too — https://yalsa.ala.org/blog/2018/11/25/picture-books-are-for-teens-too/