At a recent literature festival, I was on a panel discussion with celebrated speakers in the world of picture books. But there was one speaker more special than anyone else. A student. Not just any student – but a student who simply LOVES to read picture books. She was around 12-13 years old. She discussed why she loved picture books and how she dealt with the constant mocking by other children her age on why she read books that are actually meant for toddlers and the much younger lot.
Let’s talk a little bit about picture books. By definition, a picture book is a storybook where a small amount of text (ideally 200-500 words, but never more than 1000) is supported by illustrations or pictures. In younger kids, from 0-7 years, they not only help in building vocabulary, but also visual intelligence through the pictures, and the ability to interpret plots through pictures, and the ability to interpret plots through the pictures and text. Children develop a love for art and understand the visual medium a lot better with picture books. The pictures don’t merely decorate the book. They enhance the story and add more depth to it in some way or the other.
It is a general perception that as children grows older, the text in their books increases and pictures decrease until they are completely absent. Only a handful of children are seen picking up picture books for the very same reason. How can we read something that a five-year-old kid can read?
But that is a myth. Picture books are for everyone.
Like at a book signing of my picture book “Ari”, two boys aged between 9 and 12 bought the book because they could identify with the protagonist, Ari, and what he goes through. The student on the panel reads way too many picture books than any child her age I have met. She could not understand why children should be deprived of the wonderful artwork and the ability to imagine and interpret stories through pictures. She not only reads them but also shares them with her friends in the hope that older readers will start reading them and appreciating them. And yes, she doesn’t get affected by other children mocking her – she only gets more encouraged to pick up the next picture book!
While illustrated versions of “The Harry Potter” series have been very well received (and are totally yummy!) there are many picture books that older readers can start with.
The themes around all of author Oliver Jeffers’ books are universal and appeal to all ages, and their illustrations, delightful! The picture book of the popular title “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio is truly wonderful – I myself read it every other day. “Machher Jhol”, an award-winning picture book by the talented Richa Jha of Pickla Yolk Books is a visual treat and is a story even older readers would love! Author Judith Kerr’s son had nearly stopped reading when he turned nine, only because most of his books had little to no pictures. That’s when she wrote the book “Mister Cleghorn’s Seal”, which has illustrations on every page.
Even though you all are fluent readers and graphic novels are becoming more and more popular, do give picture books a shot. They are quick to read and a treat to your senses. Just because we have the ability to read books with tens of thousands of words should not take us away from the very books that we grew up reading.
So, the next time you go to your library or a bookstore, grab a picture book. You will be pleasantly surprised at the treasures you discover!
Vaishali Shroff is the author of the award-winning book, ‘The Adventures of Padma and a Blue Dinosaur’ among others.
Picture Credit : Google