You should be reading picture books
even when there aren't any kids around
Hi friends,
One time a fourth-grade teacher told me that she hadn’t read The Hunger Games “because it’s a kid’s book.” In response I tried not to cringe openly. Instead I smiled and told her she should consider reading it anyway. It’s like I often say, if you don’t read children’s books you’re missing out on some of the best stories ever written.
I wonder what that teacher would have said about reading picture books just for the fun of it. I should have asked!
Sometimes grown-ups get weird ideas in their heads. They may think it's silly to jump on the swings at the playground, or that they're too mature to see the latest animated movie without a small child in tow. They may even come to believe that they are too old to be reading picture books!
But, as I often tell older elementary school kids during school visits, you are never too old to read picture books. In fact, adults should be reading picture books. And here’s why:
They are short, so you can read a lot of them in a short amount of time. Imagine bragging to your friends that you read 365 books this year!
A picture book could teach you something new. They are often full of little facts that surprise even the most educated and enlightened adults.
They are often funny. Hilarious, even! You never outgrow the benefits of a good clean laugh.
They could help you remember things that you learned in school, like how to use apostrophes or how to deal with a meanie on the playground.
Picture books may remind you of what it's like to be a kid. Which could be useful if you ever have to deal with a kid, like your own offspring or a preschooler who insists on talking to you at the grocery store.
They may inspire you to do something cool, like build a tree house, have a tea party, or go on a wilderness adventure.
Some picture books have yummy recipes on the end pages!
They might endear you to a child in your life. A niece or nephew, a student, even your own son or daughter.
They will remind you what it means to use your imagination and be creative.
Because the children who see you reading them may want to read them too!
The ART.
Are you ready to expand your literary palate to include picture books? Here are some recommendations to get you started.
Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler. An inspiring and stunningly illustrated story inspired by the author’s own grandmother.
Miracle Man by John Hendrix. A gorgeous retelling of the life of Jesus. I especially love how John Hendrix incorporates word art into the illustrations.
John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. A lovely story about J.R.R. Tolkien and his fondness for dragons. Great for any LOTR fan. And again, gorgeous illustrations (I have a particular fondness for Eliza Wheeler’s art).
Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen. I love Sidman’s Poetry (and Allen’s art), and this picture book collection is one of many that is worth reading and adding to your forever bookshelf.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith. It’s a hilarious fractured fairy tale. What more reason do you need?
A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. This story is told in verse, and it’s beautiful and heartfelt.
My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohman. I love this book for its spare text and bold block print illustrations. It’s also a Caldecott Medal winner.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. Another funny and clever book. While this one is great enjoyed alone, it’s even more fun when shared with kids.
Penguin Sets Sail by Jessica Linn Evans. Adventure. Friendship. Peril! I had to include a wordless book on this list, and this is one of my favorites.
I could keep going (and going), but I think this is a pretty good mix of excellent picture book reads. So, what are you waiting for? Find this at a library or bookstore today!
You might also enjoy my picture books, all of which rhyme and one of which includes a recipe at the end!
And if you want to sneak them in, try volunteering in the children's department of your library. They always need help and don't complain if you get distracted by the picture books.
Recent favorites of mine were The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay and Won Ton a Cat's Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw.
Such a great point, Rebecca - thanks for the reminder!