“Read me a story!”
Snuggling up with your child to read a picture book at bedtime is one of the best habits you can develop in your family routine. I know because I’ve been there. Those are some of the most cherished moments of my life. In addition to creating cozy memories, you are helping your child learn how to read by developing literacy, vocabulary, and sentence structure skills.
You are also helping your child to develop visual thinking skills. Slow down and look at the art while you read the story. The illustrations create a sense of time and place. They introduce an unfamiliar culture through authentic colors and textures. They reinforce the words, emotions, and moods in the story. Illustrators do this through their use of art media and style.
The use of watercolors to illustrate a story may produce delicate and whimsical effects. Oil pastels may produce a painterly effect that presents bold colors and rich textures. An impressionistic style of illustration that captures the essence of form may create a reflective mood in the reader. And the imaginative details of a surrealistic style interjects elements of surprise and enchantment into the plot.
Picture books can inspire your child’s artistic creativity, all while teaching important values and lessons. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by! Come to the Orem Library to explore the largest picture book collection in the state of Utah. Inspire, enchant, and surprise your child through stories and art.
Written by Rita C. (Children’s Librarian)
