Welcome back to JSS’ Picture Book Month in this, the blog’s 14th year. It’s always been such a joyful experience to have November dedicated to the wonder of picture books and even though some places no longer have the special events, many of us do carry on the tradition.
I have a LOT of picture books to get through!! This year the volume of books I’ve received has been greater than ever – here’s just one week’s worth (minus 5 by courier) after getting my mail paused while we were in Vanuatu for a week – that’s pretty standard.
So, in trying to churn through novels, adult fiction and non-fiction and slotting PBs in between, it ends up with a lot of the picture books being saved for November. So once again, there will be multiple posts per day – and bonus reviews of novels etc interspersed. Hopefully you will find something you like the sound of!
Why Picture Books?
Here are some thoughts from my friends:
📖 Picture books are all the feels – funny, profound, arty, entertaining, informative, beautiful, unsettling, clever, sad … just like real life – Julie Murphy, Author
📖Picture books are truly for all ages – there is so much to marvel at! Sherryl Clark, Author
📖 Not only do Picture Books…….
*provide a great vehicle for introducing critical literacy,
*prompt discussion of sophisticated concepts and
*allow for investigation of sensitive or contentious issues,
but they are comfortable reads and lots of fun for young and young at heart.
There is no greater pleasure than sitting, snuggled up with a picture book and a grandchild
– Anne Graham, teacher-librarian.
📖What I love about picture books is the way they are concise, yet so full of meaning. I love how author, illustrator, (and editor) work together to create that meaning) – And I adore the way that partnership encourages me to reveal my inner ratbag with a bunch of kids! – Susan Stephenson aka the (retired) Book Chook [and my inspiration for starting this blog!]
📖The Rabbits by Shaun Tan should be in every household. Similarly Animalia, The Waterhole by Graeme Base. Where is thr Green Sheep for little people and Good Night, Sleep Tight.- Julie Long, OAM, CBCA-ACT stalwart (and former colleague!)
📖Lots of rhythm and heart and turn the page surprises – and the magical ability to enthral the reader (whatever their age) enough to call out: ‘Read it again!’ at the end. – Meredith Costain, Author.
📖I’ve always loved Bob Graham’s stories. Because he illustrates his own texts, they make a perfect whole. His characters are always so recognisable. I always also liked The Princess Who Hated It… Robin Klein, I think. And Joy Cowly did a marvellous one about pirates whose title I can’t recall. [The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate]- Sally Odgers, Author.
📖The red tree by Shaun Tan … it’s a complete perfect whole. Pocket Dogs by Stephen Michael King … pure kindness Lucy Goosey … great read aloud for pre-schooler audience. Lyndy Cracknell, teacher-librarian.
📖I own every Julia Donaldson book that must have been read hundreds of times in my classroom now my friends’ 3-year-old begs for them every day. Rhythm and good rhyming and easy to recall lines ! Diana Cornish, infants teacher.
📖So many wonderful picture books for both children and adults. Some of the most difficult for authors to write. Wonderful way of showcasing our amazingly talented illustrators. Favourites are many but Waterhole by Graeme Base and Azaria by Maree Coote are two of my favourites for children and adults respectively. Dajo Finlayson, Head of Library.
📖I must confess that sometimes I actually love the interpretation of the illustrators especially when sharing a PB with little readers. The way that they can also use their imagination and create their own storyMy little Great Niece loves story time before going to bed and always tries for ‘just one more’ before the little goodnight story is read and she knows that it’s lights out. 
– Chris Knight, SI Moreton North Inc SIMNI
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