As a kid, I don't think I got to read enough picture books. Which is why I love the fact that I have kids. Not only can I read to my heart's content, I can also read aloud!
Come on, think about it, unless you are a writer or an illustrator, how many of you (without kids) would actually go check out children's picture books from the library?
When reading to my kids, I make it a point to read the name of the author and the illustrator. Sometimes, I even make them repeat it. Why? Because I want them to know that 'someone' lovingly wrote this beautiful story and 'someone else' lovingly drew it for them.
Kids respond best to visuals . 2 to 6 year olds most likely cannot read much on their own. So definitely the pictures speak to them first. And as we read aloud to them, they begin to connect the pictures with our words and the tone of our voice. And suddenly the story comes alive.
This is when I realize the importance of the illustrator. The reason a book is picked up and taken home. The reason why a quick silent reading and or a even a cute giggle is guaranteed before mom is urgently summoned to the reading rug.
Last night, my kids and I read 'More pies' by Robert Munsch (and illustrated by Martin Martchenko). We pounce on Munsch's books whenever we can, even though I haven't got my hands on the famed 'Love you forever' yet.
His stories are simple, heart warming and sometimes outright hilarious because how can a boy eat a large bowl of cereal, 2 milks shakes and 3 stacks of pancakes and still be hungry enough to win a pie eating contest.
But Martin Martchenko is the reason I picked the book. The details he adds, does it for me. You should see the expressions a fireman, a lumber jack and a construction worker, all have when they notice a small black kid eagerly competing with them for the Prize Pie.
May writers always find great illustrators, so we can have tons and tons of great picture books.
Come on, think about it, unless you are a writer or an illustrator, how many of you (without kids) would actually go check out children's picture books from the library?
When reading to my kids, I make it a point to read the name of the author and the illustrator. Sometimes, I even make them repeat it. Why? Because I want them to know that 'someone' lovingly wrote this beautiful story and 'someone else' lovingly drew it for them.
Kids respond best to visuals . 2 to 6 year olds most likely cannot read much on their own. So definitely the pictures speak to them first. And as we read aloud to them, they begin to connect the pictures with our words and the tone of our voice. And suddenly the story comes alive.
This is when I realize the importance of the illustrator. The reason a book is picked up and taken home. The reason why a quick silent reading and or a even a cute giggle is guaranteed before mom is urgently summoned to the reading rug.
Last night, my kids and I read 'More pies' by Robert Munsch (and illustrated by Martin Martchenko). We pounce on Munsch's books whenever we can, even though I haven't got my hands on the famed 'Love you forever' yet.
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But Martin Martchenko is the reason I picked the book. The details he adds, does it for me. You should see the expressions a fireman, a lumber jack and a construction worker, all have when they notice a small black kid eagerly competing with them for the Prize Pie.
May writers always find great illustrators, so we can have tons and tons of great picture books.
You know I couldn't agree more with you. Thanks to my nieces I have looked for pic books all across he globe. It's so much fun to read them, plus so easy on the eye, visually appealing and teaches much more than mere words can :)
ReplyDeleteThat's true. I love the kids finish one round of reading by themselves. They notice the smallest of things.
DeleteYour post made me remember "The greveyard book" by Neil Gaiman. Even though an adult, illustrated books still capture my fantasy and makes me get in sync with the flow of words
ReplyDeleteI need to check out that book.:)
DeleteI've not heard of this author but I love the name 'Munsch' and the cover is amazing! Wishing you and your children lots more fun with reading :)
ReplyDeleteGerman name? :) Thanks Nicola!
DeleteThis seems like such a FUN book! I love the cover, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, Thanks for coming by!
DeleteAll my happy childhood memories revolve around the summer vacations when we had Mom all to ourselves. She'd transport us to the make believe world of haughty kings and birds that could talk through the stories she read out to us.
ReplyDeleteI hope I managed to make my daughter's childhood as special as mine.
Hi Purba, thanks for coming by! :)
DeleteOften, illustrations keep a book alive in our memories for a long time.
ReplyDeleteVery true Shaivi!
DeleteI still read them (whenever possible)
ReplyDeleteLast month I borrowed one from my friend's daughter's collection - The Famous Five on the Island.