Since Sue did a post on logos, I decided to try to find information about picture books. I found lots of information.
Before we go too far, I did find the top 100 picture books of all time. Since, we try to find other examples to use as inspiration, I thought it was fit to share the link with you. As I read through the list, it made me want to visit an elementary school to catch up on some reading. :)
Second, I found a blog post that discussed how children are not encouraged to read picture books once they hit a certain age. As soon as a student can read a chapter book, it is frowned upon for him/her to read a picture book. I found this interesting because I have found truth in the author's claim. In school, students are not encouraged to read what they are interested in and enjoy reading. Instead, they are pushed to read up to their reading level. The author also continues by asking the question "Why can't adults read picture books?" I agree that it should be encouraged to read things that are not as "cognitively intense." By looking at pictures with minimal text but vibrant images it can provide our brain to function in a different way. We have mentioned in other classes that when we receive an article or book we skim through it to look for pictures. How great would it be to have picture books on some of the more adult topics??
I think that images can be very powerful resources that can be used with all learners of any age. As always, there should be a balance of anything. Children can not read picture books forever; but, why not allow children and adults to use their imagination more by adding thought-provoking images?
My question to you: How can we find a balance between picture books and "academic - text intensive" books? Do you think that all information could be portrayed with images? Is there a place for picture books for adults as well? Do you think that adults would utilize picture books if they were more accessible?
