What to Look For When Buying Picture Books for Kids

book review

Mar 11

Written By

When my oldest son Nate was assigned to a project for work in Chile, the company moved the family for the five-month stay. The children were ages fifteen months and three years. Packing everything the family needed under the weight limit on the airline was challenging. My daughter-in-law Rachel packed four books for the kids. By the time I went to visit them two months later, Rachel asked that I bring some more books in the extra suitcase I was filling for the family.

Rachel declared if she had to read the same four books for another three months she was going to go insane.

I purchased a handful of books. Rachel also ordered several books and had them shipped to my home. When Rachel's choices arrived I was impressed with the beautiful illustrations in the pages. An art history major, Rachel had chosen books with not only a fun story line, but also interesting pictures with many details.

Once I arrived in Chile, I was tired of reading my selections after the first week. In a word, they were boring.

Obviously, the words in a book are important and as parents and grandparents we may gravitate toward the story line, but for children who cannot yet read, the illustrations are king. Illustrations are another way to tell the story, while keeping the story line appealing to the eyes of the child (and the adult who has read the story fifty times in two days!)

Why are Illustrations Important in Children's Books?

In an article, Why are Children's Books Illustrations Important for Young Readers, the Amelia Book Company gives several points, including:No one can deny that kids adore bright and colorful images. Even at a young age, they can appreciate art. And with today’s call for valuing arts and literature, illustrations are the means to boost their creative spirit, and admire the works of art and beauty....One book I would have been glad to pack in my suitcase to Chile is the children's book Good Night, My Darling Dear: Prayers and Blessings for You by renowned illustrator and writer, Amy Kavelaris. (Keep reading. There is a link for a giveaway soon!)

Amy Kavelaris brings a whimsical bedtime blessing that celebrates the wonder of childhood, dreams of who your little one will become, and marvels at all that God has in store. Kavelaris's signature flower-crown art and poetic writing invite you and your child to enjoy peaceful moments before bed with delightful animals.

The illustrations are fabulous!! Amy's prints are sold through a variety of top retailers, and she has been featured in major national women's and home décor magazines. (Target, Anthropologie, Bebe au Lait, Pampers, to name a few.)