What Is a Picture Book?

A picture book is a book designed for children which uses pictures and illustrations to tell a story. In some cases, a picture book may convey the meaning of the story entirely through pictures, without any text at all. In other cases, text accompanies the pictures and is read along with them. In both instances, the book is designed to introduce young children to the idea of books and reading. As a general rule, each turn of the page reveals a new picture, or series of pictures.

Very young children are usually given board books, which are made with sturdy materials and bright, simple illustrations. Once children begin to grow out of board books, they are offered picture books as a transition before they begin simple chapter books. Most children start looking at these books at the age of two or three, and they may continue to enjoy them for several years. Initially, parents typically hold the books for their children, reading the text aloud and pointing out interesting features of the illustrations.

The artistic medium of a picture book can vary widely. Pastels, paints, colored pencils, pens, watercolors, and collage are all used to illustrate these books. The illustrator tries to make the book visually lush, with detailed, interesting pictures to capture the imagination. The idea is to get children to ponder each page, savoring the details of the pictures and thinking about them. The pictures draw children into the book, leading him or her to be intrigued by other books, including those with words.

When picture books have text, it is relatively straightforward. Many books use rhyming text, to teach children about word rhythms and patterns. If the text is intended to be read by the child, it is usually printed in a clear, large font so that the child can readily pick out words on the page. More complex text which will be read aloud to the child may be in a smaller font, fitting more of a story in words onto each page.

The picture book as a concept emerged in the late 1800s, when the idea of introducing children to reading through pictures first emerged. Numerous famous authors and illustrators such as Beatrix Potter wrote these books during this period. Most modern picture books are written and illustrated by different people, although authors and illustrators sometimes collaborate on projects together. Typically, a publisher receives the text of the book from the author, and then sets out to find an illustrator. In a book with no words, the publisher may commission an illustrator with a specific concept in mind.