It is no secret that I adore picture books. One of my favourite times of the day is sharing picture books with children. As we read to them they construct meaning through words and illustrations, they start to visualise stories and begin to appreciate our language. It is interesting that during free time in the library many of the older boys delve into the good old picture book, for me a relief that they are still valued. Parents don’t usually see highly illustrated books as a good enough “challenge” for their developing readers, however, the idea that older readers could and should read and enjoy picture books is a well established educational tradition.

Picture books for mature readers –

• deals with realistic issues and concepts beyond the comprehension of younger readers
• uses illustrations to portray information not provided by the text
• uses challenging or complex artwork and varied design layouts
• integrates text and visual features
• develops non traditional structures (plot, characters and settings) to challenge the reader’s expectations
• is multilayered, with several levels of meaning or multiple narratives
• contains subtlety of meaning that may be lost with younger readers
• challenges the reader to go beyond the story
• challenges and engages the reader in new and different ways to construct meaning
• uses powerful, rich, creative text and literary devices such as metaphor or satire
• makes inter-textual references requiring readers to make connections to other books or knowledge to enhance understanding of the book

I have complied a list of wonderful books that you may like to share with older children, these books will create discussion, wonder and give you many hours of enjoyment.

Anthony Brown’s The Tunnel or Into the Forest

Satoshi Kitamura’s Angry Arthur

Michael Foreman’s Dinosaurs and All that Rubbish

David Mc Kee’s The Conquerors

David Almond’s My Dad’s a Birdman or The Boy Who Climbed Into the Moon

Shaun Tan’s The Arrival

Aleca Bradshaw – Learning Enhancement

References: Benedict, S., & Carlisle, L. Beyond words: picture books for older readers. Heinemann, 1992.

Anstey, M. (March 2002). Its not all black and white: post modern books and new literacies. Journal of adolescent & adult literacy, 45:6.