“I have always believed that literature begins in the cradle — the poems we say to the babies, the stories we tell them — prepare them to become part of the great human storytelling community. We humans are the only creatures in the known universe who make and remake our world with story.” – Jane Yolen from her Picture Book Month essay
Founder Dianne de Las Casas decided it was time to celebrate picture books in their printed format so she created an initiative to designate November as “Picture Book Month.” Katie Davis, Elizabeth O. Dulemba, Tara Lazar, and Wendy Martin came on board to champion the cause and spread the word.
A logo was designed by Joyce Wan. A website (www.picturebookmonth.com) was created to feature essays from “Picture Book Champions,” thought leaders in the children’s literature community.
Each day in November, a new essay will be posted from such notable contributors as Suzanne Bloom, Denise Fleming, Leslie Helakoski, Eric A. Kimmel, Tammi Sauer, Dan Yaccarino, and Jane Yolen.
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| Dianne de Las Casas |
Better World Books and organizations like Scholastic Book Fairs Philippines are lending their support. The website will also feature links to picture book resources, authors, illustrators, and kidlit book bloggers. In addition, parents, educators, and librarians can download the theme calendar to help them plan their picture book celebrations and access picture book activities.
Join the celebration! Visit www.picturebookmonth.com.
“Picture books are important because they are with us for life. They are the most important books we’ll ever read because they’re our first. No matter how many books we’ve read since, they will always have a place in our hearts.” – Dan Yaccarino from his Picture Book Month Essay.
Cynsational Notes
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| November also is Native Heritage Month. |
In My World: The Power of Picture Books by Dianne de Las Casas from Picture Book Month. Peek: “Picture books celebrate childhood. They speak universal truths and help children better understand the world around them.”
Why Picture Books are Important by Eric A. Kimmel from Picture Book Month. Peek: “Children learn to read from picture books and children learn what books are by reading picture books.”
Proclamation on the Picture Book by various creators. Peek: “We are tired of hearing the picture book is in trouble and tired of pretending it is not.” Source: A Fuse #8 Production.
Picture Book Idea Month by Tara Lazar from Writing for Kids. Peek: “Do you think you can meet the PiBoIdMo challenge and create 30 new picture book ideas in 30 days? Well then, sign-up for all the craziness!”
Thank you so much for shouting out Picture Book Month! We have an amazing roster of Picture Book Champions, including you! Kidlit enthusiasts can visit http://www.picturebookmonth.com and join the party. Read * Share * Celebrate!
Thanks for sharing the love Cynthia! I look forward to reading your post. 🙂 e
So excited about Picture Book Month! I wrote about it today too. Hopefully the New York Times will be writing about the resurgence of picture books soon! 🙂
My pleasure Dianne & Elizabeth! I'm so wowed by your effort and honored to do what what little I can to spread the word.
Amen to the resurgence, Julie!
Thanks for introducing me to Picture Book Month! I remember reading picture books to my sons when they were growing up, and my parents reading them to me when I was younger. I hope future generations still have those memories!
Hooray!
My pleasure, Barbara! Those memories are precious. Picture books bring together generations.
Hooray indeed, Tammi!