It's not just for the kids

Children's picture books are not really just for children and they certainly aren't just for pre-readers or new readers. Truth be told many picture books are filled with beautiful though provoking stories; some that make you smile or laugh and others that make you cry. Picture books are also great exposure to art, for most people it is their first exposure to art.
A picture book read aloud at the breakfast or dinner table or as a night time story can encourage meaningful discussion with your children as well as an inspiration to their imagination.
Often times as adults or parents we push our kids to advance from picture books to chapter books too soon, like it's some kind of contest. While we do need to continue to advance in our reading skills often the traditional picture book may contain complex words, sentences and ideas. It is a total boost to a child's self-esteem to finish a book so I really encourage a mixture a chapter book or two along with a few picture books just to keep things fresh.
As an adult who works in a library I need to read some of these picture books to have a feel for what's out there, what kids like, what experts are recommending and what would make a good read aloud. I have come across some children's picture books that are so fabulous that I have to go out and purchase a copy to have on hand at home for young visitors. I have learned a great deal from reading picture books and I have also been mesmerized by beautiful illustrations, sometimes I just can't wait to share those beautiful pictures with someone else.
Here is a list of some new and some old picture books that should be read by young and old alike:
"The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown
"My People" by Langston Hughes
"Red Sings from Treetops: a Year in Colors" by Joyce Sidman & illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski ~ a personal favorite.
"Farm" by Elisha Cooper
"Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert Mccloskey
"The Paper bag Princess" by Robert Munsch
"Yertel the Turtle" by Dr. Seuss
"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss
"Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel" by Virgina Lee Burton
"Odd Velvet" by Mary E. Witcomb
"Blueberries for Sal" By Robert Mccloskey
"Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss
"Our Tree Named Steve" by Alan Zweibel
"Pink and Say" by Patricia Polacco
I could go on but half the fun of reading a good book is finding it first.