There are numerous reasons why one might hesitate to engage with picture books. Unlike traditional novels, such as “A Tale of Two Cities,” which can be checked off a reading list or discussed in book clubs, picture books often lack the same prestige or cultural significance as works like “Middlemarch” or “The Odyssey.” Consequently, they may not be the most popular choice for literary discussions.
However, I have recently rekindled my interest in these visual narratives, exploring the oversized sections of local thrift shops and admiring large-format collections of Hokusai prints at Waterstones.
When I refer to “picture books,” I encompass a wide range of materials filled with illustrations. This includes a children’s history of opera and a natural history guide that features extensive taxonomic descriptions of mosses.
Picture books serve as an excellent equalizer in reading; they allow individuals to dive in at any point without the need to slog through introductory sections to reach the more captivating content. For certain subjects, such as maps, art, and diagrams, these books are essential, but they also enhance the memorability of nearly any topic. A few years back, I interviewed a University Challenge champion who advocated for picture books as a means to gain a basic understanding of various subjects. It is rare for me to pick one up without feeling like I have broadened my understanding of the world.
What I particularly appreciate about picture books is that they incorporate many engaging elements commonly found in social media while avoiding its negative aspects. They are designed to catch the eye, featuring numerous “entry points” that invite exploration. Whether interested in a Parasaurolophus skull or the Bayeux tapestry, readers can easily find their focus. These books are typically authored by experts and are diligently fact-checked, free from the overt political biases that often permeate online discourse.
Moreover, they allow readers to either delve deeply into a single topic or skim through multiple subjects in a short span, pausing to explore a particular page that piques their interest—be it hormones, horses, Hinduism, or the Hundred Years’ War. Who wouldn’t want to expand their knowledge on these topics?
In the modern age, it might seem that reference books have become obsolete, as the internet offers answers galore, whether from Wikipedia or AI-generated content. However, while it is easy to get lost in the vastness of the internet, it often leads to superficial engagement rather than meaningful understanding.
The internet lacks the balance often found in printed materials; it tends to prioritize sensational stories over educational content, making it easy to get sidetracked by social media platforms without gaining any real knowledge about subjects like the Sistine Chapel.
In contrast, picture books provide a calming way to use one’s free time. They align with what author Naomi Alderman describes as “proper” reading—engaging material that leaves you feeling fulfilled rather than sullied. Sitting on a couch with a picture book, especially when one’s phone is out of reach, can lead to a renewed sense of awe about the world and our ability to discover and understand it.
These books are often affordable, and borrowing several from a local library is a breeze. (Carrying them in a backpack can also double as a workout!) Even if one might not need to differentiate between mountain fork-moss and ostrich-plume feather-moss, wouldn’t life be richer with that knowledge?
Joel Snape is a freelance writer.
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