How to Read Picture Books with Children: A Parent's Guide to Meaningful Shared Reading

Many people assume that picture books are simply books for children to look at illustrations. However, research by educator Gwyn W. Senokossoff (2013) suggests otherwise. Picture books offer rich educational value, and much of that value depends on how adults read and interact with children during shared reading.

Rather than simply reading the words on the page, parents can turn every picture book into a meaningful conversation that encourages observation, curiosity, and critical thinking. So, what is the best way to read picture books with children?

Read the Pictures as Well as the Words

Picture books invite children to do much more than listen to a story.

Illustrations encourage them to observe details, interpret emotions, make predictions, and discover meaning beyond the written text.

Parents can guide this process by asking open-ended questions such as:

• "What do you notice in this picture?"

• "Why do you think this character looks sad?"

• "What do you think will happen next?"

These conversations help children develop visual literacy—the ability to understand and interpret visual information—which has become an increasingly important skill in today's image-rich digital world.

Read With Children, Not For Them

Shared reading is not a performance where adults simply read aloud while children listen quietly.

Instead, it is a collaborative experience. Parents can pause, ask questions, encourage children to share their ideas, and build the story together. In doing so, children become active participants rather than passive listeners.

This collaborative approach strengthens language development while also building confidence in expressing ideas and opinions.

Focus on Reading Strategies, Not Reading Difficulty

Because picture books usually contain relatively short texts, they provide an excellent opportunity for adults to model important reading strategies.

During shared reading, parents can demonstrate how to:

• Make predictions.

• Draw inferences.

• Connect the story to real-life experiences.

• Ask thoughtful questions.

These comprehension strategies remain valuable for readers of all ages, including older children, reluctant readers, and bilingual learners.

Reading development is not simply about tackling more difficult books—it is about learning how to think while reading.

Picture Books Explore Big Ideas

Picture books are often misunderstood as books only for very young children.

In reality, many picture books explore complex themes such as war, justice, identity, friendship, grief, empathy, and emotional wellbeing.

When adults encourage discussion around these topics, picture books become safe spaces where children can reflect, ask questions, and gradually develop their understanding of the world around them.

Their simplicity in format often allows surprisingly deep conversations to emerge.

The Adult Makes the Difference

Picture books do not define their audience by age.

Instead, the depth of the reading experience depends largely on how adults choose to engage with children.

By asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully, and encouraging conversation, parents transform picture books from simple stories into meaningful opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection.

At Chuột Đất Books, we believe every picture book is an invitation—not only to read together, but also to think together, imagine together, and grow together.

References

Senokossoff, G. W. (2013). Picture Books Are for Little Kids, Aren't They? Using Picture Books with Adolescent Readers to Enhance Literacy Instruction.